Office Support Specialist-Faribault-job description

Job Title: Office Support Specialist-Faribault Location
Reports to: Faribault Community Resource Manager
FLSA Status: Hourly, non-exempt
Hour Status: 20 hours/week, blend of morning and afternoon hours, may include some nights
and weekends

Organization – The mission of the Community Action Center (CAC) is to promote a healthy,

caring, and just community for all people through resources, advocacy and volunteer effort.

CAC is a community-based, non-profit, human services organization providing and advocating

for the basic needs of people and families in the Rice County area. Services and programs

create a robust safety net for low-income families throughout Rice County including food

access, housing, employment services, clothing, emergency assistance, youth services,

transportation, health care, and more. CAC provides two drop-in resource centers (Northfield

and Faribault) where immediate response and support is available. A network of thriving and

abundant food shelves serves thousands of individuals each year. CAC owns and operates

multiple housing projects spanning from emergency shelter to permanent supportive housing

including ongoing intensive case management services with tenants. Partnerships with local

employers allow CAC to connect individuals to job opportunities and enhance job skills.

Additionally, CAC’s retail clothing store provides the community access to affordable clothing.

Currently, CAC is looking for an Office Support Specialist at our Faribault Resource Center to

help support the immediate needs and questions of Faribault community members over the

phone, connect to community advocates, the food team and social workers for assistance, and

provide basic office support and administrative assistance. Bilingual skills in English and

Spanish are required for this position.

Job Summary – The position of the Office Support Specialist will be a driving force in

influencing a trauma responsive and client-centered culture at our Faribault location, focusing

on creating positive experiences and meaningful relationships with community members either

seeking services or otherwise engaging in the work of CAC. The Office Support Specialist will

work closely with both administrative staff and frontline staff at our Faribault location.

Responsibilities and Duties – CAC’s success is based on the flexibility of its staff and volunteers

to dynamically adjust to meet the needs of the community. The primary responsibilities for this

job include:

Customer Service/Community Engagement - CAC strives to be a trauma responsive

organization, going beyond just recognizing the effects trauma has on individuals,

families and our society as a whole, to actively attempting to lessen the impact of

trauma in the lives the organization touches. Being trauma responsive means believing

that people can adapt, heal and even grow from traumatic experiences through

repeated experiences of feeling safe, connected and in control—over and over again.

Responding to the community in a trauma responsive way is critical to the success of this

position and to the mission of CAC. Tasks and activities include:

• This position is often the first point of contact for people seeking help at CAC and

o Answer CAC of Faribault’s main phone line and provide excellent

customer services to community members seeking services or with others

wishing to engage in the work of CAC

o Welcome community members into the building and show warm

hospitality to clients, volunteers, and donors

o Maintain a strong familiarity with the range and scope of CAC’s available

programs, resources, staff and partners

• Connect community members with appropriate staff members for immediate

• Check voicemail and promptly return messages
• Ensure staff follow-up and connections are made
• Translate written communication materials from English to Spanish

.

Office and Administrative Support- This position will support a variety of activities in

partnership with the administrative team. Additional tasks may include:

• Order office supplies as needed or requested
• Prepare materials for mass mailings
• Assist with seasonal programs and projects as needed
• Track donor information and assist with appreciation activities (i.e. thank you

letters)

• Support a clean, organized resource center environment

Qualifications – CAC is committed to finding the right person for the position. Ideal candidates

will possess many of the following skills and experience:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish required
• Working knowledge of and/or lived experience accessing social services and community

resources

• Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience with email,

• Experience working alongside diverse populations
• Valid driver’s license required
• Flexibility to work occasional nights or weekends to meet the needs of the organization
• Ability to pass all required background and MVR checks

Compensation – The position is designed as a half-time, hourly, non-exempt position. Annual

salary will depend on experience and qualifications with a starting range of $16-$18/hour plus

benefits. The position will report to CAC’s Faribault Resource Manager. CAC offers flexible

work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a chance to creatively build

and implement innovative ideas.

Equal Opportunity – CAC is an equal opportunity organization. CAC believes that the most

efficient and effective workplaces employ employees with diverse backgrounds. We strive to

create a work environment where all employees and individuals, regardless of their race, creed,

color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation,

gender identity, disability, public assistance status or veteran status, can succeed and make an

impact in the community.

Application and Hiring Process – CAC will be interviewing on a rolling basis until the position is

filled. To apply, please submit a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three

professional references to employment@communityactioncenter.org. Inquiries and questions

can be sent to this same e-mail address or by contacting Faribault Resource Manager Becky

Ford at 507-838-1788.