Community Outreach Specialist

Educational Data Systems (EDSI); Reading (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Educational Data Systems (EDSI) seeks a Community Outreach Specialist in Reading, IL to advance partnerships and raise awareness of workforce services within Berks County. This role emphasizes relationship building with community organizations, employers, and educational partners to expand access to PA CareerLink® resources.

The position requires strong communication, presentation skills, and the ability to travel for events such as job fairs and community gatherings.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Comfortable presenting information to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, educational institutions, municipal partners, employers, and other stakeholders to strengthen referral pathways and collaboration.
• Conduct face-to-face and virtual meetings with organizational representatives to discuss collaboration and promote PA CareerLink® services.
• Represent PA CareerLink® Berks County at community events, job fairs, resource fairs, chamber events, etc., to increase visibility and awareness of services.
• Engage directly with job seekers and employers to provide information on PA CareerLink® services, training opportunities, and next steps for accessing services.
• Track outreach activities, contacts, referrals, event participation, and outcomes; maintain required documentation; and submit timely reports to the Community Outreach Coordinator.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Willingness to travel

Bilingual Spanish/English

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description:

Title: Community Outreach Specialist
Salary: $45,000
Classification: Non-Exempt
Scope of Position

The Community Outreach Specialist serves as a visible ambassador for PA CareerLink® Berks County by building and maintaining community partnerships, increasing public awareness of services, and supporting access to workforce development opportunities across Berks County. This position operates within a unified, countywide outreach strategy, including CareerLink on the Move, and balances both relationship-building and direct community engagement to ensure consistent and strategic outreach coverage.

Essential Functions

• Build and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, educational institutions, municipal partners, employers, and other stakeholders to strengthen referral pathways and collaboration.
• Conduct face-to-face and virtual meetings with organizational representatives to discuss collaboration and promote PA CareerLink® services.
• Represent PA CareerLink® Berks County at community events, job fairs, resource fairs, chamber events, and partner meetings to increase visibility and awareness of services.
• Support the planning, coordination, setup, delivery, and follow-up of community-based outreach activities, including CareerLink on the Move, pop-up events, presentations, and recurring service locations across Berks County.
• Engage directly with job seekers and employers to provide information on PA CareerLink® services, training opportunities (including OJTs and ITAs), and clear next steps for accessing services.
• Coordinate with internal departments to promote Business Services, Training Services, Rapid Response, and other workforce initiatives, and refer employer leads and service opportunities to the appropriate team for follow-up.
• Support employer-focused outreach activities, recruitment events, job fairs, and community hiring initiatives in coordination with the Business Services Team.
• Assist with Rapid Response outreach and community-based service delivery for businesses and workers affected by layoffs, closures, or other workforce disruptions.
• Conduct onsite and offsite presentations and workshops related to training, employment, and re-employment services.
• Inform PA CareerLink® staff of supportive services available through community organizations to assist customers in overcoming barriers to employment and training.
• Connect community-based organizations with the PA CareerLink® website and support efforts to streamline referral processes.
• Develop and maintain a database of community organizations, partners, and contact information.
• Ensure outreach and partner resource materials are available and up to date for PA CareerLink® customers.
• Coordinate with the Outreach Team to share event details, community needs, partner updates, photos, and success stories that support timely and consistent outreach communications.
• Identify gaps in service access and opportunities to expand partnerships and strategic outreach coverage, with particular attention to underserved communities and populations across Berks County.
• Provide insight on outreach activities, partnerships, and trends for Market Intelligence Reports and internal planning.
• Assist in the PA CareerLink® resource area and support orientations and workshops as needed.
• Track outreach activities, contacts, referrals, event participation, and outcomes; maintain required documentation; and submit timely reports to the Community Outreach Coordinator.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of PA CareerLink® programs, services, funding streams, and staff roles to appropriately guide customers and partners.
• Maintain flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed to support community events, employer activities, and outreach initiatives.
• Perform other duties and support special projects as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in business, training, teaching, sales, or community engagement preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Comfortable presenting information to large and diverse audiences in a professional and clear manner
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability and willingness to travel to community-based events
• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends, with advance notice when practicable, based on the schedule of community events and outreach activities.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred but not required

EDSI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.