POSITION: Community Engagement Coordinator-Scattered Sites
REPORTS TO: Director of Community Engagement
PROGRAM/LOCATION: Motel Program- scattered sites/Navigation Hub/Office Admin
TYPE: Non-Exempt, Full-time, on-site, in person
Compensation: $33.38/Hourly
ABOUT HOMEFIRST
Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.
PROGRAM SUMMARY:
In partnership with the City of San Jose’s Housing Department, HomeFirst Services (HFS) is operating a Navigation Hub and Motel Program.
The Navigation Hub is a low-barrier, non-congregate, tent-based shelter site that will function as a triage location for single adults and couples over the age of 18. The Hub will be an initial service location when households are or will be relocated from encampments near City of San José waterways and neighborhoods before referral to other locations in the shelter system. The Hub will have low-barrier entrance and operate from a Housing First perspective, using trauma-informed Harm Reduction Principles that prioritize reduced harm from substance use over sobriety enforcement. The Navigation HUB consists of 48 regular and 8 ADA-accessible tents in a fenced setting where participants can access basic-needs services including food, water, and showers, and case management services. The Navigation HUB will offer a variety of supportive services, community engagement and direct contributions to help each participant achieve stable housing. Sites will be fully staffed and operate seven days per week, 24 hours per day with on-site security services.
The Motel Program will provide interim shelter at multiple underutilized motels and hotels across the City of San Jose. The Motel Program (MP) is intended to provide Emergency Interim Housing opportunities and is a referral-based only program with no drop-in services provided to the public. The MP will support program participants by providing services to include case management, housing problem-solving, meals and other wraparound supportive services. These services are informed by a harm reduction philosophy with an emphasis on educating participants on how to avoid risky behaviors and engage in safer practices, including connection to evidence-based treatment options. In sites where RV placement is permitted, participants will have access to the same services as motel program participants.
The Community Engagement Coordinator for the Navigation Hub and Hotel Program will provide support through coordination of volunteer opportunities, and solicitation of donations. The Community Engagement Coordinator will assist with acceptance, sorting, recording and distribution of donations at the administrative office. The Community Engagement Coordinator, as part of the Fund Development team, will support agency-wide fundraising initiatives.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Community Engagement Coordinator is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position who supports Hotel Program and Navigation Hub participants and staff by identifying, securing, and managing volunteers, developing community partnerships through volunteer opportunities and donation drives, and communicating with the staff regarding available donated items. The Community Engagement Coordinator will support the facilitation of skill-building workshops and site events to build community among the Motel Program participants. The Community Engagement Coordinator will work with program staff to ensure that program metrics and needs are met. As a part of the Fund Development Team, the Community Engagement Coordinator will support fundraising and donation drive efforts that support all HomeFirst programs.
The Community Engagement Coordinator is further responsible for modeling the values and principles of HomeFirst within the agency and the broader community. The Community Engagement Coordinator is relentless in their commitment to ending homelessness via the principles of Housing First and Harm Reduction. They demonstrate this commitment through thoughtful, strategic program design and a scientific approach to performance improvement. Their participation in the continuous testing, analysis, and refinement of their programs reflects their personal pursuit of excellence in all that they do. HomeFirst is a diverse company in a diverse field, and the Community Engagement Coordinator desires to work with people from a variety of social and economic backgrounds.
The Community Engagement Coordinator is further responsible for modeling the values and principles of HomeFirst within the agency and the broader community.
The Community Engagement Coordinator is relentless in their commitment to ending homelessness via the principles of Housing First and Harm Reduction. They demonstrate this commitment through thoughtful, strategic program design and a scientific approach to performance improvement. Their participation in the continuous testing, analysis, and refinement of their programs reflects their personal pursuit of excellence in all that they do. HomeFirst is a diverse company in a diverse field, and the Community Engagement Coordinator desires to work with people from a variety of social and economic backgrounds.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The position reports to the Director of Community Engagement and works in concert with six other Community Engagement Coordinators as well as members of the Fund Development, Marketing & Communications, and programs teams.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Volunteer Coordination
>Serve as the coordinator for Navigation Hub and Motel Program volunteer activities including recruitment, placement, scheduling, hours tracking, and training of volunteers.
> Identify new opportunities to engage groups, individuals, and corporations in the agency’s work.
>Secure workshop facilitators/volunteers to ensure contracted quarterly workshop attendance requirements at Motel Program are met.
>Build and maintain strong community relationships.
>Complete and track enrollment applications, code of conduct, confidentiality, release forms, and sign-in forms for volunteers.
>Track all TB testing, Food Handling certifications, proof of vaccination, and fingerprinting for various volunteer duties.
>Ensure that volunteers and staff are trained on proper use of the volunteer portal.
>Communicate with volunteers in a timely manner. Answer all inquiries via phone or email.
>Work with Director of Interim Housing Services, Program Manager, and program staff to ensure compliance with all agency policies regarding volunteers.
>Work in collaboration with DEI director and HomeFirst DEI Committee to incorporate celebrations for EIH participants
>Maintain calendars for meal donations, activities and workshops and confirm all scheduled meal donations, activities, and workshops on a weekly basis.
Engagement Activities
>Provide monthly calendar of site workshops and events to appropriate personnel.
>Schedule weekly workshops (MP) to build self-sufficiency, facilitated by volunteers, the Community Engagement Coordinator, or program staff.
>Coordinate quarterly resource fairs at the site, including outside organizations that offer resources needed by program participants.
>Schedule site tours with potential volunteers and/or donors.
>Actively develop relationships with businesses, faith communities, and organizations which would complement and support program needs, providing workshops, in-kind donations, off-site kit builds, and general support.
>Attend a regularly scheduled Community Advisory Committee to build relationships with immediate neighbors, giving and receiving feedback on EIH activities and program metrics.
>Collect all donation forms (from in-kind and other donations) and return completed forms to the office of Fund Development.
>Complete monthly reporting of volunteer hours, in-kind donations, and workshop attendance.
>Work with program staff to be aware of current in-kind donation needs.
>Work as part of the Fund Development team to provide logistical and tactical support for the agency’s special events, share information on key community relationships and assist with developing social media stories.
>Build community awareness about HomeFirst; attend community-based fairs and other community initiatives with goals that align with HomeFirst’s mission.
>Report on engagement activities and impact to senior staff
Other
>Participate in Community Engagement and Fund Development team duties and activities.
>Accept, sort, distribute donations received at the Administration Office.
COMPETENCIES:
Excellence: Commits to high achievement by setting personal standards of excellence, driving results, and continuously improving performance while fostering team success and organizational goals.
Collaboration: Works effectively to build strong relationships, foster open communication, and create a cohesive and high-performing team.
Diversity & Inclusion: Cultivates an inclusive environment that values and respects the social identities of all individuals, creating space for authenticity and equity.
Managing Performance: Ensures team goals are met by proactively addressing concerns, providing guidance, and fostering accountability to achieve desired outcomes.
Empowering & Developing Others: Delegates authority confidently, provides the freedom for individual styles, and offers recognition and constructive feedback to develop team members effectively.
Managing Change: Leads teams through organizational shifts by positively guiding others, encouraging adaptability, and aligning priorities with the agency’s mission.
Risk Management: Evaluates and mitigates risks in operational and strategic areas, prioritizes safety, and raises concerns to address potential issues proactively.
Technical Expertise: Maintains a high level of skill and knowledge relevant to the role, staying adaptable and current in their field.
Customer Service: Understands the needs and goals of both internal and external stakeholders, working collaboratively to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Planning and Organizing: Develops and adheres to efficient workflows, ensuring deadlines and processes are streamlined for maximum effectiveness.
Critical Thinking: Approaches challenges with a logical, systematic, and thoughtful methodology to effectively navigate complex situations and make informed decisions.
BENEFITS
HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 4 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.
ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT
At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.
HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.
HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.
