Community Outreach & Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator

Position Title: Community Outreach & Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator
Supervisor: Director of MTW
Supervision Exercised: N/A
Position Status: Exempt
Date: January 2023

Position Summary
This is a partially grant-funded, full-time position with the Housing Authority of Champaign County (HACC). This position is committed to the respectful provision of services and education that offer opportunities for subsidized housing program participants to increase their housing and financial stability, succeed in meeting self-established goals, attain the future they envision for themselves and their families, and secure funding to support the program. 

This position serves participants of HACC's subsidized housing programs. This position works with clients, employment service providers, employers, and community employment coalitions to prepare the client for successful entry or re‐entry into appropriate employment. 

This position is responsible for recruiting and scheduling community contacts and coalitions. The SHIFT Coordinator conducts activities linked to program evaluation and manages program demographic and outcome data.

This position conducts ongoing community outreach efforts to secure donors and solicit funding through grants, donations, in-kind services and plan and implement fundraising events to help HACC grow and meet the needs of the clients we serve.

Essential Duties

Outreach/Marketing

• Informs and recruits program participation by participants in the Housing Choice Voucher and Project-Based Voucher programs to the SHIFT program.
• Organizes and oversees campaigns and events to raise money and other kinds of donations for HACC. Ensures that campaigns are effective by researching potential donors and examining records of those who have given in the past.
• Write grant applications and fundraising proposals. Manage a budget and track whether goals are being met.

Classroom Training

• Develop an annual FSS training and education calendar that includes both core curriculum and special sessions developed in response to participant needs and/or interests.
• Provides training in conjunction with community volunteers with identified expertise. Develops, produces, and distributes training materials.

Client Services

• Interview FSS candidates to determine clients' service needs, providing linkage to specific services designed to assist the family in achieving self-sufficiency.
• Develop a detailed service plan outlining the specific services (such as employment training, education, and counseling), timeframes, and goals for achieving self-sufficiency.
• Establishes and maintains regular meetings with participating families to monitor their progress toward completing the FSS Plan.
• Coordinates account payments and withdrawals with final approval by the Director of MTW.
• Develops strong working relationships with various service providers, including educational, banking, and human service organizations, to ensure effective referral of FSS clients and associated follow‐up.
• Maintains regular contact with Housing Choice Voucher Specialists and Property Managers to apprise them of client progress and to assist in the coordination of services.

Employment
Employment is the primary focus of the position. The coordinator works with FSS participants to assess readiness for employment, identify challenges, and develop individualized career paths.

• Conduct employment training, including delivery of curriculum detailing, preparing for, applying for, and successfully retaining employment.
• Work with clients to develop individualized plans based on client education, skills, experience, challenges, and interests leading to stable employment.
• Provide referrals to community employment resources as needed.
• Provide ongoing post‐employment job retention services.

Financial Education

• Provides basic financial education curriculum.
• Works with clients to develop individual household budgets.
• Develops an individualized plan for credit repair where needed. 

Other

• Review client files, calculate escrow, and monitor monthly escrow transactions.
• Maintains complete and correct program files and records.
• Develop reports as required for HACC, HUD, and other funding entities.
• Ensures grant maintenance as required by HUD and other funders. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of local human services resources in Champaign County.
• Promote awareness of the organization's mission and work.
• Cultivate a network of dedicated donors and volunteers.
• Identify new fundraising opportunities and plan fundraising initiatives to help meet the organization's financial goals.
• Job Search Skills (e.g., developing a job search strategy, writing resumes, preparing for interviews).
• Knowledge of budgeting, credit repair, and other financial literacy activities.
• Ability to acquire a thorough knowledge of FSS, Housing Choice Voucher regulations, and policies.
• Strong customer service orientation and the ability to form strong, long-term relationships with external stakeholders.
• Ensure major donors are satisfied and kept in the loop regarding programming and expenditure of funds.
• Sensitivity to the needs of HACC participants who are homeless, low income, limited English speaking, or impacted by domestic violence, substance abuse, or other barriers to employment.
• Commitment to diversity and ability to work well with diverse family styles and multi-ethnic populations.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Prioritizing and organizing workload and managing time to meet deadlines.
• Has the ability to motivate and has genuine concerns for the clients in the program.
• Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing current office technology and software applications.
• Work independently and fully execute assignments with minimal supervision.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in social services, communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Experience to include working with low-income individuals to address barriers to self-sufficiency, writing grant proposals, press releases and fundraising letters, public speaking, and/or leading successful fundraising campaigns.
• Will consider a combination of education and experience. 

Representation
This job description represents an overview of the position and responsibilities of the position; it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.