Community Organizer for the Neighborhood Advisory Commitee, SW Phila

Posted by on August 12, 2005

[emailed 8/15/2005]

Southwest Community Development Corporation
JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Community Organizer for the Neighborhood Advisory Commitee

Position Summary:
Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) is an extension of the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) of the City of Philadelphia, the purpose of which is to organize communities, promote housing programs, and provide information to residents. This information is provided through various methods, including Service Area Briefings (community meetings) and our quarterly newsletter.

The Community Organizer will report to the Executive Director. The Organizer is primarily responsible for targeting low-moderate income people; aid in the prevention or elimination of blight; and/or meet community needs having a particular urgency. They will be responsible for implementing all activities under the contract with OHCD.

Responsibilities:
The NAC is responsible to provide neighborhood citizens with adequate opportunity to participate in neighborhood level planning; contribute to the direct delivery of services by City sponsored programs; and to be the representative organization to provide information and assistance on the activities within the NAC boundaries.

NAC activities and Programs:
 Promote City housing programs and disseminate information.
 Promote programs and services of Southwest CDC.
 Organize and facilitate quarterly community meetings in the target area.
 Facilitate education workshops associated with NAC programs.
 Actively link organizations and institutions to the community.
 Have knowledge of the neighborhood and the resources within our CDC target area.
 Develop news articles for the Southwest Globe Times related to community development.
 Keep neighborhood resource directory updated and distributed.
 Attend regular neighborhood-wide community meetings (CityLights, 12th Police District Workshops, etc.)
 Maintain a database of neighborhood conditions (block surveys, property info, etc.).
 Survey existing conditions such as vacant properties and lots.
 Advocate on behalf of PHA tenants regarding repairs and/or services.
 Promote self-sufficiency through in-house employment information.
 Southwest Pride Day Parade and Festival:
1. Assist in recruiting volunteers
2. Participate in the planning committee
3. Carry out related tasks

 Garden Club:
1. Distribute gardening supplies (tools, seeds when available)
2. Organize monthly meetings to promote gardening and gardening education.
3. Recruit gardeners.
4. Actively market and promote the program.
5. Develop and maintain list of block clubs and block captains with gardens.
 Administrative Reporting:
1. Submit a monthly report, attached with minutes, resolutions adopted, staff activities, director?s report, and issues requiring OHCD attention.
2. Request for clean & seal, acquisition, sheriff sale and/or demolitions petitions.
3. Report the number of people receiving services on a monthly basis.

Qualifications:
The NAC Organizer must have a high school diploma or equivalent or have 2 years experience in outreach or community development work. The Community Organizer must have an excellent, outgoing, personal presentation, including being neat, well-spoken and enthusiastic about community development work. It is preferred that the organizer be knowledgeable about city-wide housing programs and the community development field. S/He should be self-motivated and have a strong commitment to aiding low-moderate income neighborhoods. S/He must also have excellent writing skills, be organized, self-motivated and able to work without close supervision. S/He must be a team player who can take constructive criticism. S/He must have the means to travel independently throughout the city. The position requires computer experience with word processing, spreadsheet, graphics and database software, specifically Microsoft Office and Publisher. Many evening and weekend meetings required attendance. It is preferred that you are a Southwest Philadelphia resident.

Salary and Hours:
The Community Organizer position requires a minimum of 37.5 hours per week as an exempt employee. Annual salary is set at $27,300.

Benefits:
Once the 90-day probationary period is complete and as long as he/she remains an employee, the NAC Community Organizer shall be entitled to:
 11 paid holidays,
 15 annual sick days and 15 annual vacation days,
 health insurance benefits,
 long term disability insurance,
 $25,000 life insurance policy.

Submit resume to:
Donna M. Henry, Executive Director
Southwest Community Development Corporation
6328 Paschall Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19142
215-729-7441 ~ Fax: 215-726-5719
donnah@southwestcdc.org