Community Builder (Dunbar Tower/Miller Manor)

Avalon Housing • Ann Arbor, MI

1d

About The Position

At Avalon, housing is a human right. Our mission is to build healthy, safe and inclusive supportive housing communities as a long-term solution to homelessness.
Avalon Housing is a non-profit supportive housing provider. Supportive housing is a combination of affordable housing paired with services, such as case management. We don't just help people find housing, we help people stay and thrive in their homes.
If you are passionate about creating more diverse, inclusive, and equitable communities where all people are welcome, Avalon may be a good fit for you.
The staff at Miller Manor and Dunbar Tower work together to build and support Avalon's tenant community to create a safe and healthy living environment. They encourage tenant leadership and participation in the organization and help tenants develop informal peer support networks. The Dunbar Miller Community Builder is responsible for oversight and coordination of community programming at the Community Centers of these two residential sites. They also triage tenant needs that arise from the welcome (front) desk. The Community Builder also collaborates with other staff in the planning and oversight of community center programming and engagement.

Requirements

• At least one year of experience in human services working with people who are homeless, with mental illness, chronic health issues, and/or addiction disorders or similar populations
• ServeSafe and CPR First Aid AED Certified (can be completed upon hiring)
• A valid Michigan Chauffeur driver's license and reliable transportation is required.

Nice To Haves

• BA degree in social or behavioral science is preferred
• Experience with or working knowledge of community organizing
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Highly positive and enthusiastic attitude and strong commitment toward helping those in need
• Interest and experience in working with individuals who are difficult to engage and refer to traditional programs; ability to engage with individuals in their current stage of change
• Ability to work flexible hours as required by programs and staffing needs
• Avalon Housing is dedicated to eliminating racial inequities. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to work with diverse populations in a non-judgmental way
• Ability to recognize appropriate boundaries with clients

Responsibilities

• Provide client triage and ongoing support to community tenants.
• Engage tenants through creative, resourceful strategies that build trust and confidence
• Coordinate, initiate and assist in facilitation and promotion of on-site activities, mutual aid support groups, outings, and community meetings/events/meals
• Respond to tenant concerns and provide crisis intervention as needed
• Manage the weekly food pantry
• Ensure the Community Center is welcoming, accessible, and well-organized
• Provide crisis intervention as needed
• Advocate for tenants and connect them with external community resources; provide referrals as needed
• Complete documentation requirements in accordance with program guidelines as dictated by program needs
• Attend monthly Community Building and Adult Services team meetings
• Attend regular meetings with the supervisor for goal planning and review of progress

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: Paid time off includes three weeks of vacation time plus additional sick and personal time allowances. There are additional paid days off that allow for at least one paid day off per month
• Medical Benefits: Full-time employees can select from three comprehensive medical insurance plans, including coverage options for your family. Plus, Avalon covers dental and vision insurance - with no per-payroll premium contribution.
• Life and Disability Plans: Employees working 16 or more hours per week receive life insurance and short-term disability coverage-Avalon covers the full cost of the premiums.
• 403(b) Retirement PlanAvalon sponsors a 403(b) retirement plan through Vanguard, available to all employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level