Community Relations Specialist (4070)

Appalachian Community Services provides Mental Health, Behavioral Health, Substance Use, and Developmental Disability services to individuals, families, and communities within the seven western counties of North Carolina. We provide a wide range of walk-in, psychiatric, substance abuse, and crisis services to adults and children.

We are seeking a Full-time Community Relations Specialist to serve as a liaison, cultivates partnerships, and enhance the organization's visibility and reputation within the community. 

As a Community Relations Specialist you will: 

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with referral sources including hospitals, primary care providers, schools, law enforcement, DSS, county agencies, managed care organizations, and community organizations.
• Serve as the primary ambassador for Appalachian Community Services throughout the seven-county service area, promoting the organization's mission, programs, and services.
• Identify opportunities to expand referrals and strengthen community partnerships that improve access to behavioral health and substance use treatment.
• Coordinate and attend community outreach events, health fairs, networking meetings, and stakeholder presentations to increase organizational visibility.
• Educate referral partners and community stakeholders on ACS service lines, admission processes, eligibility criteria, and available resources.
• Collaborate with operational and clinical leaders to improve referral workflows and remove barriers to accessing care.
• Monitor referral trends, community needs, and market opportunities, providing regular feedback and recommendations to leadership.

This description outlines the general scope and level of work for this role. It is not intended to include every duty or responsibility that may be required of employees in this position.

This role is compensated on a salaried basis, providing consistent earnings aligned with the responsibilities and expectations of the position.

• Compensation: $55,574 - $71,362

Placement within the range is based on licensure level, education, and experience.

• Build strong relationships with healthcare providers, schools, community agencies, and other local partners.
• Represent our organization at community events, meetings, and outreach activities.
• Help connect individuals and families with behavioral health and substance use services.
• Work with leadership to grow community partnerships and improve access to care.

• Build and maintain relationships with community partners and referral sources.
• Attend outreach events, health fairs, and networking opportunities to promote our services.
• Educate community members and partners about our programs and referral process.
• Track referral trends and collaborate with teams to improve access to care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field.
• Three or more years of experience in business development, healthcare outreach, community engagement, marketing, provider relations, or behavioral healthcare preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Experience building partnerships with healthcare providers, community organizations, or public agencies preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly throughout the ACS service area.

We are focused on creating a model where clinicians are supported, not overloaded. You’ll have the flexibility to shape your schedule, the support to maintain a steady caseload, and the opportunity to grow within a stable, mission-driven organization.

Beyond the engaging work, you'll also benefit from our competitive benefits package to support you and your loved ones, provide work/life balance, and invest in your future. The list below is for informational purposes only.

• Consumer-driven health plan coverage provided by Anthem
• Wellness: When you enroll in a medical plan, you get complete care support on your time through Sydney app (Anthem), with exclusive access to 24/7 access to licensed doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flex Spending Account (FSA)
• Two dental plan options available through Delta Dental, so you can choose the level of coverage that fits your needs and budget.
• Affordable vision plan available through EyeMed to keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp.
• An optional Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account to reimburse yourself on a pre-tax basis for childcare.
• Generous paid time off
• 401k or Roth IRA Retirement Programs administered by Empower
• Financial planning and education services at no cost to you
• Voluntary supplemental benefits (Accident, Critical Illness, Short-Term Disability)
• Educational Assistance (your position, date of hire and years of service determine your eligibility)
• Licensure Residency Program for Full-time Clinical Staff
• Advancement and Career Development Opportunities

Legal Notice:

We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment is at-will and contingent upon successful completion of background checks and credential verification. We participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility in the United States. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Must be authorized to work in the United States. Compensation varies based on licensure, experience, and caseload. ncgCARE and all partner affiliates maintain a drug-free workplace.