Community Engagement Specialist (English/Spanish, Bilingual)

Description

The Community Engagement Specialist will be based at the Southwood Office located inside the Southwood Mobile Home Park. In close collaboration with the Director of Neighborhood Revitalization, the CES will be responsible for facilitating the resident-led neighborhood design process, including curriculum development, creation of meeting materials, facilitation of design meetings, recruitment of resident planners, and coordination with design team consultants. The CES will also be responsible for planning, coordinating, hosting and doing outreach for community meetings and engagement events in Southwood. The CES will also support resident rehousing efforts by providing outreach, financial coaching, and other direct services for Southwood residents.

Job Duties

Things you will learn and do in this position:

– Assist in the development and facilitation of community meetings
– Develop workshop materials or tailor existing materials to support the redevelopment partnership with community members
– In collaboration with the Director of Neighborhood Revitalization, plan and develop the community design curriculum and create/disseminate materials for hands-on design workshops.
– Provide one-on-one financial coaching to families and individuals with a client-centered, strength-based approach towards their financial goals
– Become a HUD certified financial coach
– Conduct outreach like door knocking, making and distributing flyers, phone calls and texts, and individual meetings
– In conjunction with the Director of Neighborhood Revitalization, manage social media communications with Southwood residents
– Provide direct services as well as referrals to community resources
– Understand and directly connect residents to services and resources offered in the community, such as employment services, educational enrichment programming, and other resources related to improving quality of life
– Support community volunteers to plan and host neighborhood festivals and events
– Use Outcome Tracker, a client management system, to document and report on client outcomes accurately and in a timely manner

Skills Required

Necessary Skills:

– Bilingual fluency required: English and Spanish.
– Ability to learn quickly and take initiative with limited direction while functioning within a collaborative, team environment
– Ability to remain calm and focused in a constantly changing environment
– 1-3 years of experience living in a similar community, community outreach, social services or a non-profit setting
– Ability to give full attention to what other people are saying and ask questions, as appropriate, for better understanding
– 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
– Experience in facilitating adult education groups and developing curriculum
– Interest in mentoring and/or coaching
– A strong understanding of personal finances, particularly in the areas of budgeting, asset building, and credit building
– Ability to manage confidential materials
– Computer skills including email, internet use, Word, Excel and use of the Google Suite
– Flexibility to work some regular evening hours and some weekends
– Driver’s license and insurable driving record

Additional Info

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you are asked to interview and require modifications, please let us know.  Please send a full resume and detailed cover letter by email to Kathleen Baines, Office +Human Resources Coordinator at kbaines@cvillehabitat.org. No telephone calls, please.  Applications will be accepted until an outstanding candidate is identified.