POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Organizer conducts outreach and organizes residents, listening to, and addressing, the individual concerns of residents and referring participants to appropriate services, while promoting Puente programs and activities throughout the South Coast communities of La Honda, Pescadero, Loma Mar, and San Gregorio. The Organizer has direct, daily contact with participants and spends significant time in the field as the bridge between Puente and farmworkers on the South Coast.

Position is full time (32-40 hours per week). Hourly rate range from $30 to $35 with competitive benefits package. 

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Community Outreach and Program Referrals
  • Performs outreach for all of Puente’s programs, events, and services including, but not limited to posting flyers, maintaining messaging on the Pescadero town sign, facilitating internal promotion, and sharing with media outlets as necessary
  • In coordination with health promoters, regularly visits all farms, nurseries, and other shared housing units for outreach purposes
  • Acts as a liaison between participants and Puente by communicating requirements and eligibility for Puente programs, making program referrals, and tracking referral completion and outcomes for participants
• Community Building
  • With support from Puente, coordinates weekly La Sala gatherings, including food and clean up, activities for participants, and distribution of donated items
  • Distributes bicycles to farm workers and coordinates bicycle repair
  • Provides support for other community building activities, as needed
• Housing Advocacy
  • Works with the Housing Advocacy Director to organize and empower community members to shape affordable housing solutions on the South Coast
  • Builds relationships with community leaders and assists in coordinating training workshops, focus groups, and other events related to affordable housing and renters’ rights
• Data collection
  • Documents, collects, and inputs data in a timely manner, including attendance for La Sala, outreach efforts, meetings, activities, and events, and interactions with partner agencies,
  • Annually updates farmworker count and housing maps within service area
• Other responsibilities
  • Establishes positive collaborative relationships with appropriate community organizations, farm and nursery owners, and sister organizations throughout the region
  • Attends weekly team and staff meetings as well as Puente-sponsored community events
  • Assists with meeting preparations, scheduling travel arrangements, and general coordination of the outreach request form

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, counseling or related field OR relevant combination of education and experience
• Experience in case management and providing direct services to program participants
• Experience in leadership development, community organizing, and/or policy advocacy
• Ability to organize tasks and people in an efficient manner
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Commitment to Puente’s vision of supporting a healthy, inclusive, and sustainable South Coast community
• Works collaboratively with colleagues, partners, and community members
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish
• Cultural competency to work with residents from diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge of the South Coast or experience working in a rural community, preferred

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

• Must possess current California Driver’s License and ability to drive to work-related functions in and around Southern San Mateo County
• Must have the capacity to work extended hours as necessary for position, including evenings and weekends

ABOUT PUENTE (SINCE 1998, PESCADERO, CA)

All individuals, families and communities have dreams for the future. At Puente, we believe that self-sufficiency is essential to turning those dreams into reality. Every day, we walk side-by-side with our South Coast neighbors to elevate our communities to build confidence for themselves. Because when people have equitable access to the local resources that support their dreams, they’re one step closer to realizing them.

OUR MISSION

Puente fosters wellness and prosperity in the San Mateo County South Coast communities of Pescadero, La Honda, Loma Mar, and San Gregorio by promoting and advocating for equitable access to education, health, and economic security.