Community Connector, Full-Time

Description

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville (“Habitat”) is a non‐profit organization that brings people together to build and rebuild homes and communities so that everyone in Charlottesville can have a decent place to live. We are deeply committed to working in respectful partnership with community members to support healthy neighborhoods.

Habitat recently purchased Carlton Mobile Home Park, a 6-acre, 66-unit community located in Charlottesville City. As we have done at Sunrise Mobile Home Park and are currently doing at Southwood Mobile Home Park, a 120-acre, 1,300 resident community, we intend to work side by side with residents to plan for a mixed-use, mixed income community. When complete, Carlton will be a national model of compassionate and inclusive resident-led redevelopment. At Carlton and elsewhere, Habitat rebuilds communities via a long-term Asset-Based Community Development approach, using the skills and talents of community members to help them achieve their own vision.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Connector (CC) is part of Habitat’s Department of Family and Community Partnerships (DFCP) and works closely with Habitat staff to mobilize neighborhood residents to act together to strengthen their community. In close collaboration with the Community Engagement Team, the CC will work to build trust in the community and establish relationships with Southwood and Carlton community members.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Conduct persistent and frequent “street outreach” in the neighborhood to develop relationships and build rapport with Southwood and Carlton residents
In partnership with the Community Engagement team, plan, advertise, conduct outreach and host virtual and in-person events for Southwood and Carlton residents, fostering relationships with and between residents
Work with the Community Engagement team to respond to family requests for support in connecting with community services and resources
Reach out to community members to check in on them and encourage engagement in community events, redevelopment planning activities, community leadership opportunities, etc.
Document notes about your interactions in a case management database.
Identify members of the community that are natural leaders and invite them to serve in leadership roles in the community and act as Community Ambassadors who will help you connect with residents, run events, and spread the word on redevelopment activities and future housing opportunities in Southwood and Carlton
Work collaboratively with the Advancement and Communications team to connect staff with residents that are willing to provide their inspiring stories for Habitat newsletters, impact reports, grants and media events
Manage daily operations of social media accounts (including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) to implement social strategies, boost audience growth, and drive project growth.
Monitor and respond to social media mentions, replies, and comments to provide accurate information about our project to the public
Work together with the rehousing and homeownership services teams to help them connect with residents who are in the path of redevelopment and need to be rehoused
Provide direct services and supports for residents as well as connection to resources in the community
In collaboration with the ACDP, work to engage and recruit residents to serve on a Community Advisory Committee that will provide Habitat with input on key redevelopment meetings including flyering, recruiting resident planners, child supervision, material prep, group facilitation/interpretation at meetings, etc.
Provide translation/interpretation support as needed for documents, meetings, trainings, classes, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The Community Connector is a results-driven individual with at least 1-3 years of experience in community organizing, social work or non-profit sector/or knowledge area. The ideal candidate will hold minimum of High School diploma or GED, college preferred, or a combination of experience and education will also be considered state education and/or certification needs and will also have/be:
Bilingual fluency required: English and Spanish
Outgoing personality and unwavering, positive attitude, with the ability to comfortably engage with others through multiple mediums – in person, video conference, social media, over the phone, etc.
Ability to listen and to create a safe space for others to share their thoughts and experiences
A love for building relationships and networking and a knack for motivating and influencing different types of people.
Ability to learn quickly and take initiative with limited direction while functioning within a collaborative, team environment
Ability to remain positive and focused in a constantly changing environment
1-3 years of experience living in a similar community, performing community outreach or working in a social services/non-profit setting.
Ability to build strong relationships with community members guided by deep respect for them as equal partners who need space to exercise their own agency
Comfortable working independently with strong initiative
Aware of and sensitive to a diversity of cultures, life experience, power/privilege and backgrounds
A passion for helping people and serving others
Ability to manage confidential materials and conversations
Flexibility to work regular evening hours and some weekends
Driver’s license and insurable driving record.
In addition to the above, all staff members are expected to exhibit the following on a consistent basis:
A dedication to an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to work
Passion for supporting the organization’s mission and for maintaining programmatic excellence
Proven success working with individuals of diverse backgrounds
Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments simultaneously, often with competing deadlines
Communication skills that allow for productive sharing, debate, and exchange of information and ideas, whether verbally or in writing

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Frequently walking around the neighborhood to conduct community outreach activities
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Ability and willingness to travel.
Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds at times.

This job description is intended to provide general information about the position. It is not an employment contract and is not intended as a complete list of all job roles and responsibilities. The incumbent may be required to perform other roles and responsibilities. As with all positions, the responsibilities, roles, and requirements of this job may change. The organization, at its discretion, may alter this job description at any time with or without notice.

Send Cover letter and resume to: hiring@cvillehabitat.org

Job Duties

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct persistent and frequent “street outreach” in the neighborhood to develop relationships and build rapport with Southwood and Carlton residents
• In partnership with the Community Engagement team, plan, advertise, conduct outreach and host virtual and in-person events for Southwood and Carlton residents, fostering relationships with and between residents
• Work with the Community Engagement team to respond to family requests for support in connecting with community services and resources
• Reach out to community members to check in on them and encourage engagement in community events, redevelopment planning activities, community leadership opportunities, etc.
• Document notes about your interactions in a case management database.
• Identify members of the community that are natural leaders and invite them to serve in leadership roles in the community and act as Community Ambassadors who will help you connect with residents, run events, and spread the word on redevelopment activities and future housing opportunities in Southwood and Carlton
• Work collaboratively with the Advancement and Communications team to connect staff with residents that are willing to provide their inspiring stories for Habitat newsletters, impact reports, grants and media events
• Manage daily operations of social media accounts (including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) to implement social strategies, boost audience growth, and drive project growth.
• Monitor and respond to social media mentions, replies, and comments to provide accurate information about our project to the public
• Work together with the rehousing and homeownership services teams to help them connect with residents who are in the path of redevelopment and need to be rehoused
• Provide direct services and supports for residents as well as connection to resources in the community
• In collaboration with the ACDP, work to engage and recruit residents to serve on a Community Advisory Committee that will provide Habitat with input on key redevelopment meetings including flyering, recruiting resident planners, child supervision, material prep, group facilitation/interpretation at meetings, etc.
• Provide translation/interpretation support as needed for documents, meetings, trainings, classes, etc.

Skills Required

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The Community Connector is a results-driven individual with at least 1-3 years of experience in community organizing, social work or non-profit sector/or knowledge area. The ideal candidate will hold minimum of High School diploma or GED, college preferred, or a combination of experience and education will also be considered state education and/or certification needs and will also have/be:

• Bilingual fluency required: English and Spanish
• Outgoing personality and unwavering, positive attitude, with the ability to comfortably engage with others through multiple mediums – in person, video conference, social media, over the phone, etc.
• Ability to listen and to create a safe space for others to share their thoughts and experiences
• A love for building relationships and networking and a knack for motivating and influencing different types of people.
• Ability to learn quickly and take initiative with limited direction while functioning within a collaborative, team environment
• Ability to remain positive and focused in a constantly changing environment
• 1-3 years of experience living in a similar community, performing community outreach or working in a social services/non-profit setting.
• Ability to build strong relationships with community members guided by deep respect for them as equal partners who need space to exercise their own agency
• Comfortable working independently with strong initiative
• Aware of and sensitive to a diversity of cultures, life experience, power/privilege and backgrounds
• A passion for helping people and serving others
• Ability to manage confidential materials and conversations
• Flexibility to work regular evening hours and some weekends
• Driver’s license and insurable driving record.

In addition to the above, all staff members are expected to exhibit the following on a consistent basis:

• A dedication to an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to work
• Passion for supporting the organization’s mission and for maintaining programmatic excellence
• Proven success working with individuals of diverse backgrounds
• Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments simultaneously, often with competing deadlines
• Communication skills that allow for productive sharing, debate, and exchange of information and ideas, whether verbally or in writing

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequently walking around the neighborhood to conduct community outreach activities
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds at times.

This job description is intended to provide general information about the position.  It is not an employment contract and is not intended as a complete list of all job roles and responsibilities.  The incumbent may be required to perform other roles and responsibilities.  As with all positions, the responsibilities, roles, and requirements of this job may change.  The organization, at its discretion, may alter this job description at any time with or without notice.

Work Schedule

Must be available evenings and weekends as needed.