Family Support Specialist - DCF/Homeless

Department: Child Development: Early Education

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Association Office

Compensation: $58,000 - $63,000 / year

Description

Title: Family Support Specialist - DCF/Homeless
Reports to:  Director of Family Support & Subsidized Services
Position Type: Full-time, Exempt

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Family Support and Subsidized Services, the Family Support Specialist provides support and case management to families involved with DCF and/or experiencing homelessness. This position works with families to coordinate all facets of subsidy eligibility and collaborates with program and business staff withing the Child Development Department as well as state and community organizations. 

Responsibilities

Key Functions/Responsibilities:

• Oversee intake and enrollment procedures for children referred by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or through Homeless referrals by shelter systems.
• Assess child, parent/caregiver, and family services needs.
• Act as a liaison between DCF/shelter system, the family, and the YMCA and collaborate with staff as needed.
• Coordinate the child enrollment process into the YMCA as well as transitioning out of the program or to other forms of financial assistance.
• Develop and maintain an Individualized Family Plan based on assessment of child, parent, and family service needs.
• Establish relationships with local organizations and providers that can provide services to children and families.
• Provide case management as needed, including referring families to YMCA or outside services, including local Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) programs.
• Consult family when applicable in accessing transportation to/from YMCA.
• Coordinate meetings with all Y staff working with the child, including the program director and the inclusion specialist, and strategize best ways to support the child and family.
• Conduct regular program site visits where children are enrolled.
• Maintain all documentation and files associated with the family’s case, including communication logs with DCF.
• Represent the YMCA of Greater Boston at open houses, provider fairs, sharing information on the family supports the YMCA provides.
• Respond to common inquiries or issues from parents, members, and staff.      
• Disseminate information and feedback from staff and parents in an effort to increase effective practices and communication within the program.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the YMCA of Greater Boston.

 Additional Responsibilities:

• Access of professional development opportunities and attendance at relevant YMCA, EEC, and other external trainings and meetings.
• Remain current in required and voluntary trainings in order to promote growth of mind, spirit and character values for all.
• Representation of the YMCA in a professional manner within the community and its programs.
• Additional responsibilities as deemed necessary by supervisor and department needs.

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Frequent traveling between YMCA locations and family homes.
• Occasional evening and weekend work is expected and may be required.

Effect on End Results:

The effectiveness with which the Family Support Specialist has performed on the job should be measured in terms of:

• Individuals must be able to execute fiscal operations, have good interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work well with a team.
• Sound administration of the program, evident in purposeful and coordinated programs, good public relations, development of personnel, and good record keeping and fiscal management.
• Improved perception of the YMCA in the community.

Requirements

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Service or Education field, or 5 years’ experience working with at risk families.
• Culturally competent and proven ability to work with people from a variety of different ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, religious, sexual, and generational backgrounds.
• Ability to identify, develop and monitor partnerships that meet specific needs of families and community.
• Proficiency to handle multiple tasks, work independently, problem solve, and possess effective time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability t