Community Outreach Specialist

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.