Community Outreach Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s interconnected society, the need for community outreach counselors is more crucial than ever.

As social issues and community needs evolve, the demand for compassionate, dedicated professionals who can effectively engage, support, and enhance our communities grows stronger.

But let’s delve into the specifics: What’s truly expected from a community outreach counselor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager working on the perfect job specification,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of community outreach,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable community outreach counselor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Community Outreach Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

Community Outreach Counselors play a vital role in promoting the wellbeing of individuals and communities.

They work to create connections between organizations and the communities they serve, providing counseling, resources, and services.

Community Outreach Counselors are primarily responsible for:

• Engaging with the community to understand their needs and concerns
• Developing and implementing outreach programs and initiatives
• Working with community members to identify issues and potential solutions
• Providing individual and group counseling services to community members
• Collaborating with other professionals, like social workers and health educators, to provide comprehensive services
• Organizing and leading community meetings or forums to discuss community issues or present information
• Maintaining detailed records of outreach efforts and their impacts
• Building partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses to support community development
• Providing crisis intervention and referral services as needed
• Promoting awareness of available resources and services within the community

 

Community Outreach Counselor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Community Outreach Counselor to join our team.

This role involves developing and implementing outreach strategies to connect with community members, providing counseling services, and assisting individuals in accessing resources.

The Community Outreach Counselor should have excellent interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of community needs, and the ability to build strong relationships with diverse groups of people.

The goal is to help foster a supportive community environment that promotes well-being and access to resources and services.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement community outreach programs
• Provide counseling and support to individuals and groups
• Assist individuals in accessing community resources and services
• Build and maintain relationships with community members and organizations
• Organize and participate in community events and meetings
• Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of outreach efforts
• Maintain detailed records and prepare reports for management
• Adhere to professional standards and ethical guidelines

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field
• Proven experience in community outreach or counseling roles
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of community resources and services
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Community Outreach Counselor
• Work Environment: This role requires both office work and field work, including visits to community locations. Some evening or weekend hours may be required for community events or meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Community Outreach Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Community Outreach Counselor Do?

Community Outreach Counselors often work for non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, or educational institutions.

They can also be hired by corporations to conduct community-related programs and initiatives.

Their primary role involves developing and implementing outreach programs to educate and provide services to underprivileged individuals or communities.

They are responsible for identifying the needs of the community, and creating strategies to meet those needs effectively.

Community Outreach Counselors work closely with other community leaders, social workers, and volunteers to organize events, workshops, or programs that can provide assistance or spread awareness about various issues.

They are skilled in building strong relationships within the community and are usually the primary contact person for the organization they represent.

They connect the organization with community members, local businesses, and other organizations to build partnerships and strengthen community ties.

Community Outreach Counselors may also be responsible for fundraising activities, grant writing, and maintaining accurate records of the programs.

They play a crucial role in spreading awareness, advocating, and ensuring the well-being of the community they serve.

 

Community Outreach Counselor Qualifications and Skills

A Community Outreach Counselor should possess a unique mix of interpersonal skills, knowledge in counseling, and understanding of community dynamics, such as:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills to develop and maintain respectful and empathetic relationships with diverse individuals and communities.
• Strong communication skills to convey information effectively to individuals, groups, and communities, and to facilitate conflict resolution and consensus-building.
• Extensive knowledge in counseling and social work, ideally with a focus on specific community issues such as mental health, substance abuse, or homelessness.
• Understanding and respect for diversity, with the ability to work effectively with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple projects, resources, and schedules effectively.
• Problem-solving skills to identify community needs and develop suitable outreach programs and interventions.
• Ability to develop and implement community outreach strategies, including community education and engagement activities.
• Knowledge of local resources and services to refer community members in need of additional support.

 

Community Outreach Counselor Experience Requirements

Community Outreach Counselors often start their career journey with a degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field, where they gain theoretical knowledge.

Internships or part-time roles in social services, community organizations or counseling centers during or post-studies are a common way for aspiring Community Outreach Counselors to gain practical experience.

Entry-level candidates usually have 1 to 2 years of experience in a related field, such as Social Worker, Mental Health Counselor, or Community Organizer.

This allows them to develop their counseling, organization, and communication skills in a professional setting.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience have often progressed their roles and responsibilities in social services or counseling settings, developing their ability to design and implement community outreach programs and interventions.

Those with more than 5 years of experience usually have experience managing or coordinating community outreach programs and initiatives.

They may also have experience in grant writing, fundraising, or policy development, thus preparing them for leadership roles within community outreach.

 

Community Outreach Counselor Education and Training Requirements

A Community Outreach Counselor typically needs to have a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling or a related field.

In addition to this, some states and employers require counselors to have a master’s degree in counseling or social work.

These programs focus on teaching students about human behavior, mental health theories, ethical practices, and counseling techniques.

In order to practice, a Community Outreach Counselor must be licensed.

The criteria for licensure vary by state but generally require a master’s degree, a certain amount of supervised clinical experience, and passing a state-recognized exam.

Beyond these requirements, some counselors choose to earn a certification in a specific area of counseling.

For instance, they could specialize in substance abuse counseling, family and marital counseling, or trauma counseling.

It is also essential for a Community Outreach Counselor to have strong interpersonal and communication skills.

They should be able to interact effectively with people from various backgrounds and understand their needs.

Continuing education is also important in this role, as it allows the counselor to stay updated on the latest counseling techniques, theories, and ethical guidelines.

This could be achieved through regular training programs and workshops.

 

Community Outreach Counselor Salary Expectations

A Community Outreach Counselor earns an average salary of $45,060 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary based on factors such as experience, educational background, geographical location, and the organization they work for.

 

Community Outreach Counselor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Community Outreach Counselor need?

Community Outreach Counselors should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills as they will need to interact with different community groups and individuals.

They should have the ability to empathize with others, resolve conflicts, and manage their time efficiently.

They should also have strong organizational and event planning skills to manage various outreach initiatives.

Knowledge of community resources and cultural sensitivity are also important skills in this role.

 

Do Community Outreach Counselors need a degree?

Most organizations require Community Outreach Counselors to have at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to social work, psychology, counseling, or public health.

Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or prior experience in community service or outreach roles.

Licensing requirements vary by state and can include passing an exam or completing a certain amount of supervised work experience.

 

What should you look for in a Community Outreach Counselor resume?

In a Community Outreach Counselor’s resume, look for a degree in a relevant field and any additional training or certification in counseling or social services.

Experience in community work, volunteer service, or a counseling role is also valuable.

An ideal candidate should also demonstrate their ability to work with diverse groups, manage conflicts, and coordinate community events or programs.

 

What qualities make a good Community Outreach Counselor?

A good Community Outreach Counselor is empathetic, patient, and able to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.

They should be passionate about serving their community and have the ability to inspire and motivate others.

Good counselors also have excellent problem-solving skills, are able to work independently, and are comfortable speaking in public.

They should be culturally sensitive and respectful of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people they serve.

 

What are the daily duties of a Community Outreach Counselor?

On a typical day, a Community Outreach Counselor might conduct one-on-one counseling sessions, organize and attend community events, or conduct workshops on various topics.

They might also spend time identifying community needs and resources, developing outreach strategies, or collaborating with other social service organizations.

Part of their day may also involve administrative tasks such as maintaining client records, preparing reports, or applying for funding.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved deeper into the multifaceted role of a community outreach counselor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about counseling.

It’s about shaping the future of communities, one conversation, and one connection at a time.

With our readily available community outreach counselor job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to embark on your journey.

But why stop there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating impeccable job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every conversation, every connection is part of the larger community fabric.

Let’s weave that future. Together.

How to Become a Community Outreach Counselor (Complete Guide)

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