Community Engagement Specialist

CMHA Edmonton (Canadian Mental Health Association - Edmonton); Calgary, Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

CMHA Edmonton is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist to strengthen visibility of 211 Alberta services and foster connections with communities. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Human Services or related field and a minimum of two years of community engagement experience. Responsibilities include building trust-based relationships, documenting engagement activities, and promoting the services of 211 Alberta. The role offers primarily remote work with some travel required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in community engagement or related field.
• First Aid and CPR certification are required.
• Class 5 driver's license and clean driver's abstract.

Responsibilities

• Build and sustain relationships with communities across Alberta.
• Support the Community Engagement Manager with reports.
• Complete monthly expense reports.

Skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Experience working with diverse communities

Organizational and time management skills

Comfort with technology (Microsoft 365)

Education

Diploma or Degree in Human Services, Social Sciences, Business

Job description

The Community Engagement Specialist nurtures trust-based relationships and shares 211 Alberta knowledge with communities outside Calgary and Edmonton, especially in rural areas. This role strengthens the visibility and accessibility of 211 Alberta services, supports the inclusion and accuracy of local programs in the 211 Alberta database, and ensures community voices shape ongoing improvements. Grounded in respect, reciprocity, and collaboration, the Community Engagement Specialist walks alongside Alberta communities to amplify their unique needs and connect people with resources that support well-being.

Reporting to the Community Engagement Manager, this role calls for a proactive and community-oriented individual committed to fostering connections and honouring community needs.

Key Outcomes

• Trusting, reciprocal relationships are built and sustained with communities across Alberta.
• Services are visible, accessible, and accurately represented in the 211 Alberta database.
• Ongoing community feedback shapes and strengthens 211 Alberta’s strategies, activities, and service delivery.
• Respectful, long-term relationships are cultivated with Indigenous communities, guided by cultural protocols and community priorities.
• Community awareness of 211 Alberta’s mission, services, and programs continues to grow.

Duties and Responsibilities

Community Engagement, Outreach, and Promotion

• Work with communities, organizations, and local leaders to create awareness strategies for 211 Alberta, ensuring local priorities and strengths are reflected.
• Identify eligible organizations for inclusion in the 211 Alberta database and support them in listing their services.
• Collaborate with the 211 Alberta Community Engagement team to design and adjust local engagement strategies in response to feedback and evolving needs.
• Attend relevant community gatherings, sharing information about 211 Alberta in ways that respect local protocols and cultural contexts.
• Build and sustain reciprocal relationships with community agencies, organizations, governments, Elders, and community groups.
• Act as a bridge between 211 Alberta and communities, ensuring communication flows both ways and is rooted in respect.
• Identify resource gaps, barriers, and community needs to inform 211 database and further outreach planning.

Reporting and Documentation

• Keep accurate records of engagement activities, community insights, and opportunities for growth.
• Support the Community Engagement Manager in preparing regular reports.
• Complete monthly expense reports for reimbursement of eligible expenses.

Other

• Build strong working relationships with 211 Alberta colleagues across departments to share community perspectives, respond to community needs and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Prepare and deliver learning sessions for 211 staff about the unique needs, values, and resources of the communities you represent, supporting culturally responsive and empathetic service delivery.
• Prepare and deliver informational or promotional presentations to the public or interest groups as requested.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to quickly build positive, trust-based relationships.
• Experience working respectfully with diverse communities, including Indigenous communities, using cultural humility and relational accountability.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; able to manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable using technology such as Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint) to support efficient workflows.

Lines of Communication/Accountability

• Reports to Community Engagement Manager.
• Works closely with the Database Manager and other internal working groups (e.g., database, inquiry services).

Special Working Conditions

• General work hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm; flexibility required for evenings/weekends.
• Primarily remote, with required travel for community visits. Travel to Edmonton or Calgary at least quarterly for relationship-building and training.
• Requires significant interaction with diverse communities.

What You Bring to the Role

• Diploma or Degree in Human Services, Social Sciences, Business, or related field (preferred).
• Minimum 2 years of experience in community engagement, development, or related field; equivalent combinations considered.
• Gender-Based Analysis+
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Class 5 driver’s license, personal vehicle, clean driver’s abstract, and $2M liability coverage.
• Experience working in rural, remote, and/or Indigenous communities is an asset.
• Successful completion of a police information and vulnerable persons check.

Core Competencies

• Client/Service-Centered Work – Prioritizes community needs in decision-making and action.
• Partnerships, Relationships & Teamwork – Builds and maintains reciprocal relationships internally and externally.
• Relational Accountability – Upholds respect, reciprocity, and responsibility in all interactions, ensuring communities’ priorities guide engagement.
• Growth Mindset/Learning – Actively seeks learning and applies it to strengthen work.
• Communication – Shares information clearly and respectfully, fostering dialogue and understanding.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Welcomes and values diverse perspectives, experiences, and voices.
• Change Management – Adapts to organizational and community changes with resilience.
• Self-Management – Takes responsibility for actions, time, and commitments.