Community Coach - Jobs Plus

Norfolk Redevelopment And Housing Authority•Norfolk, VA

7d•$21 - $30•Hybrid

About The Position

Serves as a resident peer outreach worker and liaison between Oakleaf Forest residents and NRHA’s Jobs Plus Program. Builds trusted relationships with neighbors, recruits residents to participate, and encourages continued engagement in employment, education, training, and financial empowerment services. Supports the community support for work component of Jobs Plus through resident communication, peer encouragement, and community activities. Explains approved program information, connects residents with Employment Specialists and other program staff, gathers resident feedback, and documents outreach. Works under the general supervision of the Jobs Plus Program Manager.

Requirements

Residency in Oakleaf Forest is required for this position.
Subject to a background check and reference verification prior to hire.
Must maintain confidentiality and adhere to NRHA’s code of conduct and ethics policies.
Must be available for occasional evening or weekend outreach and community events within the assigned part-time schedule.
Must complete assigned training in Jobs Plus program services, resident outreach, confidentiality, professional boundaries, documentation, and staff safety. Additional training may include trauma-informed service, motivational interviewing, and financial empowerment resources. Must learn the approved explanation of the financial incentive applicable to NRHA’s award and refer technical questions to designated staff.
Ability to read and understand routine program materials, communicate clearly in writing, maintain basic records, and perform simple calculations.
Understanding of residents’ employment, education, economic, and supportive service needs, with an emphasis on adults and working-age households.
Ability to build trust and communicate respectfully with residents from diverse backgrounds, including individuals who may be hesitant to participate.
Ability to encourage residents without judgment, maintain appropriate boundaries, and recognize when a concern requires staff or professional assistance.
Ability to explain routine information clearly, listen actively, prepare basic reports, and follow oral and written instructions.
Basic ability to use a computer, email, telephone, and approved data entry tools, or willingness to learn through provided training.
Ability to organize outreach activities, manage assigned appointments and tasks, and work both independently and with the Jobs Plus team.
Ability to protect confidential information and exercise judgment and initiative within established procedures.
Ability to learn NRHA’s mission, policies, Jobs Plus services, enrollment procedures, and community outreach practices.

Nice To Haves

One to two years of customer service, community outreach, resident leadership, volunteer service, or related experience is preferred.
An equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Responsibilities

Recruit Oakleaf Forest residents through door-to-door outreach, one-on-one conversations, resident meetings, telephone calls, and approved digital communications. Use approved flyers and materials to explain available Jobs Plus services.
Build relationships with residents who are seeking work, already employed, or interested in education and career advancement. Listen to their interests and concerns and connect them with the appropriate staff member.
Explain enrollment steps and the program’s employment services, applicable financial incentive, and community support for work using approved information. Refer individual eligibility, rent, benefits, and financial questions to designated staff.
Help interested residents connect with the Administrative Assistant or Employment Specialists to schedule intake appointments, orientations, workshops, and follow-up visits. Provide appointment reminders and encourage attendance.
Offer peer encouragement to support residents’ goals, celebrate progress, and help residents reconnect with services after missed appointments or interruptions. Refer employment planning and case management needs to Employment Specialists.
Identify barriers residents report, such as transportation, childcare, technology access, or scheduling needs, and communicate them to program staff for assessment and referral.
Help create a community environment that supports work by sharing approved information about job opportunities, training, workshops, and resident accomplishments. Obtain required consent before sharing personal stories or photographs.
Assist with planning and conducting orientations, job fairs, employer visits, resident meetings, workshops, and community events. Help with invitations, setup, registration, attendance records, and follow-up.
Gather resident feedback through conversations, surveys, and group activities; summarize concerns, interests, and suggestions for the Manager’s review.
Maintain accurate outreach logs and records of contacts, referrals, activities, and follow-up using NRHA-approved forms or systems. Submit routine reports within established deadlines.
Meet regularly with the Jobs Plus team to coordinate outreach, discuss resident feedback, and identify ways to improve participation. Work with resident leaders and partners as directed by the Manager.
Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and secure handling of participant information. Share information only with authorized individuals through approved channels.
Participate in required training and follow NRHA procedures for community outreach, staff safety, records management, and respectful resident service. Refer urgent concerns to designated staff or emergency services as appropriate.
Perform other related duties as assigned.