Position Summary
The Community Education & Outreach Specialist provides culturally and linguistically responsive public systems navigation, outreach & education, and health access services that help individuals and families successfully access healthcare, behavioral health, public benefits, housing, food assistance, employment resources, legal services, and other community support.
As a trusted community resource, the Community Education & Outreach Specialist builds relationships with participants, reduces barriers to services, and empowers community members to navigate complex systems while promoting health equity, belonging, and self-sufficiency.
The position works collaboratively with community partners, healthcare providers, public agencies, and internal program staff to improve service coordination and community outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Education, Outreach & Community Engagement (60%)
- Provide trainings in digital literacy to Chinese seniors in Cantonese and/or Mandarin to support self-sufficiency and prevent scams among seniors
- Conduct outreach and education about social services and government benefits to primarily the Chinese community, speaking Cantonese and/or Mandarin.
- Build trust with community members through culturally responsive engagement.
- Represent MARU at community events, resource fairs, workshops, and outreach activities.
Public Systems Navigation & Health Access Support (30%)
- Ensure Bay Area Chinese Infoline (BACHI) calls are answered during assigned time;
- Answer, assess calls to determine service eligibility for in-house services and provide follow-ups for all calls;
- Perform brief intakes following each program guideline for clients requesting in-house services;
- Provide referral and/or resource for those who do not require or who cannot be accommodated by in-house services;
- Maintain up-to-date outgoing messages and troubleshoot phone-related issues;
- Provide diverse social services and Information and Assistance (I&A) for limited English Proficient Chinese community members;
- Provide health access service including healthcare enrollment, renewal, navigation support for programs such as Medi-Cal and Covered CA, etc.;
- Advocate for participants experiencing language, cultural, financial, or systemic barriers.
- Maintain strong referral relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, schools, government agencies, and social service providers.
- Coordinate referrals and warm handoffs between partner organizations.
Admin (10%)
- Maintain accurate participant records using Salesforce and other organizational databases.
- Assist with grant reporting and data collection.
- Ensure compliance with confidentiality, HIPAA, and organizational policies.
- Provide interpretation during appointments, workshops, and meetings when appropriate.
- Translate written materials and resource information as assigned.
- Ensure communication is culturally and linguistically appropriate.
- Support community workshops, support groups, and educational activities.
- Perform additional duties that support organizational and program goals.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s (BA) degree plus 1 or more years of experience;
- Professional proficiency (written and oral) in English, Cantonese required, Mandarin a plus;
- Experience in working with governmental systems including Alameda County Social Services and Behavioral Health Care Agency preferred;
- Experience with teaching/educating adult populations preferred;
- Deep understanding of the needs of immigrant and refugee populations with limited English proficiency;
- Strong communication skills, including diplomacy and sensitivity to the needs of vulnerable individuals and families;
- Familiarity with mental health, substance abuse, and other culturally related issues, especially as these impact un and underserved API communities preferred;
- Reflective capacity on self, relationship with other team members and community members;
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to and passion for MARU’s mission;
- Have capacity and genuine interest in learning, comprehending, and utilizing new and diverse range of information;
- Have strong punctuality in work schedule, appointments, and program deadlines;
- Must be a dynamic self-starter with initiative, ability to work well in a team with a sense of inspiration, collaboration and humor, demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other organizational managers and partner organizations and communities;
- Good interpersonal and problem resolution skills;
- Flexibility and ability to handle emergency situations.
- Willingness to handle new and evolving duties and roles as needed;
- Accuracy and good attention to detail;
- Computer and database literacy required including Google Suite, MS Office, preference for proficiency in Android and Apple phones;
- Proficient typing skills;
- Experience in data entry preferred.
Compensation and benefits
Salary range: $30 to $34 per hour. Full time.
Standard office hours, with occasional evenings or weekend work
Standard vacation, sick, and holiday pay according to MARU personnel policy.
100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance. 401K with match.
Application
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to. Please include the position title in the subject line of your e-mail application to yeri at maru.center. References should be available upon request.
About MARU
MARU is a nonprofit organization building an ecosystem of belonging where communities connect, heal, lead, and thrive. Founded in 1977 and reimagined in 2025, MARU engages more than 30,000 community members annually through culturally responsive programs in community health access, behavioral health, youth leadership, senior leadership, arts and culture, and systems-change advocacy. By combining direct services with community partnerships and innovative solutions, MARU is creating a more connected, equitable, and resilient future for the diverse communities we serve.
About Program
MARU's Safety Net Services connect individuals and families to essential resources that promote health, stability, and well-being. Through culturally and linguistically responsive navigation, case management, and care coordination, we help community members access healthcare, behavioral health, public benefits, housing, food assistance, transportation, employment resources, and other critical support. Our multilingual navigation programs, Bay Area Korean Infoline (BAKI) and Bay Area Chinese Infoline (BACHI), serve as trusted entry points for Korean-, Chinese-, and other linguistically diverse communities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position requires sitting, talking, and listening; standing and walking for up to 8 hours per day while attending outreach events or activities, and; 7+ hours per day while working in the office at computer keying, using peripherals, phone systems, copiers, reaching with arms and hands; and, lifting up to 35 pounds of materials, moving chairs, tables, or boxes of paper on occasion. Reasonable accommodations will be made.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MARU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, military status, unfavorable military discharge, pregnancy, citizenship status, work authorization status, arrest record, conviction record, order of protection status, family responsibilities, reproductive health decisions, or any other characteristic protected by the Illinois Human Rights Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the ADA, or any other applicable federal, state, or local law.
Pay: $30.00 - $34.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in San Leandro, CA 94577
