Community Specialist Bilingual

Create access and equity to City services ensuring that barriers to participation are removed for under-represented communities and lead the development and maintenance of trusted relationships with under-represented communities to engage them into the decision-making processes for the development and implementation of programs and policies for the City of Minneapolis and neighborhood organizations.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Work Location:
This position is on-site only

Salary:
The anticipated starting salary range for this position is: $67,808.00 - $94,365.44/year.

1. Engage and establish relationships within under-represented communities and provide leadership within under-represented communities to enhance access to City services
2. Represent the City of Minneapolis in strategic partnership and solution strategies for increasing trusted relationships between under-represented communities and the City of Minneapolis enterprise.
3. Represent the city of Minneapolis and serve as the staff person on task forces established by City Council and under-represented communities on issues that impact access and equity for residents
4. Review, evaluate and implement City programs and services to determine methods to make them more accessible, equitable and useful for under-represented communities
5. Facilitate decision making processes between under-represented communities and government to increase knowledge and utilization of City services
6. Create and maintain open channels of communication between the City of Minneapolis and under-represented communities to increase knowledge and utilization of City services
7. Assist other city departments in making and sustaining relationship connections within under-represented communities; including neighborhood organizations and other community-based organization
8. Lead community relationship development with all stakeholders within assigned neighborhoods *Assist other City Departments in developing programs and services that support increased access to under-represented communities
9. Provide recommendations, strategies and intent of policy development on local and state government levels
10. Provide engagement, recruitment and outreach strategies to other departments to increase access and participation of the under-represented community in government decision making processes
11. Participate in Public Health Emergency Preparedness planning, training, and response as needed and assigned by the department

Minimum Education
Bachelor's degree in African American Studies, Southeast Asian Studies, African Studies, Communications, Public Administration, Public Relations, Urban studies, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum Experience
Three years of related experience which has included program and project management, and community engagement work in under-represented communities.

Licenses/Certifications
N/A

Union Representation: This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Professional Employees Association (MPEA). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/labor-agreements/professional-employees/

Selection Process
Eligibility to be considered for the position will be determined by a rating of training and experience, written exam and/or oral examination (100%). It is very important to fully describe your education and work experience as it relates to this opening in your online application. The City of Minneapolis Human Resource office reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Eligible Statement
The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire six (6) months after it has been established.

Background Check
The City has determined that a thorough Minneapolis Police Department criminal background check is necessary for positions with this job title. Applicants must sign an informed consent allowing the City to obtain their criminal history information in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be considered for the position.

Drug & Alcohol Testing
All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.

1. Ability to read, write and translate other languages fluently such as Hmong, Spanish, Somali, Oromo, or Amharic
2. Ability to read, write and translate other languages fluently as deemed necessary and where applicable (Hmong, Spanish, Somali, Oromo, or Amharic)
3. Knowledge of the needs of under-represented communities at macro and micro levels (Under-represented communities include: Southeast Asian, Latino, Native American, African American, East African, and Disability )
4. Knowledge of computer operations, applications and software
5. Strong oral and written communications skills
6. Good knowledge of neighborhood engagement system (neighborhoods and community-based organizations)
7. Ability to collaborate and work across multiple communities and leadership levels within community
8. Ability to create consensus across diverse populations and solve complex social/community issues
9. Ability to collaborate and work across City of Minneapolis Council, Hennepin County, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Minneapolis Public Schools and other governmental agencies
10. Ability to analyze information and make policy recommendations
11. Ability to implement conflict resolution strategies
12. Knowledge of cultural norms and values of under-represented communities
13. Knowledge of principles and best practices of engagement, outreach and resident participation

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.