Outreach Specialist

Job Summary:

The primary purpose of the Outreach Specialist position is to promote and recruit participants for MassHire Merrimack Valley Career Center (MVCC) and MassHire Merrimack Valley Workforce Board (MVWB) training programs and services. The ultimate intention of this work is to support the economic advancement of residents in the region and the achievement of program enrollment goals. Under the supervision of the MassHire MVCC Executive Director and in collaboration with MassHire MVW Band MVCC colleagues, the Outreach Specialist will be a key team member responsible for the successful implementation of MassHire Merrimack Valley workforce development
programs. The individual in this position will serve as the main point of contact for partner agencies, non-profits, and other community-based agencies, and will build on excellent relationships with these organizations 

Essential Functions/Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain current knowledge of MassHire MVCC programs, including eligibility requirements
• Perform outreach and recruitment activities that result in enrollments for MassHire Merrimack Valley training programs;
• Continually assess and work toward implementing effective recruitment methods that yield positive enrollment outcomes.
• Maintain and grow current relationships and develop, nurture, and sustain new relationships with partners, non-profits,

and community-based organizations. Keep them informed of MassHire programs and services to facilitate referrals of their constituents to MassHire programs

• Serve as a conduit and facilitator of MassHire MVCC services and programs in support of customers.
• Coordinate and lead various community outreach initiatives, which may include information sessions, industry panels, and activities to promote the general exposure of career center and workforce board services.
• Represent MassHire MVCC at various community events, some of which may be during early morning or evening hours. Work collaboratively with MassHire employment counselors and managers to ensure enrollees are well-informed and services are easily accessible.
• Determine job seekers' suitability and/or eligibility for program enrollment.
• Support enrolled participants to promote success.
• Perform data entry and ling, always ensuring confidentiality.
• Participate in staff development and cross-training opportunities that expand and support functional skills, promoting professional growth.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Bachelor's degree in Counseling, Psychology, or closely related field; with three (3) years of experience and/or training that includes vocational counseling, vocational testing/assessment, vocational referrals, employment services, or career
• development/transition, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Strong oral, written, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in the use of computers, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, with social media skills and the ability to create and convey marketing material on social media platforms to promote events and programs
• Ability to travel within the greater Merrimack Valley (including Lowell)
• Willingness to work evenings and Saturdays when needed, which the collective bargaining agreement will pay for.
• Ability to work effectively with and meet the needs of people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, and identities, including underserved communities and people from the different racial groups, socioeconomic statuses, nationalities, and languages that makeup clientele, to support the agency’s mission of building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization for employees and clients alike.

Travel: This job regularly requires the employee to sit, walk, and stand, as well as use hands repetitively to handle or operate standard office equipment. The employee is occasionally required to kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment and uses standard office equipment