POSITION: Community Engagement Coordinator
REPORTS TO: Director of Community Engagement
PROGRAM/LOCATION: Via Del Oro EIH Site/Office Admin
TYPE: Non-Exempt, Full Time
COMPENSATION: $32.10/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.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Via Del Oro EIH is a housing-focused, low-barrier, and harm reduction program designed to serve adults experiencing homelessness within the City of San Jose. Our Via Del Oro EIH program is a referral-based program that provides each program participant with access to a private unit with heating/cooling and furnishings. The Via Del Oro EIH provides onsite comprehensive support services with the goal of assisting all program participants transition from EIH into permanent housing. The Via Del Oro EIH site includes a Community Room for hosting workshops, participant support services, and community events. HomeFirst is contracted to coordinate services, community engagement, and programming all designed to empower and build self-sufficiency for those transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing.
The Community Engagement Coordinator is a regular, full-time position who supports EIH 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 program participants. The Community Engagement Coordinator will work with EIH 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.
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 Via Del Oro EIH 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 are met.
>Work with program team to help meet volunteer needs for the program.
>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 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.
>Convene 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.
>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 EIH; 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.
Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge
>Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work well with all levels of management, staff, vendors and with people of diverse social backgrounds
>Strong written and oral communication skills with an ability to facilitate meetings, organize events, and build excellent relationships with key stakeholders
>High level of flexibility and time management skills; able to manage multiple projects concurrently
>Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain priorities and meet established deadlines
>Able to take direction and work as a team member
>Ability to present oneself and the agency professionally to internal and external audiences
>Exceptional organizational skills
>Strong computer skills
>Sensitive to confidential matters
>Able to work some nights and weekends as required
>Strong volunteer management skills; recruiting and training volunteers to give excellent service
Characteristics
>Desire to continually develop skills and increase knowledge
>Value being part of a coordinated team
>High level of professionalism with internal and external audiences
>Exhibit leadership qualities
>Strong sense of accountability
Other
>Clean driving record; valid, current CA driver license and auto insurance
>Able to use personal vehicle with reimbursement for mileage
>Able to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs.
>Able to drive agency vehicles with training and certification
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.
