River Valleys Continuum of Care - Engagement Specialist

Job Title: Engagement Specialist Reports to: River Valleys CoC Director

Location: Southeast Minnesota Hours: 32 hours/week

Status: Modified Full Time, Exempt Probationary/Hiring wage: $22/hour

Wage post probationary (training) period: $24-26/hour + title change to Engagement Coordinator

Position Summary

The purpose of the Engagement Specialist role is to support lived experience leadership within CoC groups to improve homeless response and work toward ending homelessness. The position provides direct member outreach and engagement for the CoC’s Lived Experience Groups and facilitates ongoing development of the group and its members. The Specialist also assists the CoC Director to maintain operations and alignment between the group and other CoC activities and priorities.

Note: This position includes a six-month probationary period, during which you will receive focused training, and we will assess performance and alignment with the responsibilities and expectations of the role. At the successful completion of this probationary period, the Specialist will be considered for: 1) a merit-based increase to your hourly rate, granted outside the standard merit cycle, and 2) a title change to Engagement Coordinator, reflecting your growth and proven contributions in the role.

To Apply

To apply, submit your résumé along with a cover letter that describes your interest in the position with River Valleys Continuum of Care. Applications are due by March 4. Early application review will begin February 24 with interviews scheduled that week, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply early. Position contact Jennifer Prins.

Essential Job Functions

Conduct outreach and engagement for regional Lived Experience group participants (30%) Promote Group involvement to individuals with personal experiences of homelessness, both directly and by enlisting service agencies to support involvement of service participants. Share CoC goals and opportunities to guide homelessness response with potential participants.

Regional Lived Experience Group development and facilitation (40%) Engage with Group members to establish Group norms and guide homelessness response activities. Facilitate Group meetings and provide direct support to members as needed to develop leadership skills. Coordinate with CoC staff on group topics and goals.

Regional Lived Experience Group operations (10%) Secure accessible physical or virtual spaces for Groups to meet and manage meeting technology so members can participate effectively. Process financial stipend requests for participants, and document all group activities for funding purposes.

Lived Experience leadership support for local programs (20%) As requested, convene the Group to provide guidance on local community- or agency-level questions related to homelessness response. Provide resources and guidance to increase lived experience leadership at agencies and programs within the CoC region.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Desired experience and education:

• Facilitating peer groups, peer coaching, community organizing, adult education, tenant coordination, or similar field

• Personal or professional experiences with homelessness response system in Minnesota

• Working closely with people of many different backgrounds and experiences

• Using a range of communication tools, including Zoom, email, and text for daily work

• Managing meeting logistics (scheduling, note taking, using technology, follow-up, etc.)

• Speaking publicly with a variety of audiences

• Documenting activities for billing purposes

Valued skills and approaches:

• Focuses on position’s role in developing greater leadership within CoC Groups to work toward ending homelessness within the CoC region

• Self-motivated, with ability to engage others creatively and positively to solve problems

• Cooperative work style, with ability to manage input and requests from multiple sources

• Communicates clearly, consistently, and warmly, both verbally and in writing

• Highly ethical and trustworthy, especially in areas of sharing participant information and managing funds

• Has valid driver’s license or other reliable transportation to travel weekly within the region

Other Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and proof of current automobile insurance

Travel/Work Schedule

• Regular travel (up to 50% time) within the 20-county CoC region

• Occasional travel in-state or out-of-state travel for professional conferences/training (less than one week for each occurrence)

• Schedule may vary to accommodate Group activities

Expense Reimbursement

• Direct and necessary expenses related to required job-related are eligible for reimbursement