Community Builder

Avalon Housing; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 43,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

Avalon Housing in Ann Arbor, MI is seeking a Dunbar Tower Community Builder to coordinate community programming and support residents at Dunbar Miller sites. This full-time role focuses on creating a welcoming, safe living environment and engaging tenants through events and services.

The position involves crisis intervention, activity facilitation, and helping tenants access external resources, with emphasis on equity and tenant leadership.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in human services or working with homeless populations.
• ServeSafe and CPR First Aid AED certification (can be completed on hire).
• BA degree in social or behavioral science is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide client triage and ongoing support to community tenants; engage tenants with trust-building activities.
• Coordinate and promote on-site activities, mutual aid groups, and community events/meals.
• Respond to tenant concerns and provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Manage the weekly food pantry and ensure the Community Center is welcoming and accessible.
• Advocate for tenants and connect them with external resources; complete program documentation.

Skills

Verbal written communication

Community organizing

Flexibility hours

ServeSafe CPR/First Aid

Education

BA in social/behavioral science (preferred)

Job description

Job Description: Dunbar Community Builder

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.

Here are some of the key benefits that Avalon staff receive:

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 Plan Avalon sponsors a 403(b) retirement plan through Vanguard, available to all employees.

Core Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• 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

Team Role and Collaboration

• Attend monthly Community Building and Adult Services team meetings
• Attend regular meetings with the supervisor for goal planning and review of progress

Required Qualifications

• 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)

Desired Skills and Abilities

• 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

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to sit for long periods of time, drive a vehicle with passengers, communicate with other persons by talking and hearing, required to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds and to operate computer hardware systems.

*This position requires A valid Michigan Chauffeur driver's license and reliable transportation is required.

Job Title: Dunbar Tower Community Builder

Reports to: Community Building Team Lead

Location: This position and office is based in Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Status: Full time, salaried (40 hours per week, Monday-Friday between the hours of 8AM-6PM)

Starting Wage: $47,511

Benefits including excellent health insurance options, dental & vision, 403(b), generous vacation and additional holidays, Life / AD&D / Short -term Disability plans, Employee Assistance & Wellness programs

Avalon Housing is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks applicants from diverse backgrounds. This includes but is not limited to people living with disabilities or mental health conditions, and with lived experience with homelessness or recovery from a substance use disorder. Avalon also encourages those with criminal histories to apply. Avalon doesn't request information about criminal histories unless and until an offer of employment is extended. Avalon may exclude someone based on criminal history if it determines the criminal history is related to or directly conflicts with the responsibilities of the position.