Gandara
Community Engagement Specialist | Impact Center
Gandara, Springfield, Massachusetts, us, 01119
Why Work for Gandara :
Explore the career pathways in Behavioral Health, Substance Use and Recovery, Community Based Clinical services, Adolescent and Family services, Adult Residential, Maintenance and Administration! Whether that is in an entry level or leadership role, Gandara will provide the tools and resources to better enhance your career growth. The opportunities are presented with the ability to transition your skills and experience in meeting the organizations mission. There is grand landscape of opportunities that supports the community we serve, so Join the Gándara team today!
Benefits:
Retirement Plan 403(b) Health, Dental, Vision, Pet and Life Insurance Paid vacations Paid holidays 8 discretionary days Mileage Reimbursement Additional Benefits:
Career Growth Opportunities Culturally Diverse population Clinical Licensing Support Job Title:
Community Engagement Specialist
Work Location:
Springfield, Ma.
*Bilingual Candidates Encouraged to Apply
*EOE M/F/D/V
*Union/Non-Union
Job Summary:
Community Engagement Specialist position is intended to engage with traditional-age youth and young adults ages 16-25. The Community Outreach Worker will locate, contact, engage and provide information, referrals, and services to the target population—YYAs who have substance use disorders (SUDs) or co-occurring disorders (CODs) and are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity; gang-involved, at risk for gang involvement, or recently incarcerated; or undocumented immigrants and refugees, while also increasing community awareness and support.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Establish and maintain positive, trusting relationships with youth, community members, and partner organizations. Connect with young people ages 16–25 who are experiencing homelessness, gang involvement, or high-risk substance use. Develope and facilitate harm reduction workshops for youth and community members, providing education on safer substance use practices, overdose prevention, and access to resources. Collaborate with local agencies, schools, health providers, and grassroots organizations to expand resources and services for youth and young adults. Represent the program at community meetings, coalitions, and events to raise awareness of services and advocate for youth needs. Provide immediate assistance, referrals, and resource connections for youth in urgent or high-risk situations. Track engagement activities, maintain accurate documentation, and collect feedback to improve services. Minimum Qualifications:
Demonstrated cultural competency and ability to engage with individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, harm reduction strategies, and overdose prevention methods (or willingness to be trained in these areas). Comfort with multiple pathways to recovery from SUD. Strong interpersonal and advocacy skills with the ability to build trust, provide accurate feedback without judgment, and maintain effective working relationships with young adults and staff. Experience in community outreach, engagement, organizing, or related fields. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Skilled in motivational enhancement strategies (preferred). Highly organized, efficient, adaptable, and able to problem-solve in dynamic situations. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfortable using the internet and technology for communication and documentation. High school diploma required Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred Knowledge of local resources and community organizations serving youth. Experience in case management, peer support, and workshop facilitation. Flexible schedule with availability to work evenings and weekends as needed. Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license required.
The Gándara Mental Health Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Explore the career pathways in Behavioral Health, Substance Use and Recovery, Community Based Clinical services, Adolescent and Family services, Adult Residential, Maintenance and Administration! Whether that is in an entry level or leadership role, Gandara will provide the tools and resources to better enhance your career growth. The opportunities are presented with the ability to transition your skills and experience in meeting the organizations mission. There is grand landscape of opportunities that supports the community we serve, so Join the Gándara team today!
Benefits:
Retirement Plan 403(b) Health, Dental, Vision, Pet and Life Insurance Paid vacations Paid holidays 8 discretionary days Mileage Reimbursement Additional Benefits:
Career Growth Opportunities Culturally Diverse population Clinical Licensing Support Job Title:
Community Engagement Specialist
Work Location:
Springfield, Ma.
*Bilingual Candidates Encouraged to Apply
*EOE M/F/D/V
*Union/Non-Union
Job Summary:
Community Engagement Specialist position is intended to engage with traditional-age youth and young adults ages 16-25. The Community Outreach Worker will locate, contact, engage and provide information, referrals, and services to the target population—YYAs who have substance use disorders (SUDs) or co-occurring disorders (CODs) and are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity; gang-involved, at risk for gang involvement, or recently incarcerated; or undocumented immigrants and refugees, while also increasing community awareness and support.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Establish and maintain positive, trusting relationships with youth, community members, and partner organizations. Connect with young people ages 16–25 who are experiencing homelessness, gang involvement, or high-risk substance use. Develope and facilitate harm reduction workshops for youth and community members, providing education on safer substance use practices, overdose prevention, and access to resources. Collaborate with local agencies, schools, health providers, and grassroots organizations to expand resources and services for youth and young adults. Represent the program at community meetings, coalitions, and events to raise awareness of services and advocate for youth needs. Provide immediate assistance, referrals, and resource connections for youth in urgent or high-risk situations. Track engagement activities, maintain accurate documentation, and collect feedback to improve services. Minimum Qualifications:
Demonstrated cultural competency and ability to engage with individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, harm reduction strategies, and overdose prevention methods (or willingness to be trained in these areas). Comfort with multiple pathways to recovery from SUD. Strong interpersonal and advocacy skills with the ability to build trust, provide accurate feedback without judgment, and maintain effective working relationships with young adults and staff. Experience in community outreach, engagement, organizing, or related fields. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Skilled in motivational enhancement strategies (preferred). Highly organized, efficient, adaptable, and able to problem-solve in dynamic situations. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfortable using the internet and technology for communication and documentation. High school diploma required Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred Knowledge of local resources and community organizations serving youth. Experience in case management, peer support, and workshop facilitation. Flexible schedule with availability to work evenings and weekends as needed. Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license required.
The Gándara Mental Health Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.