Public Health Specialist (Limited-Term Merit)

Public Health Specialist (Limited-Term Merit) City of Kansas City - 3.5 Kansas City, MO Job Details Full-time $22.61 - $34.48 an hour 2 hours ago Benefits Paid parental leave Paid holidays Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Tuition reimbursement Paid time off Pension plan Parental leave Vision insurance Bereavement leave Life insurance Qualifications Conducting community outreach projects Record keeping Mental health and behavioral care Crisis management Local agency collaboration Data analysis skills Mid-level High school diploma or GED Substance abuse Public health Client advocacy in social work Progress documentation Canvassing Associate's degree 2 years Home visits (communication methods) Community resource coordination

Full Job Description Pay,Benefits, & Work Schedule Health Department, Behavioral Health & Injury Prevention Division Pay Range:

$22.61-$34.48 per hour

Work Location:

2400

Troost Ave Schedule:

Non-Traditional Work Hours:

Tuesday-Thursday, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., or Friday-Saturday, 2:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Application Deadline:

June 02, 2026 •Limited term merit will last 1 year with probability of an extension•Responsibilities What you'll do Respond rapidly to urgent calls for service from law enforcement partners and community members to help divert individuals from arrest into community-based support. Assess client needs in real time and provide immediate assistance to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, substance use, homelessness, or extreme poverty. Connect clients to appropriate community resources, offering emotional support, advocacy, and follow-up to reduce the likelihood of repeat crises. Conduct outreach throughout the Prospect Avenue Corridor, including neighborhood canvassing, outreach events, home visits, and coordination with social service agencies. Maintain accurate records and prepare required reports, documenting contacts, services provided, and participant progress while adhering to strict confidentiality requirements. Engage respectfully with residents, visitors, and stakeholders to de-escalate challenging situations and promote public health and safety. What success looks like Individuals are successfully diverted from incarceration and connected to appropriate community services. Law enforcement partners experience reduced non-emergency deployments. Client interactions are handled professionally, compassionately, and in compliance with confidentiality standards. Documentation and reports are accurate, timely, and complete. Community relationships are strengthened through consistent outreach and follow-through. What you get Meaningful work that directly supports mental health, recovery, and public safety. Ongoing learning in crisis response, public health outreach, and community engagement. A collaborative, mission-driven team environment focused on care, dignity, and impact. Why this role matters The REACH program provides an alternative to incarceration by addressing the root causes of repeated crises. This role helps create safer neighborhoods while supporting individuals with compassion and practical resources. Your work builds trust, reduces harm, and helps the City deliver public safety through care rather than punishment. Qualifications

REQUIRES

High School Diploma and two (2) years of experience in private, public, or community healthcare, community sanitation, health inspections, health education, data analysis, or related healthcare fields; OR an Accredited Associate's degree. Must pass a physical examination as prescribed by the City. May be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen. Must pass a background check as prescribed by the City. Other Information Military veterans encouraged to apply Why You'll Love Working with Us - Core Employee Benefits (Benefits offered to all permanent employees unless otherwise specified) Comprehensive Health Coverage Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options and low employee contributions. Generous Paid Time Off Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays—with accruals that grow the longer you're with us. Secure Retirement Planning City-funded pension plan plus an optional 457 savings plan to help you build long-term financial security. Support for Life's Big Moments Paid parental and bereavement leave to help you navigate major life events with peace of mind. Tuition Assistance Get reimbursed for eligible education expenses—invest in your future while you work. Income Protection Short- and long-term disability coverage options to safeguard your earnings. Life Insurance Provided City-paid life insurance with the option to add more coverage for extra peace of mind. Community Volunteer Leave Take up to 8 hours annually to give back to causes you care about. Want the Full Picture? Click here for a complete benefits summary. URGENT!!!

CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete. In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City's Applicant Tracking System. Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained. Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical. If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months. The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to . If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans' points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code § 4211).