Community Engagement Specialist, South County Academy

Urban League of Rhode Island; Exeter, Northern (RI, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Work-life balance

Job summary

Family Service of Rhode Island seeks a Community Engagement Specialist for the South County Academy in Exeter, RI. This outward-facing role develops and sustains relationships with community partners to create real opportunities for students and coordinates access to off-campus experiences that build practical community navigation skills.

The CES works with adolescents with trauma histories, supports evidence-based practices, and helps maintain the Building Bridges Initiative while offering a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience with adolescents/young adults; trauma histories preferred.
• Excellent customer service and external stakeholder communication.
• Spanish speaking preferred; flexible schedule including evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

• Builds and expands the program’s partnerships with community organizations.
• Maintains a working inventory of community partners (employers, volunteer sites, faith communities, libraries, recreation, youth arts).
• Coordinates logistics for student access to community activities and transportation.
• Supports the Building Bridges Initiative to maintain connections with home communities during placement.

Skills

Customer service

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Spanish language

Communication skills

Flexible schedule

Team player

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

EMR software

Word processing

Database software

Job description

Community Engagement Specialist, South County Academy

Employer: Family Service of Rhode Island

Exeter, RI 02822

Contact: Genesis Fuentes

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Job Description

FSRI is always looking for candidates that want to make a positive impact on the community!

About the Program

South County Academy (SCA), a program of Family Service of Rhode Island and in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), is a residential treatment program upholding RIDE standards located in Exeter, Rhode Island. The Academy serves up to 16 adolescent females, ages 13 to 17, who have experienced trauma and present with complex behavioral health needs. Students live in single-bedroom accommodations and are supported by staff 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our clinical model is grounded in evidence-based practice, including Trauma Systems Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Restorative Practices. On-site academic instruction allows students to continue their education without interruption.

Position Summary

The Community Engagement Specialist (CES) is an outward facing, non-clinical position. Responsible for building and expanding the program’s relationships outside its walls, and for turning those relationships into real opportunities for students. Develops and maintains a working inventory of community partners, including employers, volunteer sites, faith communities, libraries, recreation departments, youth sports and arts organizations, vocational and pre-employment programs, colleges, and local businesses. Coordinates the logistics of community access so that students leave campus regularly and safely and builds the practical skills students need to navigate a community on their own. Supports the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) principle that a young person’s connection to her own home community must be maintained during placement, not rebuilt at discharge.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, communications, recreation, education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
• Skilled in operating various medical record software and hardware, word-processing, and database software programs.
• Experience working with adolescents and young adults required. Experience with youth who have trauma histories or behavioral health needs strongly preferred.
• Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to communicate with external stakeholders in a courteous and professional manner.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Self-motivated, resourceful, able to manage multiple projects, and highly attentive to detail.
• Spanish Speaking preferred and is compensated.
• Willingness and capability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends, since community activities frequently occur outside standard business hours.
• Excellent multitasking and communication skills necessary.
• Ability to work independently and part of a team.

Physical Requirements

• Current driver's license, reliable transportation, registration, and auto insurance.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Travel to and from community locations and office site, which could include using walkways, stairs, and/or elevators.
• Utilize a computer and an electronic medical record to complete documentation.
• Ability to lift up to 20lbs.
• Provide emergency coverage; ratio to the programs as needed.

Don't meet every single requirement? Here at FSRI, we're dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you're excited about one of our career opportunities, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be the perfect fit for this or another opportunity!

We offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental and work life benefits.

Family Service of Rhode Island provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

FSRI determines pay based on a candidate's relevant and transferable experience, certifications, licenses, degree and language ability.

Salary Levels

$0.00 - $0.00

Positions Available

There are 1 positions available at this time.

Application Period

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 through Sunday, October 25, 2026

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