RWJBarnabas Health
Job Title
Community Outreach Specialist
Location 95 Old Short Hills Road, West Orange, NJ 07052
Department RWJBH Community Health Project
Pay Range $56,797 - $80,225 per year
Job Overview The Community Outreach Specialist leads community outreach, stakeholder engagement, and visitor services for the HARVEST Food Hub, creating a welcoming and professional environment that reflects RWJBarnabas Health's commitment to community health and wellness. This position manages relationships with community partners, tracks program participation metrics for reporting, oversees volunteer engagement, and serves as the primary liaison between HARVEST programs and Newark community organizations. The COS develops and implements community engagement strategies, conducts program evaluation activities, and ensures compliance with deliverables related to community participation and health equity outcomes. This role requires strategic thinking, data management capabilities, exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and the ability to independently manage multiple stakeholder relationships while advancing HARVEST's mission.
Qualifications
High school diploma required
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to interact professionally with diverse populations
Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, scheduling software, and database management
Strong data management and analysis skills including database management, Excel reporting, and tracking systems
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reports, presentations, and stakeholder engagement
Experience with social media platforms and digital communication tools
Demonstrated cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse socioeconomic backgrounds
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to multitask in busy environment
Customer service orientation with genuine interest in community health and food security issues
Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for community events and programs
Ability to work independently while contributing to collaborative team environment
Preferred Qualifications
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Social Services, or related field preferred
Minimum 2 years of experience in customer service, reception, or community outreach roles preferred
Bilingual proficiency (Spanish/English) strongly preferred; additional languages valuable for Newark's diverse community
Knowledge of Newark community resources, social services, and healthcare systems preferred
Essential Job Functions
Manage community engagement programming and track participation metrics for deliverable reporting
Collect, analyze, and report enrollment, attendance, and demographic data for monthly departmental and annual community benefit reporting requirements
Develop and maintain databases tracking community partnerships, program utilization, and outcome metrics
Ensure compliance with outreach and engagement requirements, documenting activities and outcomes
Help prepare monthly program reports and contribute to quarterly grant progress reports
Develop and manage strategic relationships with community-based organizations, entrepreneurs, and other partners to increase HARVEST utilization
Conduct outreach presentations to community groups, faith-based organizations, and healthcare partners to promote HARVEST services
Serve as liaison for community stakeholder inquiries and partnership development
Oversee comprehensive visitor intake processes including needs assessment, service navigation, and appropriate referrals
Conduct facility orientations for new users and provide ongoing navigation support
Develop and implement community outreach strategies to achieve program utilization targets
Create promotional materials, social media content, and community communications to increase program awareness
Represent HARVEST at community meetings, health fairs, and public events (including occasional evenings/weekends)
Coordinate with Marketing/Communications on public relations and media opportunities
Manage front desk operations including visitor check-in, appointment scheduling, and facility orientation for new users
Provide comprehensive information about HARVEST services including kitchen incubator programs, nutrition counseling, food distribution schedules, and community events
Direct visitors to appropriate services and staff members including registered dietitians, community health workers, and program coordinators
Maintain professional reception area including informational displays, program materials, and community resource directories
Answer multi-line phone system, respond to email inquiries, and manage general facility communications
Conduct facility tours for prospective kitchen users, community partners, and stakeholder groups
Support outreach efforts through community event participation, partnership development, and promotional activities
Assist with event registration, workshop sign-ups, and program enrollment processes
Provide language interpretation support as needed for Newark's diverse population
Preferred knowledge and experience working in the Greater Newark community
Connect visitors with social services including SNAP enrollment, healthcare navigation, and community resources
Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
Dental and Vision Insurance
Retirement Plans
Short & Long Term Disability
Life & Accidental Death Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Wellness Programs
Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!
Choosing RWJBarnabas Health RWJBarnabas Health is the premier health care destination providing patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine in a compassionate and equitable manner, while delivering a best-in-class work experience to every member of the team. We honor and appreciate the privilege of creating and sustaining healthier communities, one person and one community at a time. As the leading academic health system in New Jersey, we advance innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education, and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health aims to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey—whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.
Equal Opportunity Employer RWJBarnabas Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Location 95 Old Short Hills Road, West Orange, NJ 07052
Department RWJBH Community Health Project
Pay Range $56,797 - $80,225 per year
Job Overview The Community Outreach Specialist leads community outreach, stakeholder engagement, and visitor services for the HARVEST Food Hub, creating a welcoming and professional environment that reflects RWJBarnabas Health's commitment to community health and wellness. This position manages relationships with community partners, tracks program participation metrics for reporting, oversees volunteer engagement, and serves as the primary liaison between HARVEST programs and Newark community organizations. The COS develops and implements community engagement strategies, conducts program evaluation activities, and ensures compliance with deliverables related to community participation and health equity outcomes. This role requires strategic thinking, data management capabilities, exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and the ability to independently manage multiple stakeholder relationships while advancing HARVEST's mission.
Qualifications
High school diploma required
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to interact professionally with diverse populations
Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, scheduling software, and database management
Strong data management and analysis skills including database management, Excel reporting, and tracking systems
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reports, presentations, and stakeholder engagement
Experience with social media platforms and digital communication tools
Demonstrated cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse socioeconomic backgrounds
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to multitask in busy environment
Customer service orientation with genuine interest in community health and food security issues
Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for community events and programs
Ability to work independently while contributing to collaborative team environment
Preferred Qualifications
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Social Services, or related field preferred
Minimum 2 years of experience in customer service, reception, or community outreach roles preferred
Bilingual proficiency (Spanish/English) strongly preferred; additional languages valuable for Newark's diverse community
Knowledge of Newark community resources, social services, and healthcare systems preferred
Essential Job Functions
Manage community engagement programming and track participation metrics for deliverable reporting
Collect, analyze, and report enrollment, attendance, and demographic data for monthly departmental and annual community benefit reporting requirements
Develop and maintain databases tracking community partnerships, program utilization, and outcome metrics
Ensure compliance with outreach and engagement requirements, documenting activities and outcomes
Help prepare monthly program reports and contribute to quarterly grant progress reports
Develop and manage strategic relationships with community-based organizations, entrepreneurs, and other partners to increase HARVEST utilization
Conduct outreach presentations to community groups, faith-based organizations, and healthcare partners to promote HARVEST services
Serve as liaison for community stakeholder inquiries and partnership development
Oversee comprehensive visitor intake processes including needs assessment, service navigation, and appropriate referrals
Conduct facility orientations for new users and provide ongoing navigation support
Develop and implement community outreach strategies to achieve program utilization targets
Create promotional materials, social media content, and community communications to increase program awareness
Represent HARVEST at community meetings, health fairs, and public events (including occasional evenings/weekends)
Coordinate with Marketing/Communications on public relations and media opportunities
Manage front desk operations including visitor check-in, appointment scheduling, and facility orientation for new users
Provide comprehensive information about HARVEST services including kitchen incubator programs, nutrition counseling, food distribution schedules, and community events
Direct visitors to appropriate services and staff members including registered dietitians, community health workers, and program coordinators
Maintain professional reception area including informational displays, program materials, and community resource directories
Answer multi-line phone system, respond to email inquiries, and manage general facility communications
Conduct facility tours for prospective kitchen users, community partners, and stakeholder groups
Support outreach efforts through community event participation, partnership development, and promotional activities
Assist with event registration, workshop sign-ups, and program enrollment processes
Provide language interpretation support as needed for Newark's diverse population
Preferred knowledge and experience working in the Greater Newark community
Connect visitors with social services including SNAP enrollment, healthcare navigation, and community resources
Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
Dental and Vision Insurance
Retirement Plans
Short & Long Term Disability
Life & Accidental Death Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Wellness Programs
Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!
Choosing RWJBarnabas Health RWJBarnabas Health is the premier health care destination providing patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine in a compassionate and equitable manner, while delivering a best-in-class work experience to every member of the team. We honor and appreciate the privilege of creating and sustaining healthier communities, one person and one community at a time. As the leading academic health system in New Jersey, we advance innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education, and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health aims to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey—whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.
Equal Opportunity Employer RWJBarnabas Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer
#J-18808-Ljbffr