Budget Question # 40: Can you provide the fiscal impact if the City were to fund an FTE in DCHS to serve as a one stop shop/central coordinator for immigrant affairs? (Councilwoman Gaskins)
Response:
If the City were to fund a full-time Coordinator/Community Services Program II (Grade 21) to serve as a one stop shop for immigrant affairs, the estimated annual cost, including benefits, would total $106,658. If funded, the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) envisions that this position would further the City’s mission and strategic plan to foster a thriving Alexandria. The incumbent would implement a framework to understand and address the unique challenges of Alexandria’s immigrant population to include residents who identify as Latinx, African, Afghan, Asian, and East Asian. Considering the diverse cultures, languages, socioeconomic factors, and immigration statuses, this position would support the navigation of services and resources to assist with community integration, well-being, and economic success. To be successful in this position, the incumbent would need to collaborate closely with resettlement agencies, nonprofits, faith organizations, and other City departments to develop and or support infrastructure and capacity. While working relationships exist among these entities, this position would advance the efforts to connect our immigrant communities with information, resources, and services.