Refugee Health Promotion Community Dev. Specialist

at  YMCA of Greater Houston

YMCA International Services is a unique branch of the YMCA of Greater Houston that seeks to meet the needs of Houston’s significant refugee and immigrant communities. We provide comprehensive programs that focus on building human assets and fostering self-sufficiency.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The goal of the Refugee Health Promotion program is to promote the health and well-being of eligible newcomers by providing opportunities to increase health literacy, peer support, and wellness groups. These individuals arrive with immediate and long-term physical and mental health needs, and it is critical to ensure they can understand and access the U.S. healthcare system. In addition, supporting non-clinical services and support for newcomers is vital to enhancing the well-being of these populations. Knowing that housing stability, quality, safety, and affordability all affect health outcomes, the Community Development Specialists will help to enhance the lives of newcomers living in Alief by increasing access to community resources (e.g., housing, neighborhood parks, community centers, public libraries, childcare centers, health care facilities, public safety buildings, historic sites, or other public spaces). The Community Development Specialist identifies and engages
community stakeholders and provides direct technical assistance to the Refugee Health Promotion team to increase client access to safe, affordable housing and neighborhood resources.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Certain education, knowledge, skills, and abilities are required for this position. Other abilities and experience are preferred.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate degree in public administration, business, economics, political science, regional/urban planning, sociology, or other related field or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Two years of relevant nonprofit or local municipality work experience.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, particularly those related to community development.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent writing skills.

• Be familiar with available community resources and state and federal laws through HUD and local housing authorities that can enhance the lives of people with disabilities, low income, and housing instability or homelessness.
• Collaborate with local businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies to maximize resources and expertise in the Alief area.
• Provide education and training sessions on community development principles and practices.
• Empower community members with the knowledge and skills to actively participate in development efforts.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of community development projects and initiatives.
• Prepare and present regular reports to stakeholders, demonstrating the impact of the programs.
• Mediate conflicts within the community and work towards consensus on important issues.
• Create relationships with the Alief Community Association, Alief Neighborhood Center, Alief Super Neighborhood Council, and the Houston Parks & Recreation Department.
• Attend neighborhood meetings with stakeholders such as HPD, Houston Fire Department, and Alief ISD
• Work with the Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department to ensure that local officers and firemen are aware of the refugee populations and know how to access language services when needed
• Meet with International’s direct service providers to ensure that Alief newcomer clients have access to Alief public agencies, parks, housing, and other resources