Description
Position Title: Community Outreach Specialist – Family Connects Chicago (FCC) Community Alignment – West Region
Department: Foster Care
Reports to: Community Alignment Manager
About the Program:
The Family Connects Chicago (FCC) Community Alignment System strengthens the ecosystem of supports for birthing people and newborns by improving hyperlocal outreach, referral coordination, and community voice in neighborhoods experiencing the greatest disparities in infant mortality and maternal health outcomes. UCAN will serve as the Community Alignment Delegate for the West Region, embedding FCC within trusted West Side networks. The program advances CDPH’s four objectives: (1) outreach in priority areas; (2) systems improvement to strengthen referral pathways; (3) community engagement to elevate parent voice; and (4) coordination to ensure a unified citywide system. UCAN’s established trauma-informed infrastructure in North Lawndale and Garfield Park allows immediate implementation. The program formalizes navigation and alignment activities that UCAN already performs, ensuring that families identified through FCC nurse home visits are successfully connected to behavioral health, housing supports, food access, safe sleep resources, and other essential services.
Position Objective and Summary:
The Community Outreach Specialist is a frontline, community-based role responsible for engaging West Side residents, raising awareness of Family Connects Chicago (FCC), and connecting pregnant and postpartum caregivers to navigation, resources, and infant essentials through hyperlocal outreach and events.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Conduct door-to-door canvassing, tabling, and other outreach activities in priority West Region neighborhoods.
- Attend and help organize community events (e.g., baby showers, resource fairs, health events) to promote FCC and share key public health messages.
- Provide clear, strengths-based information about FCC nurse home visits, postpartum wellness, infant safety, and available supports.
- Make warm introductions to UCAN navigation staff and external partners (e.g., WIC, home visiting, early childhood programs, behavioral health providers).
- Support the distribution of infant essentials and safe sleep materials in coordination with the Navigation & Data Coordinator and partner organizations.
- Track outreach contacts, locations, and referrals using standardized forms and/or mobile tools.
- Participate in regular team meetings, trainings, and reflective supervision sessions.
- Maintain confidentiality and represent UCAN and FCC in a professional, culturally responsive manner.
Must have transportation
Education/Job Experience/Certifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; B.A. or training in public health, community organizing, or human services highly preferred.
- Lived experience or deep familiarity with West Side communities.
- At least one year of experience in outreach, community health work, peer support, or related human services work.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to engage comfortably with community members in diverse settings.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred for at least one position.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
Summary
At UCAN, we prioritize the health and well-being of our team, as it is essential to our mission of serving the community. Our competitive benefits package is designed to help you and your family thrive. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of the benefits we offer.
Benefits You Can Choose From:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Voluntary Life Insurance
- Voluntary Short-Term Disability
- Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
- Voluntary Accident Coverage
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
- Retirement Plan (401k)
- Tuition Reimbursement
Benefits Provided at No Cost to You:
- Group Life and AD&D Insurance
- Group Long-Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
UCAN is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages candidates with lived experience and diverse backgrounds to apply.