Pauline Muhikira
Urbandale,USA
Summary
Community Outreach Coordinator and Advocate with 8+ years of experience supporting immigrant, refugee, and underserved communities through advocacy, case management, community education, and resource navigation. Proven ability to help individuals and families access housing resources, public benefits, employment services, and community support programs while overcoming barriers to stability and self-sufficiency.
Experienced in providing trauma-informed, survivor-centered services, building cross-sector partnerships, facilitating community trainings, and connecting clients to critical resources. Passionate about advancing housing stability, economic empowerment, and equitable access to services for vulnerable populations.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Direct Support Supervisor
MOSAIC
Des Moines, Iowa
11.2023 - Current
- Lead and supervise direct support professionals serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Provide staff training, coaching, and mentoring on person-centered and trauma-informed support practices.
- Coordinate services promoting independent living, community integration, safety, and self-advocacy.
- Collaborate with families, healthcare providers, and community organizations to address client needs.
- Support crisis intervention efforts and implement strategies to improve service quality and outcomes.
Community Outreach Coordinator & Multilingual Advocate
NISAA AFRICAN FAMILY SERVICES
Des Moines, Iowa
03.2017 - Current
- Advocate for immigrant, refugee, and underserved individuals and families experiencing housing instability, economic hardship, family violence, language barriers, and social service challenges.
- Assist clients in navigating housing resources, rental assistance programs, public benefits, workforce development programs, and community support services.
- Provide culturally responsive and trauma-informed advocacy to survivors of domestic violence and other vulnerable populations.
- Develop and facilitate community education workshops and outreach initiatives focused on financial stability, housing resources, family support services, and community empowerment.
- Build collaborative partnerships with housing agencies, social service organizations, healthcare providers, schools, legal advocates, and community stakeholders.
- Coordinate referrals and case management services to improve client access to housing, employment, healthcare, and public assistance resources.
- Provide interpretation and translation services to increase access to services for diverse communities.
- Maintain confidential client records and ensure compliance with organizational and funding requirements.
Direct Support Professional
MOSAIC LIFE CARE
Des Moines, Iowa
09.2016 - 11.2023
- Provided direct support services to individuals with developmental disabilities and complex support needs.
- Assisted clients in accessing community resources and achieving greater independence.
- Documented service delivery, client progress, and behavioral observations.
- Supported crisis intervention and maintained a safe, supportive environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Independent University of Kigali (ULK)
RwandaSkills
- Survivor-Centered Advocacy
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Community Outreach
- Public Benefits Navigation
- Housing Referrals
- Rental Assistance Resources
- Eviction Prevention Support
- Financial Literacy Education
- Housing Advocacy
- Economic Justice
- Employment Resource Navigation
- Training & Facilitation
LANGUAGES
English – Full Professional Proficiency
Native or Bilingual
French – Native/Bilingual Proficiency
Native or Bilingual
Swahili
Native or Bilingual
Kinyarwanda
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Direct Support Supervisor
MOSAIC
11.2023 - Current
Community Outreach Coordinator & Multilingual Advocate
NISAA AFRICAN FAMILY SERVICES
03.2017 - Current
Direct Support Professional
MOSAIC LIFE CARE
09.2016 - 11.2023
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Independent University of Kigali (ULK)
KEY QUALIFICATIONS FOR ICADV
- 8+ years supporting vulnerable populations through advocacy and resource navigation
- Experience serving survivors and individuals facing housing, employment, and economic challenges
- Extensive community outreach, education, and partnership-building experience
- Strong background in trauma-informed and culturally responsive services
- Experience coordinating services across multiple community systems and organizations
- Skilled facilitator and trusted advocate for underserved populations