Associate, Community Connections

Illinois Action For Children•Chicago, IL

14h

About The Position

Under the direction of the Parent University Chicago-West Program Manager, the Community Connections Associate works with parents and caregivers of children ages 0–18 in North Lawndale to coordinate and facilitate parent activities through Parent University Chicago. The program is supported by the Steans and CME Foundation. The Associate helps plan parent-driven workshops using the Parent University model to increase parent education and empowerment for families on Chicago’s West Side. Workshop sessions respond to parents’ interests in increasing engagement and strengthening families. The role also involves working with community partners and service providers to help parents access services, connect with resources, and manage caregiving needs. The Associate develops a caseload of parents, meets with them individually to address barriers identified through needs assessments, and connects families with resources that support their well-being. The Associate sets goals with parents to strengthen and empower them and build their confidence and competence in parenting, supporting safe, stable, and supportive family environments. The position requires a positive, community-oriented approach and the ability to communicate effectively with families, children, professionals, and other audiences. The Associate is expected to follow organizational standards and demonstrate accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement, communication, competent people, and clear priorities. The posting also includes administrative duties involving IDEC childcare certificates, provider records, reports, file compliance, and confidentiality.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Social Work, Education, Psychology, or a related field.
At least three years of related experience and/or training.
Ability to work in varied settings with culturally diverse families and communities in a culturally sensitive, appropriate, and professional manner.
Ability to build strategic relationships with stakeholders who have diverse interests and goals.
Experience coordinating workshops and using multiple technical platforms as needed.
Experience applying an equity lens in community work.
Respect for confidentiality and for families and fellow employees.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and some weekends.
Excellent documentation skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to establish rapport at all levels.
Excellent presentation and public-speaking skills with diverse audiences.
Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and own transportation.
Strong skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

Support the PUCW Program Manager with planning and identifying parent-driven workshops using the Parent University model on Chicago’s West Side.
Coordinate and facilitate parent workshops and manage the events calendar.
Present publicly about the program and its services as required.
Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to advance a recruitment strategy promoting program services.
Engage and recruit parents residing on Chicago’s West Side to attend community workshops.
Build relationships with community partners and organizations providing services on the West Side.
Develop knowledge of West Side resources and supports.
Meet regularly with parents to address individual goals through communication, meetings, and check-ins.
Develop and maintain a caseload of parents who need support and connect them with resources.
Build relationships with parents by listening to their needs, challenges, and solutions.
Promote and connect children to formal early learning programs.
Maintain program databases and enter data to track measurable results and assess the impact of parent services and training.
Participate in program evaluation processes.
Coordinate and integrate strategies and activities in North Lawndale with community partners and other teams working there.
Create, maintain, and retrieve alphabetical case files, including filing paperwork, entering or scanning client information, and maintaining file-storage areas.
Approve and enter IDEC childcare certificates in the Child Care Tracking System and maintain applicable department databases.
Identify discrepancies and payment issues in accordance with the IDEC Procedure Manual.
Maintain records and databases for W9, CANTS, and IVR forms; run reports as needed and ensure appropriate action regarding provider qualifications.
Process weekly IDEC and internal reports and perform quality-control measures to ensure file compliance.
Follow Illinois Action for Children and IDEC policies and procedures for file maintenance and required timelines.
Assist with quarterly Springfield shipment projects.
Maintain the confidentiality of parent and provider information.
Demonstrate workplace core capabilities of accountability, customer focus, continuous quality improvement, communication, competent people, and clear priorities.
Complete other duties as assigned.