COMMUNITY OUTREACH SPECIALIST

Recruitment #2607-2202DC-001

List Type Exempt

Requesting Department Department Office of Community Wellness and Safety

Open Date 7/2/2026 2:15:00 PM

Filing Deadline 7/24/2026 11:59:00 PM Apply

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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

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, and ***email_hidden*** 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 [email protected].

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.