Outreach Engagement Specialist

Engagement Specialist – Street Outreach & Community Response
Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (GCBHS)
Downtown Cincinnati / Over-the-Rhine

Are you passionate about helping people and interested in building a career in social work, behavioral health, addiction services, or human services?

Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (GCBHS) is seeking an Engagement Specialist to support individuals in the Downtown Cincinnati and Over-the-Rhine communities who may be experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, addiction, or other barriers to stability.

This role is ideal for individuals who want hands-on experience working with vulnerable populations and are interested in careers in social work, case management, CDCA/addiction services, peer support, behavioral health, or community outreach.

As an Engagement Specialist, you will be part of a community-based outreach team that meets people where they are, helping connect them to housing resources, mental health treatment, addiction recovery services, and other critical supports.

This program is funded through a partnership with 3CDC and helps connect individuals in the community with services when they need them most.

What This Role Looks Like

This position is primarily community-based outreach work.

80% community outreach / 20% office-based work

Primarily working in Downtown Cincinnati and Over-the-Rhine

Responding to calls from the Generosity Hotline, where community members or individuals in need request support

Provided with a GCBHS cell phone to respond to outreach calls and coordinate services

When calls come in, you will respond by meeting individuals where they are — on the street, in parks, near businesses, or other public areas — and help assess their needs and connect them to appropriate services.

Individuals you support may be experiencing:

Homelessness or housing instability

Mental health challenges

Substance use or addiction

Crisis situations

Barriers to accessing social services

This role also supports the community information desk for social services, helping connect people to the right resources.

We are looking for individuals who have flexibility to work rotating shifts. Every other weekend required

Why Work at GCBHS?

GCBHS is a pioneer in behavioral health care, serving adults, children, and families across Greater Cincinnati.

We have been named a Top Workplace every year since 2010.

Working here means being part of a mission-driven organization committed to helping individuals build healthier, more stable lives.

Benefits and opportunities include:

Paid Time Off and Sick Time

Flexible work schedules

Comprehensive health insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer match

Professional development and training opportunities

Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility

GCBHS also offers career pathways for those entering the social work and behavioral health field, including opportunities for:

Tuition assistance

Practicum supervision

Licensure supervision

Continuing education credits

Many staff use this role as a stepping stone into careers in social work, addiction counseling (CDCA), peer support, case management, and behavioral health services.

Responsibilities

Respond to Generosity Hotline calls and community requests for assistance

Conduct in-person outreach throughout Downtown Cincinnati and Over-the-Rhine

Engage individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or addiction

Build rapport and trust with individuals who may be hesitant to seek services

Assess needs and connect individuals with housing, behavioral health care, and social services

Coordinate with community agencies and service providers

Develop psychosocial profiles through interviews and service history

Provide information and guidance through the social services information desk

Document interactions and referrals appropriately

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, or a related field (preferred)

OR High School Diploma with at least 3 years of experience in human services, outreach, behavioral health, or community support

We have proudly been named a Top Workplace in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky since 2010.

If you are passionate about helping individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges, and want to build a career in social work or behavioral health, we encourage you to apply.

Learn more about our mission at Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services.

#LifeChanging