Community Engagement Healthy Homes Initiative

Community Engagement Specialist Position Description
The Bellaire-Puritas Development Corporation (BPDC) is hiring for a Community Engagement Specialist for the Community Engagement Healthy Homes Initiative in coordination with the City of Cleveland. BPDC is the community development corporation that serves a portion of the West Park neighborhood on the far west side of Cleveland, including the Jefferson and Bellaire-Puritas neighborhoods. The community engagement specialist is a full time, position that reports to the BPDC Community Development Director, and works closely with the BPDC Housing Director. This position is grant funded by the City of Cleveland and will receive competitive salary with a full benefits package!

Healthy Homes Program Goal: The purpose of the Healthy Homes Initiative is to improve the quality of life of residents and the City’s housing stock. Community engagement specialists will work in Cleveland neighborhoods to connect and build trust with residents and landlords and link them to resources, education and training.

The ideal candidate is passionate about Cleveland neighborhoods and residents and has a servant leadership mentality – placing the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong first and foremost. The candidate should be a problem-solver, good listener, and patient. This person should also enjoy developing relationships, working with diverse groups of people, and helping residents work though challenges they are facing.

Community engagement specialists will report to the Community Engagement Specialist (CES) Manager in the City of Cleveland’s Community Development Department and the Community Development Corporation (CDC) Executive Director or their designee. The specialists will be housed at the CDC in the neighborhood they are serving and will be part of a cohort of specialists deployed across the City.

Each Community Engagement (CE) Specialist will focus on concentrated inspection areas (CIA) in their neighborhood that are prioritized by their CDC Executive Director, CES Manager, and Councilperson. Main roles and responsibilities include:
Working with the CES Manager, CDC team, and Councilmember to determine which areas of neighborhood have the most need
Identifying external and internal housing issues
Building trust, providing technical assistance, and developing a plan of action with the resident to address housing and quality of life issues
Connecting residents with resources available through the City of Cleveland, local nonprofits, and organizations
Collecting, inputting, and tracking field data
Administering the City’s paint program in the field with support from the CES Manager
Delivering classes and forums for homeowners and landlords on at least a quarterly basis in coordination with CES Manager

Minimum Qualifications
A High school diploma or GED is required; Bachelor’s degree in social work, urban planning, public affairs, communications or another related field is preferred
One year of experience in community building, engagement, or serving clients in a social service environment; OR
One year of paid experience in building or remodeling, contracting, building construction estimating, building inspection or building/real estate management
Comfort with data collection, software and technology (such as personal computers, handheld devices, Microsoft Office Suites) preferred
Ability to work independently and as part of a cohort/collaborative team
A valid State of Ohio Driver's License is required
Reliable transportation to conduct field surveys and inspections preferred
Complete Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (RRP) certification within six months
Training and Support for Community Engagement Specialists
Exterior Home Inspection coaching and training from Department of Building & Housing Chiefs
Lead Identification and Remediation Training
Single-day Renovation, Repair and Painting (Lead RRP) training
Identification of lead hazards
Implementation of interim controls
Education residents on implementation of interim controls
Community engagement strategies
Data collection, management, and reporting

Additionally: CE Specialists’ will convene routinely with the CES Manager and as a cohort for peer-to-peer learning, mentorship, and assistance.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume by email (preferred) to apply@bpdc.org, or by regular mail to:
Melissa Miller
BPDC Community Development Director
14703 Puritas Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44135

No phone calls please.