Childrens Services Coordinator

LIFEMOVES•San Mateo, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

LifeMoves | First Step for Families (FSF) provides interim supportive housing in San Mateo to 39 families. During their stay, clients participate in holistic services tailored to each household’s unique needs and goals. Clients receive support to build self-sufficiency and return to housing stability, including but not limited to accommodations, meals, laundry, case management, and therapy. The team supports clients with housing, employment, benefits, physical and behavioral health through case management, workshops, and connection to specialized resources. The First Step for Families Children Service Coordinator Children's Services Coordinator reports to their site Program Director and receives support from the Education and Specialized Services Team. This role creates and leads programs for children and youth to support school success, emotional growth, and family engagement. The CSC also assists with daily site operations, maintains a safe and welcoming environment, monitors the site, responds to client needs, and supports client check-ins, group activities, and overall site coordination. The CSC works with parents, schools, and community partners to connect families to needed resources and create a positive experience for every child. Additionally, this role plays a large role in the support of summer camp at their site. The position plays a key role in supporting people moving toward safe, stable housing and greater self-sufficiency. They provide case management services, life skills support, and resource connections and work in partnership with clients to set goals, celebrate progress, and overcome challenges. Using a trauma-informed and a strength-based approach, this position builds trust and respect, making sure clients feel heard, valued, and supported throughout their journey. Key responsibilities include supporting clients by connecting them to services, building support networks, facilitating groups and activities, advocating for equitable access, and providing crisis intervention when needed. Beyond working directly with clients, this role may help to improve the overall program by sharing ideas, identifying service gaps, and helping strengthen community relationships. This role maintains clear documentation, contributes to program planning and reporting, and models professional, ethical behavior and works closely with their teammates to provide high-quality, coordinated care. Through their efforts, staff empower clients to grow their strengths, reach their goals, and build a better future.

Requirements

Associate Degree in related field preferred; or High School Diploma/GED with 2-5 years of equivalent experience in related field. Related fields may include direct involvement in peer advocacy, community outreach, housing services or roles within the homelessness services field.
Comfortable using basic technology, including phone and messaging systems, email, Microsoft and Google Suites, and databases to complete administrative tasks and case management, reporting, and tracking outcomes.
Demonstrates empathy, professionalism, and respect for all individuals.
Stays calm and supportive in stressful situations and uses de-escalation skills.
Maintains clear documentation and organization.
Organized, detail-oriented, and proactive.
Actively advocates for clients in accessing benefits, navigating systems, and ensuring equitable treatment across agencies.
Able to identify and connect clients to housing, employment, health, and social services by leveraging community resources effectively.
Uses strong analytical skills to research, track, and resolve client needs.
Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations and service providers through communication and collaboration skills to strengthen client support networks.
Confident leading group discussions or workshops that promote learning, collaboration, and empowerment.
Specialized demonstrated knowledge in Children support and resources.
Understands job duties and performs tasks with accuracy.
Demonstrates a selfless commitment to others on the team, including activity-based dependability, self-improvement activities. Actively seeks opportunities to contribute at higher levels in service to LifeMoves and others on the team.
Sets performance goals, establishes the approach, creates a learning environment.
Manages workload effectively and meets deadlines.
Actively seeks opportunities to partner with colleagues across teams and functions. Shares knowledge, communicates openly, and anticipates needs to support collective goals. Builds trust by contributing ideas, offering assistance, and ensuring alignment to achieve results together.
Satisfactory results of a background check
Submitting proof of clear TB test results. Results dated within 60 days prior to hire date are acceptable

Nice To Haves

Bilingual/bi-cultural candidates, of color, Native/Indigenous, with disabilities, who identify as LGBTQIA+, or who are members of other marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain individualized case plans focused on housing, employment, benefits, and overall well-being, based on each client’s strengths and goals.
Support clients with housing searches, employment readiness, benefits enrollment (e.g., General Assistance, CalFresh, CAPI), and skill-building activities such as budgeting and daily living.
Connect clients to healthcare providers and community resources, and assist with coordination, scheduling, and transportation as needed.
Maintain accurate and timely client documentation and outcome tracking in HMIS and the agency’s client management system.
Advocate for client needs and rights when working with partners, landlords, employers, or service agencies; provide mediation and conflict resolution support as needed.
Provide calm, trauma-informed crisis response and ensure all client services align with ethical standards and agency values.
Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, public agencies, and system partners (e.g., VA, APS, CPS, Probation) to support clients and improve access to resources.
Serve as a liaison between LifeMoves and community stakeholders by sharing information, coordinating services, and promoting trauma-informed care practices.
Participate in weekly case conferences, monthly trainings, and regular supervision to strengthen skills.
Fully participate in all required trainings. This includes completing trainings by assigned deadlines, actively engaging during sessions, and applying learnings to daily work.
Attend continuing education opportunities to grow expertise and uphold agency standards.
Be available to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed or as schedule describes.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet program and organizational needs.
Support daily site operations, including inspections, maintenance coordination, donation management, and general facility upkeep.
Assist with maintaining clean, safe, and organized living environments.
Facilitate group sessions or workshops that promote skill development and confidence.
Conduct family assessments and develop intervention plans connecting families to community services, schools, and programs.
Create learning environments that support children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth; maintain program materials and supplies.
Facilitate children’s support groups, workshops, and educational sessions based on age-specific needs; lead Summer Camp programs, including staff and intern supervision.
Partner with schools and community providers to track student progress, support enrollment, and connect families to childcare and McKinney-Vento resources.
Educate partners about the impact of homelessness on children and advocate for needed support.
Support daily site operations, including inspections, maintenance, donations, and overall facility upkeep.
Maintain a flexible schedule, including at least two evenings per week to meet program needs.