Community Engagement Specialist

Description

Status: Full-Time
Pay: $22.00-$23.00/hour
Schedule: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Weekends, evenings, and/or availability to respond to crisis situations may be required depending on programmatic needs

Benefits Offered:

• 100% medical coverage of base tier monthly premium
• Voluntary dental and vision insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) savings plan with up to 3% company matching
• Paid on-the-job training and orientation
• Mileage reimbursement
• Referral program
• Opportunities for career advancement

Job Summary: The Community Engagement and Residential Services Coordinator plays a key role in connecting residents to available community resources through advocacy and referrals. This position also supports the Development Team in the daily execution of fundraising strategies, community outreach efforts, and volunteer coordination. Additionally, the coordinator will help plan and implement community-building events and enrichment activities for residents.

Mission Statement: "To be a leader in ending homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing opportunities, programs, and supportive services."

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Community Outreach

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee outreach initiatives with congregations, service groups, corporations, and other community organizations
• Represent Mercy House at community outreach events and public engagements
• Identify and pursue potential community partners to support Mercy House programs
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations through regular meetings
• Encourage community involvement in the Regional Advisory Council
• Develop and nurture partnerships with city staff, community organizers, business leaders, and faith-based groups to support fundraising efforts in Riverside County
• Maintain active engagement with neighbors, program partners, and local service organizations

Volunteer Coordination

• Oversee recruitment, interviews, onboarding, and training of volunteers, ensuring alignment with Mercy House standards
• Manage volunteer placement and monitor performance
• Implement and maintain the volunteer management platform
• Track and report volunteer and donation hours
• Recognize and celebrate volunteer contributions
• Create content featuring volunteer activities for use in marketing and public relations
• Contribute to the development and implementation of new volunteer programs
• Coordinate holiday events, Adopt-a-Resident initiatives, and other special volunteer projects

Donation Coordination

• Secure large in-kind donations (e.g., facility maintenance, seasonal gifts, etc.)
• Manage donor tracking and acknowledgment processes for in-kind contributions
• Collaborate with program teams to identify and prioritize major donation needs

Residential Services

• Support residents in establishing and achieving personal and family goals related to safe, stable, and affordable housing
• Facilitate access to credit counseling, computer literacy, financial education, and job search resources
• Organize life skills workshops on topics such as job readiness, parenting, time/stress management, health, and communication
• Develop and coordinate job readiness sessions to enhance employment outcomes
• Provide children’s programming such as after-school activities, arts and crafts, and enrichment opportunities
• Inform residents of available community services and provide referrals and advocacy as needed
• Plan and lead community-building and enrichment activities for residents
• Help residents strengthen support networks among peers, family, and community
• Design and coordinate holiday and community events

Miscellaneous

• Attend staff meetings and participate in trainings as required
• Maintain professional knowledge by attending seminars, reviewing publications, and applying best practices
• Complete ad hoc projects as assigned by the supervisor
• Submit monthly reports and attendance records in a timely manner
• Develop monthly site-specific calendars
• Ensure site binders are current and stocked with all necessary forms and waivers

Mercy House is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States. Please click on the following links for more information.

E-Verify Participation Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf)

E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster Eng_Es.pdf)

Mercy House must reserve the right to modify, supplement, rescind, or revise all job descriptions to meet the overall needs of Mercy House except as to any language that establishes that the employment relationship is at the will of either the staff member or Mercy House.

Qualifications

Requirements:
Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field is preferred
• Persons with less than a BA/BS degree but with at least 2 years of direct life experience working with long-term homeless, low-income, and diverse populations and who have a working knowledge of mental health and additional issues are welcome to apply

General

• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize duties
• Ability to perform crisis intervention as needed
• Ability to clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form
• Ability to maintain a positive, professional, and safe environment while on duty
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Dependability, responsibility, and the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully
• Fluency in Spanish is of significant value
• Reliable transportation

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Salary : $22 - $23