Outreach Specialist

ABOUT NWRC

Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) is a multi-service agency that covers the Washington counties of Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom, with offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon, Washington.  NWRC’s slogan: “Human services with you at the center” encapsulates its focus on creating new solutions to navigate the challenges of aging and disability, proactive paths to behavioral health and recovery, and new partnerships between healthcare and social services. We are seeking applicants for an Outreach Specialist. 

JOIN US

NWRC’s values are centered on the concepts of respect, inclusiveness, and striving to foster a healthy work environment for all employees. With these values in mind, we will do our part to support and further diversity, equity, and inclusion not only in our workplace, but in our communities. Toward this goal, we invite candidates from all backgrounds and perspectives to apply and help shape the future of NWRC.

WA CARES FUND PROGRAM

The WA Cares Fund is a newly created program in the State of Washington that offers an earned benefit designed to help people access long-term care services when they need them. The WA Cares Fund provides resources to help with daily activities like bathing, eating, moving around and managing medication. Starting July 2026 benefits become available for qualified, eligible individuals under the WA Cares Fund. For more information visit wacaresfund.wa.gov. 

A DAY IN THE LIFE 

The Outreach Specialist is dedicated to WA Cares and agency development by serving as a resource and liaison between NWRC, community members and contractors in pursuit of contracted services as well as disseminating information about the long-term care benefit to the community in Skagit, Whatcom, Island and San Juan counties. The Outreach Specialist primarily represents NWRC at meetings, community events, and in presentations. In addition to being a public representative of NWRC, daily activities might include coordinating with internal staff to plan for events, reaching out directly to community partners, creating materials and updates for NWRC’s website and social media, and completing reports on outreach efforts.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

10-Step pay range: $28.49- $37.17 hourly

NWRC salary ranges are comprised of a 10-Step scale. On their employment anniversary, employees are eligible for an annual pay increase to the next step in the associated salary range, subject to satisfactory performance. In addition to the annual pay increases, NWRC assesses cost of living adjustments (COLA) on an annual basis, subject to Governing Board approval. New employees at NWRC usually start at the first step in the position’s assigned salary range. NWRC may consider a higher step when evaluating the candidate’s experience, training, or proven capability. Internal equity will be reviewed and prioritized when determining a starting pay rate.

As a full-time, permanent, non-exempt role, this position is eligible for the following benefits: 

• 100% Employer paid medical for individual employee plans and up to 95% paid medical for dependent coverage plans, with multiple plan options


• 100% Employer paid Dental and Vision for the employee and eligible dependents with multiple plan options
  


• Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS 2 or PERS 3)


• 100% Employer paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employee & dependents


• Life and Long-term Disability insurance, including voluntary buy-up options


• Vacation Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month & increasing with longevity


• Sick Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month


• 13 Paid Holidays Annually


• 3 Paid Wellness Days Annually


• Voluntary Flex Spending Plans for health and/or child/elder care


• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program


• Alternative Work Schedules


• Hybrid Work Environment


• 4% premium pay offered for Certified Social Services Interpreters 

Note:  NWRC meets the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) definition of a public service organization.

SCHEDULE & LOCATION
NWRC strives to offer employees schedule flexibility while balancing the needs of their role within the agency with their personal lives. The Outreach Specialist will work with the WA Cares Program Supervisor to develop a schedule that includes regular, in person time in the Whatcom office as well as optional remote days. In addition, the Outreach Specialist role occasionally performs work outside of standard business hours, including on weekends, for outside assignments and events. 

QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in social services or related field; AND two years of experience in social services and/or in a support staff function; OR


• Two years of college level courses in a relevant field; AND four years’ experience in social services and/or in a support staff function; OR


• An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the skills, knowledge and ability to perform the work.


• Experience and knowledge of WA Cares benefit preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated skills in interpersonal communication, public speaking, motivational interviewing, problem solving, organization, time management, and documentation of activities.


• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format. Ability to develop and present clear information to groups of people.


• Ability to work independently in both office and community settings, drafting of routine correspondence and problem solving.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other members of government service, community agencies, appropriate community businesses, and members of the general public using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.


• Knowledge of issues related to aging and disability, service delivery systems, and family caregiver issues.


• Skill and/or fluency in speaking Russian, Punjabi or Spanish is desired.


• Demonstrates an ability to engage with communities of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities.


• Demonstrates an understanding of institutional barriers to services.


• Demonstrated ability, willingness and commitment to support an environment that advocates and creates a sense of belonging for individuals of all ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds.

 Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements:

• Must have a valid driver's license, a vehicle available for work-related travel, and appropriate liability insurance.
  

RECRUITMENT & SELECTION PROCESS

NWRC is committed to continuous improvement in our recruitment and selection practices. We strive to provide a respectful, inclusive and transparent candidate experience, while reducing barriers and supporting equitable access to employment opportunities. We prioritize timely, clear communication with candidates to reduce uncertainty and our selection process is comprised of job-related evaluation methods that are reviewed by multiple hiring team members. Applicants may request reasonable accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.