I. POSITION FUNCTION SUMMARY:
The Officer will be primarily charged with more deeply connecting the existing health, human, community, and economic development services within the County and alongside the 100% Taos County Initiative (TCI). This temporary senior level position will lead collaborative efforts with community partners to further develop a strategic plan that facilitates the ability of individuals, families and groups to change their economic status (“economic mobility and opportunity”) through improvements in community health outcomes. As part of this work, the role will consider among other options for improving the County’s support to public health the possibility of expanding the role of the County’s Health Care Assistance Program to create a “County Health & Human Services Department” (the name of which will be determined at a later point if established). The Officer will play a critical role in determining alongside the Taos County Manager which path is best suited for our community and help identify and procure permanent funding.

Economic Mobility and Opportunity can generally be defined as the ability of an individual, family or group to change their economic status, either for better or worse, over a period of time.

*Please note that this position is contingent on funding and may term on June 30, 2028

II. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following statements are essential functions of this position and not intended to be all-inclusive; rather, they are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the employee, and an employee may be directed to perform other reasonably related job duties and responsibilities. The incumbent will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties reasonably requested by their supervisor. Taos County reserves the right to revise or change the job duties and responsibilities as the need arises, based on business need, and this Job Description may be updated accordingly. This Job Description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Job Duties:
Responsible for working with ICMA during planning (first 6 months) and implementation (2 years) of Economic Mobility and Opportunity Program for Taos County, using ICMA Economic Mobility Strategies and supported by ICMA with professional development, coaching, technical assistance, and consulting.
Design and facilitate an inclusive community engagement process with Taos County departments, community members, 100% TCI Action Teams and other stakeholders to develop strategic economic mobility and opportunity priorities and begin implementation of a workplan.
Lay out strategy for the long-term sustainability of the work either within the County or as an external partner entity, during the 2-year implementation phase.
Manage day-to-day administration of the Economic Mobility & Opportunity initiatives.
Identify and secure additional funding resources as necessary.
Regularly report and provide recommendations to local government’s executive leadership, and coordinate activities across internal departments.
Implement the Economic Mobility and Opportunity program, systems, and processes in coordination with County Management, Finance, Purchasing, and Economic Development Departments.
Manage and ensure proper adherence and documentation of procurement process.
Prepare all required and requested reports to Taos County leadership, Commissioners, and the State of New Mexico in a timely manner.
Ensure full transparency and superb customer service related to all Economic Mobility & Opportunity processes.
Provide timely and accurate progress reports per the ICMA/Gates Foundation funding agreement in coordination with the Finance and Manager’s Offices.
Attend pertinent economic and social service-related meetings.
Due to the nature of the position, advanced attention to detail is required.
Performs other duties as assigned.

General Duties and Responsibilities:
Works collaboratively, cooperatively, and in coordination with fellow team members and with others in the organization, treats them with respect, courtesy, and consideration, and shows understanding and the appropriate support of other team members to help get the job done.
Provides assistance, information, guidance, and resources to diverse groups of customers, clients and others outside of the organization; treats them in a friendly manner with professionalism, helpfulness, respect, courtesy and consideration at all times regardless of circumstances.
Maintains regular, dependable attendance and punctuality, and physical or virtual presence as may be required at the assigned worksite; must interact directly with people at the worksite on a regular basis.
Complies with and actively supports all applicable workplace environmental health and safety policies, work rules, and practices, giving maximum effort to performing job functions in a manner that protects the health and safety of the employee, co-workers, and the general public.
The incumbent in this position may have access to sensitive and proprietary organization data, personal client/customer data, personal employee data, and/or other sensitive information, and an essential job duty is the maintenance of strict confidentiality of such information in accordance with Taos County policy, and federal/state/local laws and regulations (e.g., HIPAA, FACTA, etc.).
Performs other duties as assigned and which are deemed necessary or desirable by Taos County.

III. CORE TAOS COUNTY VALUES, BEHAVIORS, & COMPETENCIES:
As a requirement of their employment, all Taos County employees are expected and required to support and demonstrate Taos County’s core values and behaviors, and to perform the essential functions and elements of this position competently. Employees are expected to demonstrate these values and behaviors through their behavior and performance throughout the course of the introductory period of employment and continuing throughout employment with Taos County. The values, behaviors, and competencies that need to be demonstrated by all Taos County employees include but are not limited to:

Quality/Compliance: Achieving a standard of excellence with our work processes and outcomes, honoring Taos County policies and all regulatory requirements.
Customer/Client focus: Striving for high external and internal customer/client satisfaction, going out of our way to be helpful and pleasant, making it as easy as possible on the customer/client, rather than on self, department, or organization.
Clear Communication: Expresses oneself clearly and effectively when speaking and writing to individuals and groups; listens attentively and ensures all parties involved understand communication; responds in a timely manner using appropriate communication methods.
Interpersonal Skills: Interacts effectively with others using discretion, empathy and self-regulation when working toward resolution of divergent interests; recognizes and appreciates the quirky or unusual traits of others.
Professional Expertise: Achieves a proficient level of ability or knowledge in job-related areas; continues to grow with the changing requirements of the job.
Adaptability: Adjusts to changing circumstances by altering attitudes and behaviors; displays resilience and flexibility in response to setbacks and stressful situations with energy and optimism.
Collegiality: Being helpful, respectful, approachable, and team oriented, building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
Initiative: Takes action to influence events, generate ideas for improvement, takes advantage of opportunities, and does not wait to be told what to do next.
Efficiency and Continuous Improvement: Planning ahead, managing time well, being on time, being cost conscious, thinking of better ways to do things
Coachability: Being receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement in personal and professional growth & development, performance, and productivity.
Team Player: Able to work collaboratively with others in the organization, and to work well with diverse groups of people and gain and maintain of respect of others, both inside and outside Taos County.
Decision Making: Uses sound judgment to make good decisions based on information gathered and considers all pertinent facts and alternatives before deciding. Commits to decision.
Performance Standards: Sets and maintains high performance standards. Pays close attention to detail, accuracy and completeness and follows up on work outputs.
Problem-Solving: Analyzes problem by gathering and organizing all relevant information. Identifies cause-and-effect relationships and comes up with best solution.
Integrity: Shares complete and accurate information. Maintains confidentiality and meets own commitments and adheres to organizational policies and procedures.
Motivation: Displays energy and enthusiasm, commits additional effort, and maintains a high level of productivity and self-direction.

IV. POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:
Fair Labor Standards Act Provisions:
This position is exempt under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not subject to the organization’s policies and procedures pertaining to overtime hours.

Independence of Action; Supervision Received:
The Economic Mobility & Opportunity Officer works under general supervision of the Taos County Manager Employee performs high level, complex administrative, managerial, and professional work, and performs a high level of analysis and problem-solving with a high degree of independence and discretion. Work is performed in areas of significant importance to the general operations of the business, and with authority to formulate, recommend, and implement program policies and practices.

Supervision Exercised:
The Economic Mobility & Opportunity Officer is responsible for their own work and has no supervisory authority or responsibility; although the Economic Mobility & Opportunity Officer may be responsible for organizing and reviewing the work of volunteers or others working on special projects s/he is overseeing that are assigned by the position’s supervisor.
Coordination and Cooperation with Internal and External Parties:
Internal:
Responds to requests for information from the Economic Development Director, Taos County Manager, Planning Department, Finance Department and Board of County Commissioners; and works with other department staff on related issues and special projects.

External:
Employee has a significant amount of independent contact with external parties. Under direction of the Taos County Manager, works with external partners, funding source officials, auditors, city/county/state agencies, and others to provide effective services.

V. POSITION AUTHORITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:
General:
Position has an above average level of line responsibility and authority to make independent decisions over an assigned function. A person in this position regularly takes responsibility for a key operation or function due to their level of accountability.
Budgetary/Financial Authority and Accountability:
Position has a moderate level of accountability for budgetary or financial recommendations, and decisions will have a moderate degree of impact on resource utilization within Taos County. Position is responsible for a moderate level of impact on an operating budget for the Department.

Equipment/Asset/Material Authority & Accountability:
Position has a low level responsibility for equipment & other assets, materials, and supplies; proper utilization is required plus accountability for first-level maintenance may be required.

VI. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
As a requirement of their employment, all Taos County employees are expected and required to perform the essential functions and elements of this position competently, demonstrating adequate progress throughout the course of the training and introductory period of employment and continuing throughout employment with Taos County. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in community development, publicministration, health and/or human services, network management, non-profit and/or program management
Three (3) years of progressively responsible work experience related to program development and management, including but not limited to, administration, budgeting, financial reporting, community and/or multi-stakeholder network development, Public Administration, Non-Profit Management, Health and Human Services , or a related field.
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred:
Understanding of the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and childhood trauma on lifelong health, education, and economic outcomes for individuals and communities.
Understanding of the impact of rural and monoculture economy on income mobility and opportunity for individuals
Understanding of cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed practice.
Experience in systems thinking, network connection and management, understanding intersectionality and cross-sector collaboration.
Ability to Work Autonomously: Maintaining a commitment to teamwork, transparency, collaboration, and trust is essential.
Demonstrated Coordination Skills: Ability to coordinate across geographies, cultures, perspectives, with a commitment to collective impact.
Strong Organizational Skills: Ability to handle multiple projects.
Strong Interpersonal Skills: Ability to connect with a wide range of stakeholders and foster positive relationships within the community.
Excellent Verbal and Written Communication Skills.
Local Connections: Established relationships with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders, allowing for deeper collaboration and engagement.
Relationship Building: A positive attitude and an earnest interest in providing quality communication and building quality relationships with community members, stakeholders, and partners.
Active Listening: Demonstrates an ability to listen attentively to others, ensuring that feedback and concerns are fully understood and addressed.
Experience in program management and administration, documentation, financial tracking and reporting, writing, and customer service.
Experience with budgeting principles and practices.
Experience fundraising and grant writing.
Knowledge of program / project planning concepts, principles, and practices.

Language Requirements:
Required:
Ability to read and write English in order to understand and interpret written procedures and technical manuals. This includes the ability to give and receive instructions in written and verbal forms and to effectively present information and respond to questions from vendors, contractors, supervisors, co-workers, residents, and city/county agencies.

Preferred:
Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Certification, Licenses and Registrations:
Must have (or obtain within 3-months from the date of hire) and maintain a current, valid State of New Mexico driver’s license; must have and maintain a Taos County-insurable driving record.

Training/Professional Development Requirements:
Must successfully complete all Taos County-required safety and other training within required timeframes.
Must successfully pass and maintain training certification in all state, Taos County, and/or other training requirements of the position and job assignment.
Additional training requirements for this position may be mandated by Taos County.

Tools and Equipment Used:
An employee in this position must be knowledgeable and skilled in the safe use and maintenance of the following tools and equipment:
Standard office equipment, including desktop computer and standard MS-Office applications
Taos County agency accounting system and software
Must be able to operate an organization vehicle
Other:
In accordance with the conditional offer of employment, individual must pass drug screen, and other required background investigations.
Additional drug screening and background investigations may be required depending on the job assignment, regulatory or policy requirements, job transfer, or in accordance with Taos County’s Drug-Free Workplace policy.

VII. PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS and WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical and mental demands, and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Physical Effort and Demand:
None to insignificant physical demand is required to perform the work; an employee in this position frequently sits at a desk or workstation.

Visual Acuity, Hearing, Speaking, Manual Dexterity:
Must have visual acuity and manual dexterity to perform timely and accurate data entry.
Must be able to make individual, small group, and large group presentations as required by position
Must effectively convey ideas, images, and goals to diverse group of personalities.

Mental Demand:
Effective performance requires continual thinking and attention to work/detail demanded by the essential functions of the job.
Must be able to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect pertinent data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and initiate appropriate course of action.
Must be able to work non-standard work hours as required to fulfill job responsibilities.
Tolerance to work under adverse conditions, such as pressure and stress.

Environment/Working Conditions:
The work environment is primarily in an office setting, or remote work at home. Little to no hazardous conditions exist in the work environment. The work environment is pleasant; only minimal negative physical factors exist.
There are a number of deadlines associated with this position. The employee must also multi-task and interact with a wide variety of people on various and, at times, complicated issues.
Above average amount of negative psychological factors; these factors must be addressed and considered in the performance of duties and have potential for a negative impact on job employees.

Driving/traveling needs:
Occasional need to travel for training and conferences both in and out of town.
Safety-Sensitive Position Designation:
This position is not classified by Taos County as “safety-sensitive.”

Conditions of Employment
Employees are required to comply with Taos County’s policy on current influenza and other vaccination requirements.