Community Outreach Specialist

CEDARS Youth Services; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Long Term Disability

401K/403b Plan

Childcare Discount

Job summary

Cedars Youth Services in Lincoln, Nebraska seeks a BCP Community Outreach Family Partner to raise awareness of shelter and prevention services, build referral networks, and engage youth and families who may benefit from Cedars’ programs.

The role includes in-home family support, case management, and coordination with schools and community partners to ensure access to resources and continuity of care. A bachelor’s degree is required and strong communication is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology or closely related field.
• 2 years of experience working with children and families preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills for engaging youth and families.
• Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients served.
• Trauma-informed, strengths-based, family-centered approaches.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and implement outreach strategies to increase awareness of program services, build community partnerships, and generate referrals from schools, community organizations, service providers, and other sources.
• Represent Cedars Youth Services at outreach events, school activities, community presentations, and engagement opportunities to connect with youth and families who may benefit from prevention and intervention services.
• Serve as an initial point of contact for referred youth and families by explaining program services, determining eligibility, coordinating meetings, and facilitating enrollment into services.
• Complete required intake documentation, assessments, service plans, and other program requirements in compliance with agency, funding source, and regulatory standards.
• Provide individualized case management and in-home family support services to youth and families, including assessment, goal planning, skill development, crisis support, transportation, supervision and connection to community resources.
• Build supportive relationships with youth and caregivers to strengthen family functioning, improve stability, and prevent out-of-home placement.
• Coordinate care with families, schools, community partners, service providers, and internal Cedars programs to ensure continuity of services and successful outcomes.
• Monitor client progress, maintain accurate and timely documentation, and complete required reports to measure outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Provide follow-up and aftercare services to support ongoing family success and connection to resources.
• Support youth safety, supervision, transportation, educational engagement, life skills development, appointments, recreational activities, and other program needs.
• Participate in case consultations, staff meetings, trainings, program planning, and interdisciplinary team collaboration.
• Track outreach efforts, referral activity, family engagement, and service outcomes to identify trends and opportunities for continuous program improvement.
• Be available as needed to provide on-call support, consultation, and services at varying times of the day and evening.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures of Cedars Youth Services.
• Maintain confidentiality of clients served by this organization and professional boundaries in the provision of services.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Outreach coordination

Case management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

As one of Nebraska's leading child-serving organizations, CEDARS helps children and youth achieve safety, stability, and enduring family relationships. We provide programs and services that help kids and families navigate challenges, strengthen connections, and build brighter futures.

Guided by the belief that every child deserves safety, support, and the opportunity to thrive, we work alongside families, foster parents, community partners, and supporters to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and youth.

At CEDARS, we strive to createa workplace that reflects the community we serve, and where everyone feels like their identities are embraced and valued. When we practice empathy, and celebrate the diverse perspectives of our employees, it fuels innovation and creates an environment where we can attract a broad range ofcandidatesand our employees are empowered to do their best work.

Job Skills / Requirements

Reports To: Assistant Program Director

Classification: Non-Exempt

Rate of Pay: $20.70/hour

Schedule: Monday-Friday 10:00am-6:00pm with flexibility

Job Summary

CEDARS Pioneers Center is the only short-term emergency shelter serving youth ages 12–18 who do not have immediate access to another safe living arrangement in southeast Nebraska. Youth may need shelter due to family conflict, abuse or neglect, homelessness, in home disruptions, or other circumstances requiring short-term stabilization.

The Basic Center Program (BCP) is part of CEDARS’ continuum of services designed to prevent youth homelessness and out-of-home placements through family-centered support, in-home services, emergency shelter, and aftercare.

The BCP Community Outreach Family Partner will primarily focus on increasing community awareness of BCP services, developing referral partnerships, and engaging youth and families who may benefit from prevention services. This position will serve as an initial point of contact for families, explain available services, identify family needs, and facilitate connections to appropriate support.

In addition to outreach and family engagement, this position will provide in-home family support, case management, and shelter-related assistance as needed. The ideal candidate is energetic, outgoing, organized, and skilled at building relationships, communicating program information, and developing partnerships within the community.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and implement outreach strategies to increase awareness of program services, build community partnerships, and generate referrals from schools, community organizations, service providers, and other referral sources.
• Represent CEDARS at outreach events, school activities, community presentations, and engagement opportunities to connect with youth and families who may benefit from prevention and intervention services.
• Serve as an initial point of contact for referred youth and families by explaining program services, determining eligibility, coordinating introductory meetings, and facilitating enrollment into services.
• Complete required intake documentation, assessments, service plans, and other program requirements in compliance with agency, funding source, and regulatory standards.
• Provide individualized case management and in-home family support services to youth and families, including assessment, goal planning, skill development, crisis support, transportation, supervision and connection to community resources.
• Build supportive relationships with youth and caregivers to strengthen family functioning, improve stability, and prevent out-of-home placement.
• Coordinate care with families, schools, community partners, service providers, and internal CEDARS programs to ensure continuity of services and successful outcomes.
• Monitor client progress, maintain accurate and timely documentation, and complete required reports to measure outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Provide follow-up and aftercare services to support ongoing family success and connection to resources.
• Support youth safety, supervision, transportation, educational engagement, life skills development, appointments, recreational activities, and other program needs.
• Participate in case consultations, staff meetings, trainings, program planning, and interdisciplinary team collaboration.
• Track outreach efforts, referral activity, family engagement, and service outcomes to identify trends and opportunities for continuous program improvement.
• Be available as needed to provide on-call support, consultation, and services at varying times of the day and evening
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures of CEDARS.
• Maintain confidentiality of clients served by this organization and professional boundaries in the provision of services.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology or closely related field.
• 2 years of experience working with children and families is preferred.
• A genuine interest in and concern for all youth and families.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the clients and families CEDARS serves.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage individuals and establish professional partnerships.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including confidence in public speaking, presentations, and group facilitation.
• An outgoing, energetic, approachable, and self-motivated personality.
• Ability to develop and implement outreach strategies, generate referrals, and independently follow through on planned activities.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with youth, families, coworkers, and community partners from diverse backgrounds.
• Understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based, and family-centered approaches.

Education Requirements (All)

Bachelor's Degree Required

Additional Information / Benefits

As a full-time active employee, you are eligible to participate in the following benefits:

medical, dental, and vision coverages

flexible spending accounts and health spending accounts

personal leave, emergency leave, paid holidays, and floating holidays

retirement plan up to 5% company match

life & long-term disability insurance

employee assistance program

wellness and engagement program

opportunities to collect overtime hours if desired

shift differentials for overnight hours worked and holidays

extensive training and professional development opportunities

Benefits: Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Days, Paid Holidays, Long Term Disability, 401K/403b Plan, Childcare Discount