Community Outreach Specialist

Job Description

Introduction

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CIVIL SERVICE
The Community
Outreach Specialist is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Director
of the Department of Community Wellness and Safety.

Purpose

The Community Outreach Specialist supports the City of
Milwaukee's violence prevention efforts by overseeing mentorship, outreach, and
leadership development initiatives for youth, particularly those at risk,
justice-involved, or impacted by community violence and gang involvement.
This position is funded by a grant from the Department of
Labor through December 2027.

Essential Functions

Communication and Interpersonal

Plan and facilitate meetings and events with community and
system partners.
Track and report on partnership engagement and the impact of
youth violence prevention activities in Milwaukee.
Research and share best practices for youth violence
prevention in communities.
Develop innovative approaches for implementing violence
prevention efforts in Milwaukee.
Educate youth-serving agency leaders on the Blueprint for
Peace and provide support for aligning with the strategies in the Blueprint.
Oversee the design, coordination, and delivery of youth
mentorship, leadership, and employment development programs in partnership with Employ Milwaukee
and the Critical Response Team (CRT).
Ensure violence prevention, conflict resolution, and
personal development strategies are fully integrated into all program components.
Monitor program performance and outcomes to ensure alignment
with grant requirements and the City of Milwaukee objectives.
Provide direct support and guidance to youth participants,
including those with histories of justice involvement, gang affiliation, or exposure to violence.
Cultivate trust-based relationships with youth through
consistent mentorship, positive reinforcement, and goal-focused conversations.
Support CRT members in facilitating scenario-based learning,
de-escalation practices, and leadership skill-building activities.

Community Outreach, Collaboration, and Program Promotion

Collaborate with community organizations, schools, and city
partners to strengthen referral networks and expand access to youth employment and development
opportunities.
Represent the Department of Community Wellness and Safety (DCWS)
at community events, meetings, and collaborative planning sessions.
Foster partnerships that promote non-violence, community
healing, and youth empowerment across Milwaukee neighborhoods.
Assist with citywide community outreach events and violence
prevention campaigns.
Support department initiatives, training, or special
projects that align with the mission of DCWS
Collect and maintain participant data, attendance, and
progress tracking in accordance with Department of Labor grant guidelines.
Prepare regular reports summarizing program outcomes,
challenges, and success stories for internal and external stakeholders.
Use data insights to refine programming and demonstrate
impact to funders and partners.

Conditions of Employment

Standard work hours are 8:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Monday through
Friday; occasional weekend and evening hours may be required.
Must travel between DCWS and other community-based sites
and/or work at multiple locations.
Travel outside the City of Milwaukee for job-related
training, presentations, and conferences; occasional overnight travel may be
required.
Must carry a mobile device during business hours.
Required to respond to an emergency or broad-impact event.

The pre-employment medical tests include:

Physical Exam
Vision Exam
Audio-Gram

Minimum Requirements

Four years of experience in program facilitation related to
human services, community violence prevention, crisis response, and trauma
support OR a Bachelor's degree in a human services field such as public health,
social work, education, health education, or a related field from an accredited
college or university.
Ability to travel independently around the City of Milwaukee
by public transportation, walking, biking, or automobile.

Note: Equivalent combination of education and experience may
be considered.

Desirable Qualifications

Experience working with justice-impacted youth or youth at
risk for justice involvement
Bilingual in Spanish/ English

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

Knowledge of youth mentorship, violence prevention, conflict
resolution, and trauma-informed practices.
Experience coordinating community outreach, employment
readiness, and leadership development programs.
Knowledge of grant funding processes through public and
private sources.
Ability to manage program documentation, participant
records, and grant-related reporting.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and case management or
data tracking systems.
Knowledge of social media platforms and how to interact with
them.
Ability to read and interpret work-related documents.
Ability to gather and interpret data and respond to data
requests.
Knowledge and understanding of the public health approach to
violence prevention.

Interpersonal and Communication

Ability to build trusting relationships with at-risk,
justice-involved, and diverse youth through empathy and lived experience.
Skill in giving presentations, including group facilitation
and public speaking.
Skill in mentoring, coaching, active listening, and conflict
mediation.
Ability to collaborate effectively with community partners,
city departments, multiple levels of government and multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with coworkers
and residents whose backgrounds may differ from one's own.
Verbal communication skills, including the ability to speak
clearly and persuasively, effectively present information, and respond to
questions from other managers, clients, and the public.
Written communication skills, including the ability to write
narrative case notes, routine reports, and professional correspondence.

Judgment and Professionalism

Ability to think critically, demonstrate sound judgment, and
make ethical decisions when working with vulnerable populations.
Strong organizational and time management skills with the
ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and
composure in high-pressure situations or crises.
Commitment to accountability, integrity, equity, and
fostering positive youth outcomes.
Dedication to the promotion of family and community health
and a commitment to staying apprised of best practices.
Ability to serve as an effective steward of City resources.
Highly motivated and self-directed.
Ability to plan work, prioritize assignments, and complete
tasks to meet deadlines.
Decision-making and problem-solving skills to handle complex
issues as they arise.
Ability to work under pressure.

Current Salary

The current salary range (2GN) is $65,112-$78,768 annually,
and the resident incentive salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $67,717-$81,918
annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of
experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.
BENEFITS
The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit
program that includes the following:

Wisconsin Retirement Systems (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension
Plan
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Health and Dental Insurance
Paid Parental Leave
Comprehensive Wellness Program
Onsite Clinic Services
Onsite Employee Assistance Program
Alternative Work Schedules
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Group Life Insurance
Tuition Benefits
Paid Vacation
12 Paid Holidays
Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
Flexible Spending Arrangement
Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of
Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits

Selection Process

Screening for this position will be based on an evaluation
of each applicant's education, experience, and professional accomplishments,
which should be detailed in a cover letter and resume.
Cover letter and resume must be sent via email to Administrative
Assistant Sherri Edwards at DCWS@Milwaukee.gov by 7/24/2026
Please indicate "Community Outreach Specialist" in the
subject line of the email.
Questions relative to the selection process may be directed
to Administrative Assistant Sherri Edwards
The City of Milwaukee reserves the right to invite only the
most qualified applicants to participate in the selection process.

INITIAL FILING DATE:

The selection process will be conducted as soon as practical
after 7/24/2026
Receipt of application materials may be discontinued at any
time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue
until the City's needs have been met. The applicant is responsible for
attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place
designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

APPLICATION and further information may be accessed by
visiting https://www.jobapscloud.com/MIL/.
If you would like assistance completing an application,
please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
The Department of Employee Relations is located in City
Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Conclusion

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is
an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

requirements and the City of Milwaukee objectives.
Provide direct support and guidance to youth participants,
including those with histories of justice involvement, gang affiliation, or exposure to violence.
Cultivate trust-based relationships with youth through
consistent mentorship, positive reinforcement, and goal-focused conversations.
Support CRT members in facilitating scenario-based learning,
de-escalation practices, and leadership skill-building activities.

Community Outreach, Collaboration, and Program Promotion

Collaborate with community organizations, schools, and city
partners to strengthen referral networks and expand access to youth employment and development
opportunities.
Represent the Department of Community Wellness and Safety (DCWS)
at community events, meetings, and collaborative planning sessions.
Foster partnerships that promote non-violence, community
healing, and youth empowerment across Milwaukee neighborhoods.
Assist with citywide community outreach events and violence
prevention campaigns.
Support department initiatives, training, or special
projects that align with the mission of DCWS
Collect and maintain participant data, attendance, and
progress tracking in accordance with Department of Labor grant guidelines.
Prepare regular reports summarizing program outcomes,
challenges, and success stories for internal and external stakeholders.
Use data insights to refine programming and demonstrate
impact to funders and partners.

Conditions of Employment

Standard work hours are 8:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Monday through
Friday; occasional weekend and evening hours may be required.
Must travel between DCWS and other community-based sites
and/or work at multiple locations.
Travel outside the City of Milwaukee for job-related
training, presentations, and conferences; occasional overnight travel may be
required.
Must carry a mobile device during business hours.
Required to respond to an emergency or broad-impact event.

The pre-employment medical tests include:

Physical Exam
Vision Exam
Audio-Gram

Minimum Requirements

Four years of experience in program facilitation related to
human services, community violence prevention, crisis response, and trauma
support OR a Bachelor's degree in a human services field such as public health,
social work, education, health education, or a related field from an accredited
college or university.
Ability to travel independently around the City of Milwaukee
by public transportation, walking, biking, or automobile.

Note: Equivalent combination of education and experience may
be considered.

Desirable Qualifications

Experience working with justice-impacted youth or youth at
risk for justice involvement
Bilingual in Spanish/ English

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics

Technical

Knowledge of youth mentorship, violence prevention, conflict
resolution, and trauma-informed practices.
Experience coordinating community outreach, employment
readiness, and leadership development programs.