Associate Community Outreach Coordinator - MTPD

MedStar Health; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity with the Metropolitan Council for a HAT Associate Community Outreach Coordinator is available. This role supports outreach efforts for the Metro Transit Police Department, engaging with diverse communities and assisting individuals experiencing homelessness. You will play a vital role in community engagement, data management, and ensuring effective communication within the organization.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent benefits

Work/life balance

On-site training

Qualifications

• Educational background in planning, social work, communication or related field.
• Experience with public affairs or community relations.
• Valid Driver's License (Class D) required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates outreach activities and internal meetings.
• Tracks program and client data, maintaining databases.
• Develops communications including reports and newsletters.

Skills

Communication

Community engagement

Data management

Event planning

Conflict resolution

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Associate degree

High school diploma/GED

Job description

WHO WE ARE

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Transit Police Department is one of the fastest growing law enforcement agencies in the state due the expansion of light rail and Rapid Transit Bus systems. There is an authorized strength of 171 full-time officers, 80 part-time officers, 55 community service officers and 40 administrative staff dedicated to one thing: public safety on and near our transit system.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The HAT Associate Community Outreach Coordinator is a non-sworn civilian role within the Metro Transit Police Department's Homeless Action Team (HAT). This position serves as a critical support resource for both the outreach and administrative functions of the HAT unit. The coordinator bridges direct service engagement and internal communications by supporting outreach efforts to individuals experiencing homelessness, managing communications and reporting responsibilities, and maintaining client data and resource records.

Under the direction of HAT leadership, this role performs a wide range of duties including scheduling, report creation, event coordination, social media management, partnership development, and support with housing-related case management activities. The position plays an essential role in enhancing public transparency, streamlining internal workflows, and ensuring that HAT outreach efforts are well-organized, data-informed, and effectively communicated to both internal stakeholders and the broader community.

What you would do in this job

• Develops and distributes internal and external communications, including bi-weekly reports, monthly newsletters, and annual summaries; prepares content for social media and public information.

• Coordinates and schedules HAT outreach activities and internal meetings; assists with planning, logistics, and support for community engagement events.

• Tracks and maintains program and client data, including outreach contacts, referrals, service usage, and event participation; updates client databases and generates reports.

• Assists with housing-related case management by preparing referral paperwork, coordinating with housing agencies, and supporting clients with documentation and resource access.

• Builds and maintains working relationships with community partners, nonprofits, and internal departments; coordinates donation drives and manages outreach supplies.

• Designs and updates outreach materials, brochures, and resource guides; collaborates with Creative Services for formatting and distribution.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Any of the following combinations of completed education (in planning, urban studies, social work, psychology, education, communication, public affairs, political science or related field) and experience in public affairs or community relations for a non-profit or government agency:

• High school diploma/GED with five (5) years of experience.
• Associate degree with three (3) years of experience.
• Bachelor's degree or higher with one (1) year of experience.

License Requirements:

• This position will require extensive off-site visits where public transportation is not efficient. Valid Driver's License (Class D) is required.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Professional experience working with county social workers.
• Experience working with, or knowledge of, the Metropolitan Council, specifically Metro Transit.
• Experience working with diverse populations of customers and clients.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends to meet business needs.
• Public transportation experience.

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Police and law enforcement terminology - HAT operates within the Metro Transit Police Department; understanding police language is essential.
• Community resources and service systems related to unsheltered individuals - This is central to HAT's outreach and housing assistance work.
• Community outreach and public engagement with diverse populations, including vulnerable and unsheltered individuals - Core to the HAT mission.
• Event planning, coordination, and execution - HAT regularly hosts outreach events and resource fairs in the field.
• Conflict resolution and working in fast-paced, sometimes challenging environments - Outreach in transit or street settings can involve complex, unpredictable scenarios.
• Drive a vehicle and transport supplies or donations to outreach sites and events - HAT events often require moving gear/resources to various transit locations.
• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends - Outreach doesn't always follow a standard 9-5 schedule.
• Coordinate and collaborate with law enforcement officers - Unique to HAT's structure within the Metro Transit Police Department.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Union/Grade: Non-Represented/Grade E
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

Work Environment:
Work is usually performed in a standard office setting but will require travel between primary work site to other sites periodically. Additionally, this position will participate in events that are held outside and exposed to the elements. This position requires some lifting and moving of boxes, boards, laptop, projector and other equipment necessary for public meetings. Must have adequate close vision for reading and computer work. This position is frequently required to work evenings and on weekends.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a thorough background check conducted by the MTPD which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. All applicants' background checks and fingerprints must be cleared by the Criminal Bureau of Apprehension in order to be a user of their CJIS system. Failure to be cleared by BCA will automatically nullify any job offer extended. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal back ground check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. All applicants' background checks and fingerprints must be cleared by the Criminal Bureau of Apprehension in order to be a user of their CJIS system. Failure to be cleared by BCA will automatically nullify any job offer extended. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

Please note:
Making a false statement or withholding information (misrepresentation) may cause an applicant to be barred from consideration for the positions.

Candidates will be notified of their application status through e-mail only.

Note: In order to be considered for the position, you must complete the application in its entirety.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, pleaseemail [e-mail].