Lakehills United Methodist Church

150 Ave J, Lakehills, TX 78063

Position Summary

The Community Builder cultivates authentic relationships within the community to foster collective action, trust, and belonging. This role centers on resident voice and supports initiatives that emerge from community priorities, empowering local leadership and facilitating partnerships that promote equitable, community-led change.

Salary

Starting hourly rate begins at $25.16. Mid hourly rate at $32.08. Actual starting rate will be commensurate with experience and education.

Scope and Impact

The Community Builder serves as a connector between residents, organizations, and institutions within a specific geographic region of MHM's service area. The role has a direct impact on community engagement, relationship-building, and the success of local initiatives that strengthen community well-being. The position does not manage a budget or supervise staff but influences collaboration and alignment among multiple community stakeholders.

Decision-Making Authority

Operates with moderate independence under general supervision. Makes day-to-day decisions regarding community engagement activities, relationship management, and local event coordination. Works collaboratively with team members and community partners to align activities with organizational priorities and community goals.

Interactions / Working Relationships

Internal: Collaborates regularly with MHM colleagues across departments, including Community Health, Grants, and Strategy teams, to share insights and coordinate community engagement efforts.
External: Frequently interacts with community residents, local leaders, grassroots organizations, faith-based partners, and public/private entities to build relationships, support collaboration, and facilitate collective action.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Build and sustain authentic community relationships-engage deeply with residents, especially those historically excluded or underserved (25%).

Develop local knowledge and insights-understand community strengths, priorities, networks, and emerging needs to inform engagement strategies (15%).

Facilitate community meetings and events-create inclusive spaces that elevate resident voice and encourage shared action (15%).

Support community leadership and organizing-encourage local leadership, build confidence, and strengthen networks around shared goals (15%).

Bridge connections among residents, organizations, and systems-foster partnerships that align efforts with community priorities (10%).

Identify emerging themes and action items-collaborate with internal and external partners to support responsive and equitable strategies (10%).

Promote healing and inclusion-advance trust, dignity, and resilience through relational approaches (5%).

Document engagement activities and outcomes-maintain accurate reports and share insights with team members (5%).

Supervisory or Leadership Responsibilities

This position does not supervise others.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required.
  
• Licenses/Certifications: Must obtain certification as a Community Health Worker (Texas Department of State Health Services) within one year of employment.
  
• Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a community health worker or in a related community-based role.
  
• Other Required Skills/Knowledge:
  
  • Demonstrated ability to build trust and engage authentically with diverse communities.
    
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and listening skills.
    
  • Valid driver's license, vehicle access, and auto liability insurance.
    

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of community development models such as Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD).
  
• Experience addressing health and social inequities in marginalized populations.
  
• Background in community organizing or partnerships with grassroots organizations.
  
• Experience engaging diverse faith-based communities.
  
• Strong public speaking, project management, and conflict mediation skills.
  
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Collaboration: Works effectively across community and organizational boundaries.
  
• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly with cultural sensitivity.
  
• Active Listening: Demonstrates empathy and respect for lived experience.
  
• Problem-Solving: Identifies shared goals and facilitates community-driven solutions.
  
• Cultural Humility: Respects diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
  
• Adaptability: Responds flexibly to changing community needs.
  
• Relationship Building: Builds authentic, trust-based connections with residents and partners.
  
• Conflict Mediation: Navigates tensions constructively to sustain relationships.
  

Language Skills

• Required: Bilingual in English and Spanish (spoken and written).
  
• Preferred: Fluency in additional languages common within the assigned community is a plus.
  

Technology and Tools

Required: Internet navigation, Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Preferred: Experience with virtual collaboration tools (Teams, Zoom) and basic data entry or reporting systems.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Setting: Combination of office, community, and field-based environments; regular in-person community engagement required.
  
• Travel: Frequent local travel within the assigned county; occasional travel to regional or organizational meetings.
  
• Physical Requirements: Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 30 pounds; may involve attending outdoor or evening events.
  
• Schedule: May require evening and weekend work to accommodate community meetings and events.