Mobility Mentor II

Mobility Mentor

In partnership with United Way of South Hampton Road’s NFKThrive, the Urban Renewal Center will provide comprehensive support to ALICE Households in the City of Norfolk. The URC projects to support 180 households in moving towards self-sufficiency over a three-year period. Mobility Mentors are a key role for this program and provide one-on-one coaching to partner with participants on their path to self-sufficiency.

ALICE – an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed – households are those that earn above the Federal Poverty Level but not enough to afford a bare-bones household budget. These households struggle to manage even their most basic needs – housing, food, transportation, childcare and health care. ALICE households cannot always pay the bills, have little or nothing in savings, and are forced to make tough choices, such as deciding between quality childcare or paying the rent.

The Urban Renewal Center is a community-based agency with emphasis on coalescing the rich diversity of Norfolk as solution to society’s needs. The agency aims to serve all Norfolk residents through programs, initiatives and events to meet a variety of needs that impact social determinants of health (i.e., physical, mental, economic, public health, etc.). The opportunity to serve ALICE residents would be a gift to advance this vision.

Objectives & Expectations:

The Mobility Mentor will work in partnership with individuals through coaching, preparing and encouraging them on their journey toward self-sufficiency through goal setting. They will demonstrate an understanding of the issues, community needs, and existing systems of care related to the ALICE population. Mobility Mentoring is defined as the professional practice of partnering with individuals so that over time they may acquire the resources, skills, and sustained behavior changes necessary to attain and preserve their economic independence. Mobility Mentors coach individuals in setting priorities, developing action plans, honoring commitments, connecting to resources, and achieving goals. Candidate must be customer focused, data-driven, organized, and results oriented. This position is based in Norfolk, and the mentor must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings and/or weekends to meet individual’s needs. Successful candidates will have a strong ability to communicate effectively, build relationships and educate stakeholders on the needs of the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population. Experience implementing motivational interviewing and trauma-informed practices is preferred.

Core Job Responsibilities:

• Provide direct coaching/mentoring by carrying a part time caseload of 10-20 individuals per year
• Identify strengths of participants and support individuals in and overcoming barriers through problem-solving
• Assist participants in setting goals related to family and personal well-being, career, education, housing and family finances while breaking down goals into manageable steps recognizing that barriers to self-sufficiency that are multi-faceted.
• Thorough documentation of coaching activities in an objective, detailed, and timely manner
• Accurate tracking and reporting of demographic information and data regarding individual assessment, goal setting, goal achievement, and referrals within specified guidelines.
• Serve as a resource for the individual and family on issues including housing, budgeting, career and education, childcare, health care, and more
• Maintain a working knowledge of community resources and advocacy to initiate and coordinate service delivery and follow-up.
• Meet with individuals at times and locations that meet their needs. Majority of meetings will be at participant homes or out in the community.
• Establish collaborative partnerships with other public and private agencies/services, and establish ongoing connections, resources and supports for participants
• With the support of lead mentors, plan, organize and facilitate workshops and community groups around educational topics and peer support
• Assist in recruitment of participants and marketing in Norfolk
• Serve as an extension and representatives of UWSHR in all work related to NFKthrive
• Attend partnership engagement opportunities throughout the grant period, share and monitor progress, and foster continuous improvement.
• Perform the above-mentioned duties and other duties assigned in accordance with the goals and objectives at the community engagement division at the URC to advance the mission of NFKthrive
• Adherence to program policies and procedures

Key Skills Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related discipline is required
• Minimum of two years of experience or training in human services programs requiring direct client interactions is required
• Case management, social work or equivalent experience working with low-income or ALICE families is required
• Must be able to manage a case load of up to 30 households each year effectively and efficiently
• Experience providing 1:1 mentoring, coaching and goal-setting, specifically around goals related to the promotion of economic mobility
• Strong knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and coaching practices and eager to continue improving these skills
• Basic knowledge of principles of community organizing, service coordination, and advocacy to initiate/coordinate service delivery and follow-up services
• Basic knowledge of workforce development, economic literacy, education and career exploration
• Ability to work with adults towards economic mobility goals such as educational advancement, career enhancement, and financial literacy
• Possess cultural competency and sensitivity with groups and individuals representing a variety of needs, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent time management, organizational, and detail orientation skills with a willingness to report on all aspects of work and analyze efforts for continuous improvement
• Accepting of ongoing and consistent supervision, peer coaching, shadowing, and feedback
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with partners, colleagues, and participants, in a team as well as independent environment
• Demonstrates both initiative and motivation when working independently with participants, data entry, and with assigned projects to benefit both the team and our participants
• Ability to respond flexibly to a fluid and evolving program environment
• Ability to maintain respect for the confidentiality of information divulged by or on behalf of individuals
• A consummate team player with an innovative, enthusiastic, and flexible approach while working in a high-paced environment
• Ability to build credible relationships with community members and partners
• Connections to community resources and institutions within area of expertise is a plus
• Commitment to assisting ALICE population to achieve self-sufficiency
• Proficiency with MS Outlook, Word, and Excel; Ability to learn other applications
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, current auto insurance and personal vehicle or access to personal transportation for travel throughout community

Work Demands & Environment:

• Ability to stoop, lift, finger – for example pick, pinch, or type and grasp
• Ability to clearly and concisely express and exchange detailed information and ideas to others accurately via spoken word
• Exerting up to 20 of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects
• Ability to inspect and analyze figures, accounting items, written materials, newsprint, computer terminal characters, transcription, and other similar objects at distances generally close to the eyes.
• The worker is subject to a variety of inside environmental conditions that may occur in an office, a private home, or elsewhere in the community including temperature variations, unpleasant odors, and potential allergens
• Although inside work is the rule, it is required that the individual be able to travel and may be exposed to a variety of weather conditions

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Benefits:

• Health insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person