PROGRAM COORDINATOR/ADVOCATE

Program Coordinator/ Advocate-Cedar RidgeReports to Job Role: Director, Community Connected SitesFLSA: ExemptRole: Team MemberDescriptive SummaryThe Program Coordinator/Advocate (PCA) works as a team member of our four community-connected sites, this PCA primarily reports to Cedar Ridge Apartments. The PCA is primarily responsible to for assessing and responding to the community-connected sites through providing direct and indirect support services to the residents of Cedar Ridge Apartments. The PCA is part of the Community-Connected Sites team and is to help provide direct services to their assigned location and assist at other locations as needed. Since the PCA is often expected to work independently they need to have strong interpersonal and motivational skills and must be comfortable providing facilitation of services requested, coordination and planning of events, programs, meetings, and general services. Indirect services include referrals to resources, some service navigation and follow up with the Community Connected Sites (CCS) Community Care Manager. The PCA partners will work with community members, on-site property management, county, and community partners to identify solutions to community needs and issues.The PCA must possess a patient, trauma-informed approach with all the residents within the community they work. All duties are performed in a professional and timely manner. As a community-based position the PCA must be willing to work a flexible schedule that includes regular evening hours and some weekends, in a setting that is convenient for working families. The PCA will ensure that all services are equitable and delivered with integrity in accordance with the Agency Mission, Vision, and Values. A candidate that is bilingual in English/ Arabic, Pashto and Farsi is strongly preferred. A candidate that understands the community that the PCA will service and might even live within the community is a plus.Note: This is a community-based position and is performed during times and in settings that are convenient for working families. This position is performed in multiple locations; efficient transportation is required.Key Performance IndicatorsEstablish trusting and professional relationships with community members, on-site property management, and county/community partners.Connect community members to skill development and/or leadership training opportunities.Help assist community members through service navigation in identifying resources and advocate as needed.Promote and outreach to community members for high level participation and leadership in meetings, events, and programs.Work directly with Cornerstones colleagues and partner organizations to create linkages to services, programs, and opportunities. Identify and recruit community leaders to be “Resident Advocates.”Supervise “Resident Advocates” through check-ins, timesheets, and coaching.Maintain appropriate documentation to meet reporting requirements on community center use and community engagement.Facilitate and support onsite community programs, including monthly youth and adult programming and summer meals.As directed by their supervisor, provide support to the RestON initiative by helping with outreach and/or attending ON events, help facilitate CCS space for ON programming if needed.Oversee the usage of community center space and ensure smooth operations and maintenance of location.Support the CCS team at other sites if/when needed, or off-site during “all hands on” events.Identify and submit volunteer needs and/or resources for CCS events, programs, and services.Oversee volunteer participation and provide proper documentation of their duties and time.Willingness to work a flexible schedule – evenings and weekends may be required.Perform other duties that are deemed necessary to support the agency.EducationPrefer a two or four-year degree from an accredited college in the human services field, or equivalent work experience.Ability to speak a second language commonly used in the community (particularly Arabic, Pashto and Farsi) is preferred, but not necessary. Experience And SkillsPrefer three to five years of work experience in human services, community development, school or communications related fields such as teaching, social work, sociology, community organizing.Must have some experience in the field of human relations and community organizing. A passion for supporting people from diverse cultural, religious, socioeconomic, gender, sexual orientation, physical and mental health backgrounds, as well as age categories. Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and promoting social justice while working from a place of empathy, respect, and a willingness to listen to and learn from others. Enjoys working with children, youth, teens, and adults.Proactive and creative problem solver with the ability to identify and address emerging issues.Excellent relationship-building, organizational, communications and customer service skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, email, internet. Familiarity with Fairfax County Human Services Resource Guide a plus.Preferred, strong mass-communication skills in a variety of media, including email lists, mass text lists, group chats, in-person canvassing, as well as visual media such as signs, flyers, pamphlets, and brochures (both digital and print).Cornerstones Vision, Purpose, And ValuesCornerstones envisions an equitable, connected community where all individuals and families thrive. Cornerstones’ employees build and sustain our culture through a commitment to these values:Serve and Lead with Passion for Mission ExcellenceAct with IntegrityChampion Justice, Equity, Diversity, and InclusionCollaborate and Innovate for ImpactEquip and Empower for SuccessWork EnvironmentWhile this position is sometimes performed in a traditional office environment, there are programming aspects that require active “hands-on” participation in the community center, in the surrounding areas of the apartment complex, county partner locations and in outdoor environments.An Equal Opportunity Employer