Outreach and Engagement Specialist

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:

The Outreach and Engagement Specialist plays an essential role at our Outpatient Clinic's Project Program (Behavioral Health/Substance Use and Recovery Services) and will promote our commitment to the communities we serve. Gándara Center provides residential, mental health, substance abuse and preventive services for children, adults and families across the Pioneer Valley and eastern parts of Massachusetts. Founded in the Hispanic community, we value cultural diversity and strive to provide culturally competent, innovative services to a diverse community.

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