The Association for Individual Development (AID) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower people with physical, developmental, intellectual, mental health challenges, those who have suffered a trauma, and those at risk to enjoy lives of dignity and purpose. We are looking for a Community Relations Specialist BH who exemplifies that mission and wants to work for an organization that makes a difference.
Schedule Hours: Monday through Friday 9am-5PM with flexibility to adjust hours as needed to meet program needs
What will you be doing?
The Community Relations Specialist is responsible for strengthening relationships between the organization and the communities it serves. This role supports outreach, partnership development, public communication, and community engagement initiatives to increase awareness of services, improve access to care, and enhance the agency’s visibility and reputation. The Specialist serves as a liaison between Outpatient, Supported Living and Pathways to Success (CCSO), community partners, clients, and the public.
The role will serve as an internal liaison providing education and information to other departments, regions and divisions within AID to ensure there is collaboration and continuity is providing services to all populations served.
Essential Job Responsibilities
- Represent the agency at community events, meetings, coalition groups, and outreach activities
- Build and maintain partnerships with schools, hospitals, social service agencies, businesses, law enforcement, and other community stakeholders.
- Coordinate and participate in outreach efforts to promote available services and reduce barriers to care.
- Coordinate internal efforts to provide education about services to other departments, regions and divisions within AID.
- Support development of clear, accessible communication materials, including flyers, presentations, newsletters, and brochures
- Assist with managing agency social media, website content, and public-facing announcements (based on organizational structure).
- Respond to community inquiries and provide accurate information about programs and referral processes.
- Help prepare talking points, communication plans, and informational packets for leadership and staff.
- Cultivate collaborative relationships that improve service access, referral pathways, and coordinated care.
- Identify partnership opportunities aligned with strategic goals, including outreach to underserved populations.
- Facilitate meetings, tours, and engagement opportunities with community partners.
- Help raise awareness around mental health issues, stigma reduction, and available supports.
- Present on agency services, behavioral health topics, and community resources as needed.
- Support public awareness campaigns during mental health observances (e.g., Mental Health Awareness Month, Suicide Prevention Month).
- Support logistics including scheduling, materials preparation, registration, and follow-up communication.
- Work closely with clinical teams, program supervisors, intake/referral staff, and leadership to ensure accurate community messaging.
- Communicate community needs, trends, and feedback internally to support program development and agency strategy.
- Assist with cross-department communication and information flow related to community engagement initiatives.
- Track outreach activities, partnership contacts, and engagement outcomes.
- Monitor community trends and identifies needs or service gaps to inform leadership.
- Prepare summaries and reports for leadership, boards, or funders as requested.
- Develop and implement community education efforts on mental health, crisis services, and agency programs.
What will we provide Full Time employees. Benefits_Summary.pdf
- 21 Days of Paid Time Off prorated based on hours worked plus 10 Paid Holidays
- Paid training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, Critical Illness and accident insurance
- 401K with a 3.5% company contribution after one year
What will you bring to the table?
Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Administration, or Human Services field required
Experience: At least 1 year of experience in Outreach, engagement, or public speaking, Social services or nonprofit work, Community partnership building, Case management or client-facing roles preferred
Physical: Navigation of stairs on a regular basis; no lifting restrictions
Equipment:
- Computer with working knowledge of Microsoft Windows applications
- Copy machine
- Telephone with voice mail system
Additional Requirements:
- Flexibility to work evening hours
- Use of personal automobile
- Maintain automobile liability insurance as defined by AID’s personnel policies
- Maintain valid Illinois driver’s license
- Meet/maintain driving record standards as defined by AID’s insurance carrier.
If we seem like a good fit, consider joining our growing team of compassionate, hardworking, and caring individuals, and start your path toward a fulfilling career that you can be proud to work.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Administration, or Human Services
- At least 1 year of experience in outreach, engagement, or public speaking
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows applications
- Flexibility to work evening hours
- Use of personal automobile for work
- Maintain automobile liability insurance as defined by AID's personnel policies
- Valid Illinois driver's license
- Meet and maintain driving record standards as defined by AID's insurance carrier
- Ability to navigate stairs regularly; no lifting restrictions
- Experience in social services, nonprofit work, community partnership building, case management, or client-facing roles
What We Do
The Association for Individual Development (AID) provides customized services for individuals with developmental, behavioral, and crisis needs, aiming to empower them to achieve recovery, independence, and live lives of dignity and purpose.
