Samhsa Project Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The NC Program is funded by SAMHSA (HHS). NC was created to prevent and reduce suicidal behavior and substance use/misuse, reduce the impact of trauma, and promote mental health among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth, up to and including age 24, by building a healthy network of systems, services, and partnerships that impact youth.

The Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator responsible for planning and implementing community outreach, education, and referral activities to increase awareness and utilization of program services. A core responsibility of this position is the development, re-engagement, and ongoing retention of the Interagency Advisory Council (IAC) and the Youth Advisory Council (YAC). Working with the Program Director, the Outreach Specialist serves as a primary liaison between the project and community members, youth, and partner agencies to ensure outreach efforts are culturally responsive and aligned with program goals.

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to perform all job-related activities as outlined below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Primary Functions: (NC)

Community Outreach & Engagement

1. Plans and conduct grant-allowable outreach, education, and engagement activities aligned with the approved SAMHSA work plan.
2. Represents the program at community events, schools, tribal and urban Indian organizations, and partner meetings.
3. Builds and sustains working relationships with:
   1. Schools and youth-serving organizations
   2. Tribal and urban Indian programs
   3. Behavioral health, healthcare, and prevention partners
4. Ensures outreach activities are culturally appropriate, youth-centered, and trauma-informed.

Advisory Council Development & Retention (Primary Responsibility)

1. Leads recruitment, onboarding, re-engagement, and retention of:
   1. Interagency Advisory Council (IAC)
   2. Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
2. Develops and implements structured engagement strategies to maintain active participation and quorum.
3. Coordinates council logistics, including:
   1. Scheduling meetings
   2. Preparing agendas and materials
   3. Meeting reminders and follow-up
   4. Documentation of attendance and participation
4. Serves as a consistent point of contact for council members to support continuity and prevent attrition.
5. Ensures councils function as meaningful advisory bodies, not ceremonial groups, and that feedback is integrated into program operations.

Youth Engagement & Prevention Education

1. Engages AI/AN youth in prevention-focused activities that promote protective factors, resilience, and help-seeking behaviors.
2. Supports youth voice and leadership through YAC participation and feedback mechanisms.
3. Distributes SAMHSA-approved, culturally appropriate prevention and wellness materials.
4. Coordinates youth-friendly outreach approaches consistent with Native Connections principles.

Referral, Coordination & Navigation

1. Provides information and referrals to youth and families seeking prevention, behavioral health, or supportive services.
2. Coordinates with internal SDCHC departments and external partners to facilitate appropriate access to services.
3. Maintains professional boundaries and operates within a non-clinical outreach scope.

Program Documentation & Grant Compliance

1. Maintains accurate, timely documentation of:
   1. Outreach activities
   2. IAC and YAC membership and participation
   3. Meetings, events, and engagement outcomes
2. Assists with data collection and reporting required for SAMHSA progress reports and internal monitoring.
3. Ensures all activities are:
   1. Grant-allowable
   2. Aligned with approved objectives
   3. Adequately documented for audit and OSV review

 Program Manager Support & Continuous Improvement

1. Supports the Program Manager in implementing the annual work plan.
2. Provides regular updates on:
   1. Advisory council status
   2. Outreach progress
   3. Engagement challenges and solutions
3. Brings forward youth and community feedback to inform program improvement and sustainability planning.
4. Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and SAMHSA-related technical assistance.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Experience in community outreach, prevention, youth engagement, or coalition/advisory council development.
2. Demonstrated ability to build and sustain community and youth partnerships.
3. Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
4. Ability to work independently while meeting grant deadlines and deliverables.
5. Experience working with Native/Tribal communities strongly preferred.

Preferred:

1. Experience serving a multicultural population, American Indian/Alaska Natives in particular.
2. FQHC and/or public health background.
3. Familiarity with Community Health Clinics and/or Indian Health Clinics.
4. Familiarity with grant-funded program documentation and reporting
5. Knowledge of local community culture, traditions, and resources

Special Conditions of Employment:

1. Has a clean driving record and insurance as required by the state.
2. Has reliable transportation.
3. CPR/ BLS certification: Maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA), the American Red Cross, or an equivalent organization. Certification must include an in-person, hands-on skills assessment. Online-only certifications are not accepted.
4. Annual background checks: Consent to annual background checks as a condition of continued employment, to ensure compliance with organizational standards and eligibility requirements.
5. For-Cause Drug Screening: Comply with drug screening requirements when initiated by the organization for cause, to support a safe, compliant, and drug-free workplace including marijuana.
6. Ongoing Compliance Requirements: Maintain up-to-date compliance with all required annual renewals, including professional licenses, certifications, physical examinations, TB testing, and mandatory regulatory trainings as assigned by the San Diego Community Health Center (SDCHC).
7. This position is funded in whole or in part by federal grant funds. Continued employment in this position is contingent upon the availability of grant funding, and this position will end upon the expiration, termination, or non-renewal of grant funding, unless alternative funding is identified and approved by SDCHC

Flexibility: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm. Must be flexible to work evenings and weekends when needed

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.

Preference is given to qualified American Indian/Alaskan Natives in accordance with the American Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code Section 472, 473 and 473a).

In other than the above, the San Diego Community Health Center, is an equal opportunity employer.

Acknowledgement

San Diego Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or any other protected class, political affiliation or belief.