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Working in close partnership with the Morehouse School of Medicine RCMI Community Engagement Core and the FIGHT for Life Study, this individual promotes health equity, builds community relationships, represents SOWEGA Rising at public events, and supports research outreach and data collection activities. This role requires a self-directed professional who communicates effectively with diverse audiences — including residents, media outlets, and health researchers — and who is deeply committed to improving health outcomes for Black families in Southwest Georgia.

Benefits: <ul><li>Competitive salary</li><li>Opportunity for advancement</li><li>Training & development</li></ul> Position Summary The Community Health Advocate (Part-Time / Contract) serves as a trusted representative of SOWEGA Rising Inc. in the Albany, Georgia community and surrounding counties. Working in close partnership with the Morehouse School of Medicine RCMI Community Engagement Core and the FIGHT for Life Study, this individual promotes health equity, builds community relationships, represents SOWEGA Rising at public events, and supports research outreach and data collection activities. This role requires a self-directed professional who communicates effectively with diverse audiences — including residents, media outlets, and health researchers — and who is deeply committed to improving health outcomes for Black families in Southwest Georgia. This position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and requires a high degree of professionalism, cultural competency, and reliability. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Essential functions are the primary job duties that are fundamental to the role. 1. Community Representation & Event Engagement <ul><li>Attend and host community events to represent the FIGHT for Life Study and other health-related initiatives on behalf of SOWEGA Rising Inc.</li><li>Promote study participation and organizational programs through meaningful conversations, distribution of materials, and public presence at community gatherings.</li><li>Represent SOWEGA Rising at 1–2 outreach events per month, including some weekend events as required.</li><li>Serve as a local liaison and advisor to the Morehouse School of Medicine Community Engagement Core (CEC), connecting community partners, leaders, and residents to CEC initiatives.</li><li>Host a minimum of two (2) advocacy trainings per year for CEC partners and community members.</li></ul> 2. Reporting & Data Management <ul><li>Attend monthly meetings with internal team and research partners to report findings and updates from community events and outreach activities.</li><li>Collect, organize, and maintain accurate data related to community engagement, participant interactions, and outreach outcomes.</li><li>Assist in disseminating community engagement activities and materials in alignment with agreed-upon timelines.</li><li>Complete all required compliance and research training, including CITI (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative) certification, prior to beginning study-related activities.</li></ul> 3. Communications & Public Relations <ul><li>Communicate with local news sources, press contacts, and media outlets to market and publicize upcoming events and health initiatives.</li><li>Draft and distribute outreach communications including announcements, press materials, and social media content as directed.</li><li>Advise on translation and dissemination activities to ensure messaging is culturally appropriate and accessible to the target community. </li></ul> 4. Community Relationship Management <ul><li>Cultivate and maintain strong, ongoing relationships with community stakeholders, residents, faith-based organizations, and partner agencies.</li><li>Share and maintain a community calendar to coordinate SOWEGA Rising activities with local partner events.</li><li>Assist in identifying appropriate venues and community spaces to host engagement activities and advocacy trainings. </li></ul> 5. Other Duties <ul><li>Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Executive Director or designee, consistent with the mission and goals of SOWEGA Rising Inc.</li></ul> Qualifications Education & Experience <ul><li>Associate degree or higher in a health-related field, Psychology, Social Work, Community Health, Public Health, Community Health Advocacy, or a closely related discipline required.</li><li>Equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience may be considered at the discretion of the hiring authority.</li><li>1–3 years of experience in community advocacy, community health work, outreach, or a related role required.</li><li>2 or more years of demonstrated public speaking experience, including presentations to diverse audiences, required.</li><li>Prior nonprofit or community-based organization experience preferred.</li></ul>Knowledge, Skills & Abilities <ul><li>Strong written communication skills, including the ability to draft professional correspondence, event summaries, and outreach materials.</li><li>Public relations or marketing skills, including experience with media outreach or promotional communications (strongly preferred).</li><li>Excellent attention to detail in data collection, documentation, and reporting.</li><li>Effective time management with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.</li><li>Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with diverse communities, particularly Black families and residents of Southwest Georgia.</li><li>Proficiency with basic technology tools, including email, calendar applications, virtual meeting platforms, and standard office software.</li><li>Ability and willingness to work some weekends as required by event schedules.</li><li>Reliable transportation and ability to travel locally within Albany, GA and surrounding counties. </li></ul>Work Environment & Physical Requirements (ADA-Aligned) The physical and environmental demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job: <ul><li>This role operates in community-based settings including outdoor events, public meetings, and faith-based or nonprofit spaces, as well as in a standard office environment.</li><li>Ability to remain in a stationary or standing position for extended periods during community events.</li><li>Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally (event materials, print supplies, signage).</li><li>Regular local travel within Albany, GA and surrounding counties for community events, meetings, and outreach activities.</li><li>Some evening and weekend work is required based on event schedules and organizational needs.</li></ul>Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and employment process for individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable Georgia law. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement SOWEGA Rising is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, bilingual or bicultural individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others from historically marginalized communities. Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, medical condition, or HIV/AIDS status. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and employment process. Job Description Disclaimer This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Employment with SOWEGA Rising Inc. is at-will unless otherwise specified in a written contract.

Sowega Rising Inc

Community Health Advocate

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Calendar Management

Communication Skills

Community Health

Community Relations

Data Collection

Data Management

Data Quality

Detail Oriented

Documentation

Hardware Virtualization

Lift/Move 25 Pounds

Local News

Marketing

Medicine

Multitasking

Nonprofit

Physical Demands

Presentation/Verbal Skills

Psychology

Public Health

Public/Media/Press/Analyst Relations

Relationship Management

Sales Management

Social Media

Social Work

Time Management

Training/Teaching

Willing to Travel

Writing Skills

Overview: The Engagement Specialist is a key member of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) team responsible for identifying individuals who are at risk of disengaging from behavioral health care and implementing proactive outreach strategies to keep them connected. • Work collaboratively with Community Mental Health Workers and individuals in identifying practical barriers to attending appointments (transportation, childcare, housing stability, SDOH factors) and connect them with appropriate supports and resources.

WEEK

Position Description: Engagement SpecialistPositions supervised: none
Hours Day/Week: 40 hours/week
Salary Range: $32,000-37,000
Travel: Varies Overview: The Engagement Specialist is a key member of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) team responsible for identifying individuals who are at risk of disengaging from behavioral health care and implementing proactive outreach strategies to keep them connected. This role focuses on person-centered engagement, community-based outreach, reducing barriers to care, and ensuring individuals receive timely access to services that support recovery and overall well-being. Qualifications/Skills/Knowledge:High School Diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a behavioral health, social services, or public health field preferred.Experience working with individuals with mental health or substance use disorders, or experience in outreach, community work, or peer support.Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and recovery-oriented engagement preferred.Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.Ability to work independently in the field, maintain safety awareness, and engage respectfully in diverse community environments.Valid driver's license and reliable transportation (if required for field work). Duties/Responsibilities:The Community Mental Health Will:Identification of At-Risk Individuals• Monitor attendance patterns, missed appointments, crisis episodes, recent hospitalizations, social determinants of health (SDOH) barriers, and other indicators of risk for disengagement.
• Work collaboratively with clinicians, case managers, peer support specialists, and Community Mental Health Workers to identify clients at risk for poor engagement or care discontinuation.
• Review electronic health record (EHR) alerts, caseload reports, and outreach lists to prioritize follow-up.Outreach & Engagement (In-Clinic and Community-Based)• Conduct ongoing outreach efforts through phone, text (according to policy), letters, field visits, home visits, and community-based contacts.
• Engage individuals in non-traditional settings, including shelters, encampments, hospitals, crisis centers, community agencies, and public spaces when appropriate and safe.
• Provide warm, persistent, and trauma-informed engagement that is culturally responsive and rooted in harm reduction and recovery principles.
• Offer support to individuals who are hesitant or ambivalent about treatment, using motivational interviewing and other evidence-based engagement techniques.Care Coordination & Reducing Barriers• Work collaboratively with Community Mental Health Workers and individuals in identifying practical barriers to attending appointments (transportation, childcare, housing stability, SDOH factors) and connect them with appropriate supports and resources.
• Facilitate warm handoffs to internal services such as therapy, psychiatry, case management, peer services, medication-assisted treatment, crisis services, and community partners.
• Help clients navigate the behavioral health system and understand available CCBHC services.
• Support individuals in re-engaging with treatment following missed appointments, hospital discharges, or crisis episodes.Collaboration Within the CCBHC Model• Participate in daily or weekly interdisciplinary team meetings to review outreach needs and share updates.
• Coordinate closely with clinical supervisors, crisis teams, care coordinators, and population health staff to ensure unified engagement efforts.
• Contribute to CCBHC quality metrics related to retention, access, and no-show reduction.
• Maintain strong working relationships with community partners, shelters, health systems, law enforcement, and outreach teams to support engagement.Documentation & Compliance• Document all outreach attempts, engagement activities, and client contacts in the EHR according to CCBHC and agency standards.
• Track engagement outcomes and report on progress, trends, and barriers.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all HIPAA, ethical guidelines, and safety protocols.

Public Health Jobs in Albany, GA

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Public Health Jobs in Albany, GA

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