Community Advocate

Community Advocate - Northfield

Organization: Community Action Center (CAC) is a community-based, non-profit, human services organization that provides and advocates for the basic needs of people and families throughout Rice County. Its programs create a robust safety net for low-income families and include food access, housing, employment services, clothing, emergency assistance, youth services, transportation, health care assistance, and more.

CAC provides drop-in resource centers where immediate response and support are available, and its thriving and abundant food shelves serve fresh, healthy, and culturally relevant food to thousands of households each year. CAC also administers multiple housing services spanning from emergency shelter to workforce housing, including ongoing support services with tenants. CAC’s Recovery Support program helps individuals who are currently using or in recovery from substance use. Partnerships with local employers allow CAC to connect individuals to job opportunities and enhance job skills, and CAC’s retail clothing store provides the entire community with access to affordable clothing.

Mission & Values: CAC’s mission is to promote a healthy, caring, and just community for all people through resources, advocacy, and volunteer effort. To that end, CAC strives to be a trauma-responsive organization, providing services that embody the idea that people can adapt, heal, and even grow from traumatic experiences. Recognizing the effects that trauma has on individuals, families, and our society as a whole, CAC aims to reduce the impact of trauma on the lives that the organization touches by helping individuals to feel safe, connected and in control—over the course of many interpersonal interactions and in a variety of welcoming settings. Responding to the community in a trauma-responsive way is critical to the success of this position and to the mission of CAC.

CAC’s resources and staff are integral parts of their communities and include partnerships with schools, businesses, faith communities, and other organizations. This extensive local network allows CAC to pursue community-engaged solutions, prioritize partnerships, and collaborate with thousands of volunteers. Currently, we are looking for a Community Advocate to help support the community-responsive work of CAC.

Job Title: Community Advocate

Reports to: Resource Center Manager

Primary Location: Northfield

Compensation: $19-22/hr

FLSA Status: Hourly, non-exempt

Hour Status: 40 hours

Job Summary: The position of Community Advocate will support an organizational culture of a community-based, person-centered, and trauma-responsive environment. The position will respond to the unique needs of participants accessing services through our Resource Center and in the community.

Primary Job Responsibilities: CAC’s success depends on the ability of its staff and volunteers to adjust and adapt as they dynamically meet the needs of the community. Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Advocacy – Responsible for amplifying the voice of participants throughout the community through relational and responsive services. CAC is prioritizing innovative perspectives on empowering participants beyond typical feedback or advisory panel discussions. CAC is looking for a dynamic advocate to support CAC’s mission. Additional tasks and activities include:

Direct Service Resource Coordination:

• Conduct intake and assessments to reflect the strengths, needs and challenges identified by individuals and families
• Provide appropriate service coordination in response to intake and assessment, either through services within CAC or on a referral basis (this may include, but is not limited to: Housing resources, emergency financial assistance, safety planning, county social services, emergency food access, clothing, youth scholarships, transportation, etc.)
• Complete MNSure Navigator training and assist participants with health insurance applications
• Identify service barriers and work to remove them through engagement with the community and by linking participants to formal and informal supports
• Utilize crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills to support families in need, and maintain safety and security of resource center
• Collect data and maintain accurate records for statistical, evaluation and funding purposes, maintaining confidentiality and participant informed choice

General Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate commitment to the agency’s mission: “To promote a healthy, caring, and just community for all people through resources, advocacy and volunteer effort.”
• Employ trauma-responsive, person-centered care practices to create a safe and healing space, build relationships, foster agency and invest in the long-term wellbeing of participants
• Utilize crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills to support individuals and families in need
• Follow all mandated reporting laws for vulnerable adults as well as child abuse and neglect
• Attend and actively participate in regularly scheduled organization and team meetings and trainings

Work Environment and Physical Demands:While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, bend, kneel, use hands to write, and sit for prolonged periods at a desk working on a computer. Employees are subject to a moderate noise level.

Qualifications: CAC is committed to finding the right person for the position, ideal candidates will possess many of the following qualities:

Required qualities:

• Working knowledge of social services and community resources for participants
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including both verbal and written communication
• Experience working alongside diverse populations
• Highly organized and effective in a dynamic fast-paced environment
• Excellent ability to multi-task and troubleshoot issues
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Passion for equity and social justice
• Ability to pass all required background and MVR checks

Preferred qualities:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field OR 2 years of experience in related field
• Strong knowledge of mental health and/or substance use disorders
• Familiarity with Rice County organizations and resources
• Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, and Excel)

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota driver’s license
• Must possess Personal Auto Insurance

Compensation: The position is designed as a full-time 40-hour/week, non-exempt position. Hourly wage will depend on experience and qualifications with a starting range $19-22/hour plus benefits. CAC provides a stipend for health care or to use however you choose. CAC offers flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a chance to creatively build and implement innovative ideas.

Equal Opportunity: CAC is an equal opportunity organization. CAC believes that the most efficient and effective workplaces include employees from diverse backgrounds. We strive to create a work environment where all employees and individuals, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, public assistance status or veteran status, can succeed and make an impact in the community.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application and Hiring Process: CAC will be interviewing on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to employment@communityactioncenter.org. Inquiries and questions can be sent to this same e-mail address or by contacting CAC’s Human Resources Specialist, Jessica Sewich, at sewich.jessica@communityactioncenter.org or 507-664-3564. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $22