Healthy Community Initiative

Now in its 25^th year, the Healthy Community Initiative (HCI) is a community-based organization whose mission is to cultivate a collaborative community that supports, values and empowers youth. HCI works with community partners to identify needs/opportunities, foster collaboration and support community-driven efforts that benefit local youth and families. By offering its assistance, HCI strives to build the capacity of the community to more effectively serve its young people.

One of HCI’s flagship initiatives, Tackling Obstacles and Raising College Hopes (TORCH) works to increase the high school graduation and postsecondary attendance rates of Northfield youth who are low-income, students of color, and/or potential first-generation college attendees.  Completing its 13^th year, the program works with more than 400 youth in grades 6-12, plus 125+ alumni.

HCI seeks an individual (15-20 hours/week) to provide administrative support to various HCI initiatives, including TORCH youth participating in the Tri-City Bridges to the Future initiative.  Funded through a Social Innovation Fund grant from Youthprise and the Corporation for National and Community Service, Tri-City Bridges to the Future seeks to offer resources and support to Opportunity Youth ages 14-24.  TORCH seeks to enroll and support 30 students in the Tri-City program, allowing them to access financial resources and support in graduating from high school, pursuing postsecondary education, and receiving initial career possibilities.

Tasks for the HCI Support Specialist include:

• Provide diversified administrative services to the TORCH and HCI Coordinators.
• Assist TORCH students with the completion of paperwork necessary to successfully enroll in postsecondary programs, register for workforce development programs, and complete necessary financial aid applications.
• Oversee the administration of select tests and assessments required for students to complete enrollment.
• Provide administrative support for TORCH students enrolled in the Individual Development Account (IDA) program.
• Prepare materials and logistics for TORCH and other Bridges-related meetings, field trips, and activities. Ensure that all needed equipment, meeting supplies, and materials are provided for the smooth flow of the activity.
• Track and maintain data required for grant reports for TORCH-supported projects.
• Supervise college work-study students and office volunteers.
• Other duties as needed/requested.

Required qualities for the HCI Support Specialist include:

• Demonstrated computer knowledge and skill in word processing, spreadsheets, database creation/maintenance, Google programs, and PowerPoint.
• Accuracy, organization and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated interpersonal relations skills. Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with high school students, staff, volunteers and HCI partners.
• Strong commitment to youth and willing to advocate on their behalf.
• Ability to: organize, plan and implement multi-faceted workload; effectively identify, analyze, and solve problems; and successfully handle conflict resolution.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and as a member of a team.
• Willingness to maintain the standards, carryout the purpose, and adhere to the policies of the Healthy Community Initiative.

Preferred qualities for the HCI Support Specialist include:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Familiarity with Northfield and Rice County organizations and resources
• Experience with graphic design and/or website maintenance

To apply, please submit a cover letter, résumé, and the contact information for three professional references to: Zach Pruitt, HCI Executive Director (info@healthycommunityinitiative.org).  Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  Seeking candidates who are ideally able to begin work by mid-September 2017.