Diversity Career Fair A Big Success

Career Fairs are a risky business, but GSBA’s first-ever Diversity Career Fair was a resounding success by all measurements. On August 15, 2014, GSBA’s Young Professionals with Pride (YPP) group produced a Diversity Career Fair hosted by CityUniversity of Seattle at their South Lake Union campus. Spearheaded by GSBA Office & Events Coordinator Randy Bowren, the YPP group saw an opportunity to connect the area’s employers with qualified candidates of all backgrounds. The event was generously sponsored by CityUniversity of Seattle, Centerpoint Institute and Regence.

Twenty-seven employers participated, over 170 resumes were submitted and one hundred job seekers (many of whom self-identified as LGBTQ) visited throughout the day. Prior to the Career Fair, GSBA had heard from a number of employers that most career fairs are only for entry level positions, which are easier for employers to fill, which is why employers are hesitate to participate in Career Fairs. However, GSBA was delighted that both employers participating and job seekers in attendance, offered a wide range of opportunities for prospective employees at all levels. There were entry level sales positions, mid-level marketing positions and positions requiring graduate level degrees.

Job seekers felt comfortable with the inclusive environment and felt that the employers were very welcoming. The welcoming atmosphere promoted meaningful conversations with potential employers. YPP Task Force member and career coach Victor Ongpin helped reduce participants’ anxiety by providing one-on-one counseling before even walking through the doors. Within days of the Diversity Career Fair, at least five people had found jobs via the connections they made at the event.

One participant responded that “the GSBA YPP Career Fair was one of the best ones I have ever attended. I felt comfortable knowing it was a LGBT-focused career fair. All the staff members were very friendly and made me feel relaxed.  I felt the job fair was well organized, and most importantly, I found my new job there!” Another added that they felt safe dressing and being their true self in front of the group.

The employers, for their part, were very impressed with how prepared the candidates were. One employer enthusiastically responded that they “loved the minority focus and that people were comfortable at the Career Fair.” Aware of the demographic targets of the Diversity Career Fair, many of the employers embraced the theme in their marketing materials and presentations.

The YPP Task Force is already making plans to partner with CityUniversity of Seattle for next year’s career fair.  Start planning your participation now - whether as a sponsor, an employer or career candidate.  For more information on the 2015 Diversity Career Fair, please contact Randy Bowren at YPP@thegsba.org. YPP is dedicated to providing Seattle's LGBT and allied young professionals unique and valuable opportunities to enhance personal and professional development through social, educational, and philanthropic activities.  

Resident Services Manager Position at Mount Baker Housing

Resident Services Manager Mt Baker Housing (MBH) is a non-profit housing developer committed to providing affordable housing in southeast Seattle. Mt. Baker Housing owns and operates 5 multifamily properties representing 235 units of affordable rental housing. In the past two years, MBH has acquired and/or redeveloped two projects representing 61 units and is planning for future acquisitions. In addition to its housing programs, MBH is looking to expand its service offerings to its resident population via a resident services 'facilitation' model. In this model, the resident services manager (RSM) is the point of contact with residents for their social service needs. MBH will partner with complementary service providers who will then deliver the services to the residents. The RSM will be instrumental in launching the resident services program. MBH believes it can build stronger communities by empowering residents and providing resources and advocacy to allow residents to thrive in MBH properties. The RSM reports to and is supervised by the Executive Director. Description The primary function of the resident services manager (RSM) is to effectively assist resident family members that have requested support in enhancing the quality of their daily lives and in more fully and successfully participating in the educational and economic mainstream. The position provides tenants with information about and supportive access to local services and resources that can assist the residents to achieve their life opportunities objectives. The resident services manager is an integral part of the MBH housing team and plays a critical role in the overall positive maintenance of the property for the enjoyment of its residents and the respect of its neighbors. Responsibilities 1. Welcome new residents (and establish contact with existing residents) and explain to them the resident services program, its offerings, and the RSM role in providing information and support in assisting residents interested in accessing local service resources. 2. Identify, assess, select, develop and maintain referral partnership relationships with local service resource agencies that effectively assist residents to achieve their life opportunities objectives. 3. Provide supportive linkages between residents and referral agency staff when residents or agencies request assistance. 4. Work with the property management team when a resident is identified as being in jeopardy of eviction and offer linkages and referral support to the resident to positively and quickly rectify the situation. 5. Establish resident services program targets. Consistently track and measure program target progress. Regularly report program outcomes to both internal and external stakeholders. Analyze and utilize outcomes data as the basis for continuous program improvement. 6. Identify and assess individual and family needs when appropriate; inform the resident of available resources and provide support in accessing services successfully. 7. Help to facilitate tenant meetings and community-organizing and social activities if desired by residents. 8. Develop supportive professional relationships with residents that help them enhance the quality of their lives, empower them and encourage them in taking the steps to achieve self-sufficiency. 9. Work with property management in mediating conflicts between tenants. 10. Complete other housing and resident related assignments as directed by the supervisor. Qualifications KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED: § A bachelor's degree in the field of human services, plus a minimum of 3 years of experience working with diverse, low-come population; OR § Minimum of 5 years of documented, successful experience in community development or community-organizing activities § Knowledge of South/Southeast Seattle social service system or the proven ability to quickly develop such knowledge EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: § Experience with community organizing and the social service system § Experience working with low-income families and knowledge of the daily realities they face § Experience working in affordable housing programs § Experience in successfully working with diverse populations § Proficiency in computer and technology § Experience working in team environment § Experience and demonstrated proficiency in program evaluation § SKILLS REQUIRED: § Enthusiasm in working with people § Ability to multi-task and complete assignments that sometimes occur in a stressful environment § Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills § Ability to identify, assess, select, develop and maintain community service referral partnerships that assist residents in achieving their life opportunities objectives § Ability to establish, maintain, track, measure and report to stakeholders the program's goals and their efficacy in assisting residents to achieve their life opportunities objectives § Multicultural awareness, emphasis on East African and Southeast Asian populations ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: § WSDL and an insured vehicle PREFERRED FOR THE JOB: § Multi-lingual (Vietnamese, Khmer/Cambodian, Mandarin Chinese, Tagalog) § Masters Degree SALARY: $40,000-$45,000 per year DOE Position categorization: Fulltime temporary (one year) but may transition to permanent full-time Benefits: Permanent employees receive medical, dental, vision, retirement, PTO. As a full-time temporary, you won't receive benefits the first year. Location: Southeast Seattle at main office and requires travel between multiple site locations CONTACT: Please email resume and cover letter to jobs@mtbakerhousing.org, ATTN: Mike Rooney. In your cover letter please include the following; why you entered the social service field? Why are you are interested in this job? What unique skills would you bring to the job that would help us launch this program?

Mike Rooney Executive Director Mt. Baker Housing mike@mtbakerhousing.org (206) 725-4152