Community Connector (Rio Grande Valley) Remote at Methodist Healthcare Ministries in San Antonio, Texas

Job Description:

Summary Description:

Anchored in a specific region within MHM's service area, the Community Connector will build, maintain, and facilitate relationships and networks to support community transformation. This position will work closely with a variety of departments at MHM, serving as a resource during the development and implementation of community-based efforts to improve health and well-being.

Salary:

Annual salary rate begins at $55,481.00. Mid range at $69,352.00. Actual starting rate will be commensurate with experience and education.

Essential Duties:

• Serve as a regional point person for MHM as an organization, providing on-the-ground feedback and insight for various departments, including Community Investments, Policy, Community Health & Wellness, Strategy, and Church Connections


• Identify, cultivate and maintain strong relationships and communication with a variety of external partners, including faith communities, community-based organizations, schools, and other nonprofits.


• Connect coalitions, organizations, and efforts seeking to improve vital conditions and close equity gaps to MHM and to each other


• Identify, advocate, and provide guidance for the integration of persons with lived experience of inequities into leadership structures in local communities and coalitions


• Facilitate balanced portfolios in the Pathways to Population Health framework, beginning with asset-mapping to build upon community strengths


• Co-design and coordinate capacity-building efforts based on local requests and feedback


• Provide coaching and support as requested by community residents, organizations, and coalitions


• Co-design, organize, and facilitate convenings on a local level


• Coordinate and communicate with various MHM departments to identify points of intersection


• Facilitate conversations, planning efforts, and group decision-making processes with communities through critical thinking, teamwork, collaborative problem-solving, and inclusion.


• Represent MHM at community meetings and on community task forces as needed.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor's degree in social/behavioral sciences, public health, or related field required. Three years' experience in a community outreach or community organizing capacity required, including experience working directly with persons with recent lived experience of inequities. In lieu of education, a high school diploma is required as well as 5 years working in a community outreach or community organizing capacity required. Superior relationship development and influential skills and ability to engage both internal and external constituencies. Must have past experience engaging persons with current lived experience in projects and decision-making.

An understanding of community development models, especially Asset Based Community Development preferred.

Ability to manage multiple projects in a timely fashion. Excellent interpersonal skills, community building skills, public speaking skills, and conflict mediation skills.

Experience working with marginalized populations and with specifically addressing inequities that impact the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities is required. Preference for candidates with experience in community organizing and working with grassroots organizations. Experience working with or willingness to work with diverse faith communities is essential.

Location:

Must live in a specific region within MHM's service area. Must also be rooted in that region, having lived in that area for at least 5 consecutive years. This position will require frequent travel within the specific region being served.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None.

Language Skills:

Strong verbal, organizational and written communication skills. Ability to prepare presentations and documents that conform to prescribed style and format. Must be able to speak effectively and respond to questions before groups of community members, leaders, or employees of an organization (diverse audiences). Must be bilingual in English and Spanish.

Reasoning Ability:

Need to understand processes and work creatively with very different kinds of stakeholders to build consensus. Must be able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

A creative, strategic, and forward thinker with the drive to work independently and in group settings. A negotiator with interpersonal and relational skills, including a demonstrated ability to work in a complex and matrix team environment, with a strong focus on collaboration and innovation

Computer Skills:

Must be able to demonstrate working knowledge of the Internet, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Ability to work, communicate, and collaborate in virtual settings through Zoom and MS Teams.

Other:

Commitment to health equity and community driven approaches.

Must have an orientation toward learning, innovation, and failing forward.

Working understanding of upstream and groundwater community health work and the differences between charity, equity, and liberation

Passion to create change that leads to better lives and healthier communities.

Capacity to adapt rapidly to changing priorities, objectives, and situations.

Capacity to think strategically and analytically about social, economic, cultural, and political issues affecting a community

Solid relationship management skills enhancing internal organizational relations and external interactions.

Understands the roles and contributions of all sectors of the community

Must be able to drive and have access to a vehicle; maintain valid driver's license and auto liability insurance

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position necessitates bending, stooping, twisting, turning, walking, climbing step stools, sitting and standing for periods of time. Must be able to lift and maneuver at least 25 pounds.

This position may require travel within a region and/or to San Antonio up to 75% of the time.