Community Outreach Specialist

Delivering Innovation in Supportive Housing (DISH)

Job Announcement: Community Outreach Specialist

Position Title: Community Outreach Specialist

Reports To: Harm Reduction Program Manager

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $29–$31 per hour based on experience

Location and Position Type: Onsite

Prepared Date: October 2025

About the Role

The Community Outreach Specialist works within the DISH Harm Reduction Program in the Community Development Department, delivering holistic, resident-first programming to support recovery from the trauma of homelessness. The focus areas include Overdose Prevention and Harm Reduction.

This position is part of the new Harm Reduction Program, which expands DISH’s Overdose Prevention initiatives, including the Peer Responder/Tenant Peer Educator program and other harm reduction education and training programs across DISH and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH).

The Community Outreach Specialist reports directly to the Harm Reduction Program Manager and upholds DISH’s mission to provide high-quality, permanent housing to San Franciscans managing serious health issues.

Primary Focus Areas:

• Community Building
• Harm Reduction & Overdose Prevention
• Tenant Leadership Development
• Staff and Resident Relationship Culture

This is an on-site, full-time, non-exempt position with flexible hours.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Community Building & Tenant Programming

Implement community-based, holistic programs that promote healing, harm reduction, leadership, housing retention, and tenant satisfaction.

• Support Overdose Prevention initiatives and collaborate with the Harm Reduction Program Manager and team.
• Assist in designing, developing, and delivering the Peer Responder and Tenant Peer Educator programs.
• Recruit up to 30 peer responders across identified PSH sites in coordination with the SFDPH Office of Overdose Prevention.
• Coordinate and deliver harm reduction trainings for PSH residents and staff.
• Develop harm reduction curriculum, workshops, and events.
• Support program evaluation and grant reporting efforts.
• Lead two Peer Responder/Tenant Peer Educator cohorts with the Harm Reduction Program Team.

Administrative & Site Support

• Perform administrative duties such as tenant communication, expense tracking, and program reporting.
• Track program incentives (e.g., gift cards, receipts, participant acknowledgments).
• Create program materials such as flyers, posters, and newsletters.
• Assist in volunteer event coordination and outreach.

Stakeholder Management

• Build relationships with community partners, attend neighborhood meetings, and identify new collaboration opportunities.
• Collaborate with staff, agencies, and residents to promote teamwork.
• Participate in monthly meetings with Support Services and Property Management teams.
• Address tenant conflicts through supportive communication.
• Demonstrate DISH’s Mission, Values, and Service Commitments at all times.

DISH Values

• Excellence & Focus: Prioritize what’s in our control and deliver high-quality service.
• Initiative & Innovation: Continuously improve and innovate our services.
• Fairness & Consistency: Promote equity and inclusion for all tenants and staff.
• Respect & Openness: Communicate honestly and embrace diversity.

Qualifications and Skills

• Experience with supportive housing and/or harm reduction.
• Customer service or client relations experience; training may substitute for experience.
• Strong commitment to DISH’s mission and teamwork.
• Facilitation and conflict resolution skills; empathetic communication.
• Strong critical thinking, crisis management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer proficiency (Word, Excel, email, internet, publications).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable engaging people from diverse backgrounds, including those with mental health, substance use, or homelessness histories.

Organizational Relationships

Regular interaction with residents, service providers, staff, and DISH managers.

Physical Demands

• Frequent use of computer, phone, and office equipment.
• Occasional lifting (up to 10 lbs) and stair climbing.
• Must be able to travel locally and occasionally out of town for work.

Work Environment

• Shared office environment with moderate noise and frequent resident interaction.
• Work occasionally conducted at single-room occupancy housing sites.
• Typical schedule is weekday/daytime with occasional special projects requiring flexibility.

Compensation

• Full-time, non-exempt position starting at $29/hour, depending on experience.
• Includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and retirement benefits.

Equal Opportunity Statement

DISH, a project of Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected classification.

Applying

Position open until filled. Applicants must submit:

• Resume
• Cover letter explaining interest and qualifications

Email materials to: waynerafus@dishsf.org

No phone calls or drop-ins, please.