C.A.R.E.S Team Coordinator

Job Description

JOB TITLE:                          C.A.R.E.S TEAM COORDINATOR

DEPARTMENT:                   PUBLIC HEALTH

EMPLOYMENT TYPE:       FULL-TIME/NON-EXEMPT

UNION/NON-UNION:        SUPERVISORY AND PROFESSIONAL UNION

The C.A.R.E.S (community, action, recovery, engagement, and support) Team Coordinator provides culturally responsive, peer-informed outreach, engagement and service navigation to Pittsfield residents who may be disconnected from services or experiencing barriers to care. Under the general supervision of the Community Health Program Manager and working in close collaboration with the Public Health Nurse Manager, this position supports the Pittsfield Health Department’s Peer Support Outreach Program through mobile, street-level, and community-based engagement. The role focuses on building trust, providing voluntary support, strengthening service connection, and advancing health, well-being, and community stability across Pittsfield.

Continued employment in this position is dependent on the availability of grant funding

We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to promoting a multicultural work force, excellence in public service, and on-going mutual respect in our working relationships. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, bilingualists, and people from other underrepresented groups to apply for our open positions - recognizing and respecting that diverse perspectives and experiences are valuable to our team and essential to our public service. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct peer-informed, mobile, street-level, and community-based outreach throughout the City of Pittsfield including in public spaces, community sites, and other settings where residents may be disconnected from services.
• Build trust and supportive relationships through consistent, respectful, voluntary and nonjudgmental engagement.
• Provide emotional support, peer informed encouragement active listening, and strength-based engagement to residents experiencing housing instability, substance use challenges, behavioral health concerns, social isolation or other barriers to care.
• Provide information, referrals, and service navigation related to housing, shelter food, hygiene resources, behavioral health, recovery support, primary care, benefits, transportation, and other community resources.
• Support residents in identifying personal goals, strengths, barriers, and next steps using a person-centered and recovery-oriented approach.
• Follow up on referrals and outreach contacts to help improve engagement and service connection.
• Assist residents with navigating systems and appointments and when appropriate and consistent with program policy, accompany individuals to meetings or service appointments.
• Promote awareness and use of key community resources, including The First, and other local providers and supports.
• Respond to outreach requests and referrals from community partners and municipal departments, residents, businesses and other sources for non-emergency support and service connection.
• Use trauma-informed communication, de-escalation and conflict-resolution skills to support difficult situations and reduce barriers to engagement.
• Coordinate with community partners and municipal departments, and service providers to support referrals, follow up, and continuity of care.
• Document outreach activity, referrals, follow up, and other required information in the department’s designated data system in a timely, accurate, and organized manner.
• Participate in stakeholder meetings, supervision, training, case review and program evaluation activities.
• Assist with outreach materials, public education, and community engagement efforts that reduce stigma and increase awareness of supports and services.
• Observe and communicate public health and community-condition concerns encountered in the field to support coordinated follow-up.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality and ethical standards in all interactions.
• Remains current on all referral sources, including but not limited to housing, substance abuse services, behavioral health, nutrition services, peer programs, Mass Health/Healthy Start, advocacy services, and transportation.
• Performs other public health and human services assignments as assigned or required. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or GED required
• Two to three years of experience in community outreach, peer or recovery support, behavioral health, homeless services, harm reduction, crisis support, human services, public health, or service navigation.
• Equivalent combinations of work experience, volunteer experience, and relevant lived or living experience will be considered.
• Lived, or living experiences relevant to recovery, behavioral health, homelessness, or navigating complex service systems is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with vulnerable, underserved, or historically marginalized populations preferred.
• Certified community health workers, recovery coach academy training, peer support certification or related credential preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to complete required peer support, outreach, and/or community health worker training, and/or related training as assigned.
• Knowledge of local resources related to housing substance use services, behavioral health, food access, benefits, transportation and other community supports preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a small team environment, including coordinating daily outreach activities with co-workers and communicating regularly with supervisory staff to support consistent high quality service delivery.
• Proficient computer skills, including use of various software programs unique to the public health department as well as Microsoft office 365, Canva and virtual meeting programs.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills in order to work effectively with diverse populations; Effective presentation skills
• Ability to deal effectively with the public, staff, outside agencies and organizations, elected officials, media etc.

WORKING CONDITIONS(The characteristics described here are representative of those that the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations are considered to ensure individuals with disabilities can perform essential functions.)

Work is performed in a combination of office, community and field-based settings. The position requires regular mobile and community-based outreach, including walking, standing, traveling in vehicles, engaging with residents in outdoor settings, and public spaces during all seasons and varying weather conditions. The positions may involve exposure to stressful situations and requires the use of sound judgment, safety awareness, and trauma-informed practices, some schedule flexibility including occasional evening or weekend work, may be required based on program needs. Please note: Continued employment in this position is dependent on the availability of grant funding

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS(The physical demands listed here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations are considered to ensure individuals with disabilities can perform essential functions.)

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, use hand to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, or balance, to kneel, crouch or crawl. Must lift/push/pull up to 25lbs. 

HOURS

Monday – Friday, 35 hours per week: 8:30AM – 4:00PM

SALARY RANGE

Starting rate $32.41 an hour

Annual Increases up to $46.21 an hour

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 @ 4:00pm

Company Description

Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, the City of Pittsfield is a vibrant and welcoming community that blends rich history with a forward-thinking outlook. As the cultural and economic hub of the region, Pittsfield offers a dynamic environment where innovation and tradition coexist harmoniously. Our city government is committed to fostering a high quality of life for all residents by delivering essential services, promoting sustainable growth, and championing a diverse and inclusive community.

Working for the City of Pittsfield means being part of a team dedicated to public service and making a real difference in the lives of our citizens. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, where employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative. Whether it’s enhancing public safety, improving infrastructure, or supporting our vibrant arts scene, every role within our organization plays a vital part in shaping the future of our city.

We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to promoting a multicultural work force, excellence in public service, and on-going mutual respect in our working relationships. Minorities are encouraged to apply. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ community, and people from other underrepresented groups to apply for our open positions - recognizing and respecting that diverse perspectives and experiences are valuable to our team and essential to our public service.

Join us in our mission to build a stronger, more connected Pittsfield, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Up to 14 paid Holidays
• Personal Days
• Vacation Time
• Earned Sick Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement