Job Description:
Title: Community Outreach Specialist
Salary: $45,000
Classification: Non-Exempt
Scope of Position
The Community Outreach Specialist serves as a visible ambassador for PA CareerLink® Berks County by building and maintaining community partnerships, increasing public awareness of services, and supporting access to workforce development opportunities across Berks County. This position operates within a unified, countywide outreach strategy, including CareerLink on the Move, and balances both relationship-building and direct community engagement to ensure consistent and strategic outreach coverage.
Essential Functions
- Build and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, educational institutions, municipal partners, employers, and other stakeholders to strengthen referral pathways and collaboration.
- Conduct face-to-face and virtual meetings with organizational representatives to discuss collaboration and promote PA CareerLink® services.
- Represent PA CareerLink® Berks County at community events, job fairs, resource fairs, chamber events, and partner meetings to increase visibility and awareness of services.
- Support the planning, coordination, setup, delivery, and follow-up of community-based outreach activities, including CareerLink on the Move, pop-up events, presentations, and recurring service locations across Berks County.
- Engage directly with job seekers and employers to provide information on PA CareerLink® services, training opportunities (including OJTs and ITAs), and clear next steps for accessing services.
- Coordinate with internal departments to promote Business Services, Training Services, Rapid Response, and other workforce initiatives, and refer employer leads and service opportunities to the appropriate team for follow-up.
- Support employer-focused outreach activities, recruitment events, job fairs, and community hiring initiatives in coordination with the Business Services Team.
- Assist with Rapid Response outreach and community-based service delivery for businesses and workers affected by layoffs, closures, or other workforce disruptions.
- Conduct onsite and offsite presentations and workshops related to training, employment, and re-employment services.
- Inform PA CareerLink® staff of supportive services available through community organizations to assist customers in overcoming barriers to employment and training.
- Connect community-based organizations with the PA CareerLink® website and support efforts to streamline referral processes.
- Develop and maintain a database of community organizations, partners, and contact information.
- Ensure outreach and partner resource materials are available and up to date for PA CareerLink® customers.
- Coordinate with the Outreach Team to share event details, community needs, partner updates, photos, and success stories that support timely and consistent outreach communications.
- Identify gaps in service access and opportunities to expand partnerships and strategic outreach coverage, with particular attention to underserved communities and populations across Berks County.
- Provide insight on outreach activities, partnerships, and trends for Market Intelligence Reports and internal planning.
- Assist in the PA CareerLink® resource area and support orientations and workshops as needed.
- Track outreach activities, contacts, referrals, event participation, and outcomes; maintain required documentation; and submit timely reports to the Community Outreach Coordinator.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of PA CareerLink® programs, services, funding streams, and staff roles to appropriately guide customers and partners.
- Maintain flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed to support community events, employer activities, and outreach initiatives.
- Perform other duties and support special projects as assigned.
Education and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- 1–3 years of experience in business, training, teaching, sales, or community engagement preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
- Comfortable presenting information to large and diverse audiences in a professional and clear manner
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Ability and willingness to travel to community-based events
- Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends, with advance notice when practicable, based on the schedule of community events and outreach activities.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
- Bilingual Spanish/English preferred but not required
EDSI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.