Though it is not externally advertising for the position, the city is actively looking for a community outreach coordinator, Columbus Human Resource Director Pat Mitchell said.
The position did not exist previously, Mitchell said. However, a similar post with the Community Resource Center at the Columbus Police Department is being vacated by Josie Fannon, who is retiring.
The new position will pay about $29,000 a year. The job is designed to reduce poverty and homelessness in Columbus, Mitchell said.
“The person will cultivate community contacts and develop collaborative relationships with members of the community and representatives of community groups churches governmental agencies and other organizations and agencies to assist low income less fortunate individuals,” Mitchell said.
Through June, 31 families and 42 individuals received assistance from the Community Resource Center. The new position would reach out to organizations including the United Way and Habitat for Humanity to assist the effort of eradicating poverty.
Completion of a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of experience in community relations or public affairs is preferred, Mithcell said.
“It could serve as a positive tool in meeting the needs of those who are homeless and those who are less fortunate and do not have adequate resources, be it living conditions or food to sustain, to reach out to those agencies to provide assistance,” she said.
Attempts to contact Fannon Thursday and Friday were unsuccessful. Fannon was recognized last year for her work in the community at the Seventh Avenue Heritage Festival.
Nathan Gregory covers city and county government for The Dispatch.
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