What are the responsibilities and job description for the REC - Neighborhood Navigator position at City of Sun Prairie?
Starting Pay: $18.00/ hour
Hours: Depending on the time of year, this limited term position will fluctuate hours, approximately 8-25 hours per week (25 hours per week in June – August, and 8-12 hours per week the remainder of the year).
The Neighborhood Navigator/Youth Mentor is responsible for fostering community engagement by connecting residents to local resources, implementing recreational programs, and providing mentorship to youth. This role prioritizes addressingsocial determinants of healthsuch as economic stability, education access, healthcare, neighborhood environment, and social/community connections—to ensure that individuals and families receive the support they need for overall well-being.
The ideal candidate must be culturally competent and aware, possessing the ability to work with individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds with empathy and respect. This role involves leading activities, advocating for residents, and creating inclusive spaces that uplift historically underserved communities.
Essential Job Functions
Community Engagement:
- Assist residents in connecting with community resources and services that address social determinants of health, such as food security, employment, education, and healthcare access.
- Act as a liaison between residents and various community agencies to ensure effective communication and advocacy for their needs.
- Develop and distribute program marketing materials and communications to promote community involvement.
- Foster a sense of belonging among participants by promoting inclusive and culturally responsive programming.
Program Implementation:
- Lead, demonstrate, and instruct participants in recreational games, crafts, sports, and themed activities.
- Provide an interactive, positive, fun, and safe environment for participants of all ages.
- Coordinate supplies, curriculum, and daily activity preparation for programs and events.
Youth Mentorship:
- Serve as a positive role model and mentor for youth, fostering their personal, social, and educational development.
- Guide youth in navigating challenges related to social determinants of health, such as housing instability, food insecurity, or access to healthcare.
- Build trusting relationships with young people by planning and participating in activities together.
- Assist youth in developing life skills such as self-confidence, self-esteem, academic excellence, and moral values.
- Help youth set goals and work toward accomplishing them while providing encouragement and support.
Administrative Duties:
- Collect data, ensure proper documentation is completed, and report outcomes and program impact to supervisors and stakeholders.
- Compile and submit progress reports as required by funding sources or departmental guidelines.
- Participate in training opportunities to enhance program delivery and personal development.
Requirements of Work
Education and Experience:
- Knowledge of community organizing principles, program management, and social determinants of health is preferred.
- Experience working with community-based organizations and prior relevant work focused on addressing disparities in health, education, and economic stability.
- Experience in mentoring or working with youth from diverse cultural backgrounds is preferred.
- Lived experience navigating community resources, overcoming barriers, or engaging with diverse populations is considered valuable and can substitute for professional experience.
Skills and Abilities:
- Cultural competency and awareness, ie, the ability to understand, respect, and effectively work with diverse populations.
- Ability to convey the purposes and services of community programs to the user population and stakeholders.
- Knowledge of methods and principles involved in the planning and organization of programs, services, and events.
- Ability to work independently and without direct supervision.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize program needs based on a variety of stakeholders and their requirements.
- Proficiency in analyzing data, identifying problems, and implementing solutions.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships and trust with young people and act as a positive role model.
- Ability to recognize and address barriers to services that participants may experience due to systemic inequalities.
Other Job Functions
Special Requirements:
- Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and reliable transportation.
Work Conditions and Physical Requirements:
- Work is typically performed under general office conditions but will also require regular and frequent meetings and visits throughout the community.
- Must periodically lift, push, and move equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds from floor to table.
- Ability to work extended and flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
Note: This job description is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.
This position may be subject to grant funding with specific terms and conditions.
The City of Sun Prairie is committed to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and creating an inclusive culture. These serve as our guiding principles every day in all that we do. Keep us accountable to this mission and join us in this commitment to a thriving Sun Prairie, as you live, work, and play. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 608-825-1174 or HumanResources@cityofsunprairie.com.
Salary : $18
