About Healthy Community Initiative (HCI)

Healthy Community Initiative (HCI) is a dynamic nonprofit organization based in Rice County, MN.  HCI co-creates innovative community partnerships and provides direct services to create healthy communities where all children, youth and families can thrive.  

HCI partners with the community to identify needs, build coalitions, secure funding, and implement projects to impact urgent social needs.  HCI’s unique model has gained national recognition.

HCI is committed to social justice, equitable opportunity, diverse representation, and creating a healthy, inclusive organizational culture.

About the Role

Growing Up Healthy, a program of Healthy Community Initiative (HCI), employs bilingual staff to support families at Spring Creek and Bridgewater Elementary Schools. Family Engagement Navigators foster healthy school attendance, strengthen family–school connections, and elevate barriers families face so schools and local partners can improve systems.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with school staff to identify students who are chronically absent or struggling to engage.

  • Build relationships with a cohort of students and families to understand attendance barriers and support solutions.

  • Implement best-practice strategies from the Attendance Works framework, including home visits and one-on-one family outreach.

  • Track attendance data using HCI and district systems to monitor progress and guide next steps.

  • Participate in school attendance team meetings to coordinate interventions and connect students to enrichment or out-of-school activities.

  • Help families access community resources, including assistance with forms and communication with agencies.

  • Strengthen positive connections between families and the school; celebrate student and family successes.

  • Support continued engagement when a student must miss school due to illness or other circumstances.

  • Identify system-level barriers and share insights with school and community leaders to inform improvements.

  • Assist with Community School activities and other Growing Up Healthy efforts when school is not in session.

  • Build and maintain effective relationships with school staff, families, and community partners.

  • Use data to assess the impact of the Navigator role and inform ongoing improvements.

Required Qualities

  • Bilingual in English and Spanish
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota driver’s license and auto insurance and be able to travel throughout Northfield
  • Previous experience in community organizing, education, and/or family engagement
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Highly organized with superior attention to detail
  • Excellent ability to multi-task and troubleshoot issues
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision and as a member of a team
  • Capable of completing work on time in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude
  • Ability to understand and work with different cultures and backgrounds
  • Ability to work select evening and weekend hours
  • Passion for equity and social justice
  • Willingness to maintain the standards, carry out the purpose, and adhere to the policies of the Healthy Community Initiative
  • Maintenance of a cell phone is an expectation of employment

Benefits & Perks of Working at HCI

At HCI, we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset—and we’re committed to supporting their well-being, growth, and impact.

Here's what we offer:

  • Monthly Benefit Stipend: $400/month ($4,800 annually) for employees working 30+ hours/week, which can be applied toward health or other insurance premiums

  • IRA Contribution: HCI matches employee contributions to a Simple IRA retirement plan

  • Voluntary Benefits Access: Through our partner TriNet, employees have access to optional benefits including life, disability, legal, accident, and critical illness insurance

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free access to confidential support for all employees

  • Professional Development: We support continuous learning and will help you grow your skills to better serve our community

  • Make a Difference: Contribute meaningfully to your community and make a direct impact on the lives of youth in Rice County

  • Competitive Compensation: We conduct regular compensation reviews to ensure fair and competitive pay

Healthy Community Initiative (HCI) supports, values, and empowers youth in Rice County. We believe our staff is our most valuable resource. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative team that reflects the communities we serve.