Community Partnership Specialist - Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties.

Empath Health is seeking a compassionate, enthusiastic and proactive Community Partnership Specialist that will focus on building and maintaining strong community relationships within Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties.

The Community Partnership Specialist is responsible for promoting Empath Health's vision and mission through education and engagement with community partners to generate inquiries into our range of services while increasing brand awareness. The Community Partnership Specialist conducts a variety of outreach activities, builds strategic community relationships based on the needs and requirements of the organization and the community, and represents the organization to increase awareness of our mission and all Empath Health services.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Community Outreach: Develops and implements a strategic community- facing outreach plan with the goals of generating educational requests, participation in community events to build brand recognition and service inquiries for Empath Health's range of services. Executes all required activities in the plan to carry out a variety of community outreach actions within the service area.
2. Community Representation: Represents Empath Health at a variety of relevant community events and initiatives in order to provide two-way communication flows from the community to the organization and from the organization to the community, regarding the development of resources and messaging. Assists the organization with addressing the concerns and issues of the community and incorporating into strategic and operating plans. Proactively seeks opportunities to represent the organization with mission aligned organizations, community groups, and events.
3. Subject Matter Expertise: Demonstrates a thorough and complete knowledge of the organization including: vision, mission and values; services and resources available and associated eligibility criteria; organizational contacts for all service lines; organizational strategy; current marketing initiatives; and how services are differentiated from competitors in the marketplace. Is proactive in keeping knowledge current as changes occur.
4. Public Speaking: Speaks publicly on behalf of Empath Health and its family of programs, always ensuring to deliver accurate information and messaging aligned with current organizational strategy. Delivers scripted presentations and develops new presentations as required.
5. Organizational Initiatives: Takes leadership roles and participates in all active organizational community engagement projects and department initiatives (e.g. community forums and events, Empath events, etc.).
6. Community Partnership Development: Builds collaborative community partnerships that result in the formation of new or enhanced programs, services, resources, education, and relationships that benefit Empath Health. Participate in the development and implementation of program initiatives related to focus groups, needs assessments and community conversations
7. Measurement of Mission: Timely participation in department and organizational tools to measure and demonstrate effectiveness of efforts and frequency of community outreach visits. Participates in soliciting feedback mechanisms to evaluate success of all outreach activities. Follows up with community contacts in a timely manner. Manages community concerns and inquiries through established organizational protocols.
8. Other duties as assigned by Community Engagement Director.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 3 years community outreach and/or professional relations experience
• Excellent communication, listening and interpersonal relationship skills, including public speaking experience.
• Knowledge and proven experience in community organizing and collaboration with various community stakeholders. Familiarity with community development principles and tools that strengthen community engagement.
• Experience planning and facilitating public meetings, events and forums.
• Experience identifying community needs through focus groups, surveys, interviews, data review and other resources.
• Ability to work independently, exercising a high degree self-motivation, resourcefulness, independent judgement, timely submission of documentation, problem-solving, and time management skills.
• Knowledge and command of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel.
• Available to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities, and to meet deadlines.
• Must have reliable transportation and auto insurance and be willing and able to travel throughout the county and other territories as needed.

Empath Health values diversity as it strengthens our community and care. We embrace the diversity of cultures, thoughts, beliefs and traditions of our employees, volunteers and people we are honored to serve across our network. Our diverse staff reflects our community and each day, we work to be respectful, sensitive and competent with each other and those in our care. In every journey, we are dedicated to achieving comfort, dignity and exceptional care. Those of all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply with us or seek our care and services.

Our commitment to patient, client, staff and volunteer safety is a cornerstone of a High Reliability Organization with a focus on zero harm. Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Empath Health employees.

Providing compassionate, full life care is an honor we take seriously at Empath Health. Join our team and make a positive impact in the community!