resident services coordinator (berkeley)

Founded in 1984, Resources for Community Development (RCD) is a regional nonprofit housing developer working throughout Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano Counties. It is our mission to create and preserve affordable housing for people with the fewest options, building communities and enriching lives. RCD’s portfolio consists of over 1000 affordable housing units in 12 cities and 3 counties throughout the East Bay Area. RCD builds new and acquires and rehabs housing for low-income families, seniors, and households with special needs.



Major Job Responsibilities and Duties



The Resident Services Coordinator (RSC), under the supervision of the Director of Resident Services (DRS), implements supportive services programs at RCD’s affordable housing developments.



1. Onsite Community Building/Organizing responsibilities and one-on-one housing retention strategies:



• Provide service coordination to individuals and families: provide information and referral to assist them in securing entitlement benefits, income support, education and job training, homeownership opportunities, and many other supportive services.

• Facilitate resident meetings, recreational events, and social and educational programs

• Provide short-term, crisis counseling as needed and act as a referral agent for additional services (longer-term counseling would be handled by a qualified, outside agency).

• Work with property management to prevent eviction of residents through early intervention and mediation, assist residents with seeking out community resources when needed to retain housing, and promote community safety through neighborhood watch and disaster planning.



2. Program development and monitoring responsibilities



• Assist the DRS in developing supportive services plans and memoranda of understanding with service providers, and manage interagency relationships

• Develop and implement education and training programs such as money management, home management skills, leadership, etc. directly and with service contractors at RCD sites; set up and manage computer labs at applicable sites.

• Assess resident satisfaction with supportive service delivery, by administering RCD’s Annual Resident Survey and interfacing directly with residents.

• Work with RCD’s housing development staff on new supportive housing projects



3. Other Duties



• Represent RCD at meetings with public agencies, community groups, and residents.

• Assist in the training and supervision of volunteers, interns and project assistants.

• Reports suspected abuse situations to the appropriate agency

• Perform related duties as required.



Qualifications

Applicants should have two or more years experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Community/neighborhood organizing and community building with residents;

• Providing direct service and/or case management to individuals facing challenges such as HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and/or mental health, physical disabilities; or

• Education and training to individuals and households in areas such as job development, money management, computer instruction.



Applicants should demonstrate the following skills:

 Strong organizational skills: ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines at once.

 Strong administrative skills, including record keeping for social service provision (case notes, releases of information and confidentiality, and others), and submission of invoices for payment.

 Working knowledge of confidentiality and ethics, vocational and economic intervention strategies, HUD housing programs, case management and crisis intervention strategies.

 Strong communication and negotiation skills for establishing cooperative working relationships with property management companies, social service providers, and resident households.

 Clear and effective verbal and written communications (bilingual Spanish or Chinese preferred)

 Experience with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook) and internet.



Also required for hire:

• Current TB Test (RCD will provide at start date).

 Must have a car and valid driver’s license, registration and insurance.

 Must pass criminal background check.



Education



Bachelor’s degree in related field required; may substitute five years’ experience in related field with High school/GED.



Application Procedure and Compensation



To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter to RCD via email and attachment to Chris Hess at chess@rcdev.org; by regular mail; or by facsimile between August 1, 2007 and August 17, 2007. We are located at 2730 Telegraph, Berkeley CA, 94705. Our fax is 510-548-3502. This posting closes on August 17, 2007