Community Engagement Specialist, South County Academy

Family Service Of Rhode Island•Exeter, RI

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

South County Academy (SCA), a program of Family Service of Rhode Island and in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), is a residential treatment program upholding RIDE standards located in Exeter, Rhode Island. The Academy serves up to 16 adolescent females, ages 13 to 17, who have experienced trauma and present with complex behavioral health needs. Students live in single-bedroom accommodations and are supported by staff 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our clinical model is grounded in evidence-based practice, including Trauma Systems Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Restorative Practices. On-site academic instruction allows students to continue their education without interruption. The Community Engagement Specialist (CES) is an outward facing, non-clinical position. Responsible for building and expanding the program’s relationships outside its walls, and for turning those relationships into real opportunities for students. Develops and maintains a working inventory of community partners, including employers, volunteer sites, faith communities, libraries, recreation departments, youth sports and arts organizations, vocational and pre-employment programs, colleges, and local businesses. The Coordinates the logistics of community access so that students leave campus regularly and safely and builds the practical skills students need to navigate a community on their own. Supports the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) principle that a young person’s connection to her own home community must be maintained during placement, not rebuilt at discharge.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, communications, recreation, education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience
Skilled in operating various medical record software and hardware, word-processing, and database software programs
Experience working with adolescents and young adults required
Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to communicate with external stakeholders in a courteous and professional manner
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
Self-motivated, resourceful, able to manage multiple projects, and highly attentive to detail
Willingness and capability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends, since community activities frequently occur outside standard business hours
Excellent multitasking and communication skills necessary
Ability to work independently and part of a team
Current driver’s license, reliable transportation, registration, and auto insurance
Ability to communicate effectively
Travel to and from community locations and office site, which could include using walkways, stairs, and/or elevators
Utilize a computer and an electronic medical record to complete documentation
Ability to lift up to 20lbs
Provide emergency coverage; ratio to the programs as needed

Nice To Haves

Experience with youth who have trauma histories or behavioral health needs strongly preferred
Spanish Speaking preferred and is compensated

Responsibilities

Building and expanding the program’s relationships outside its walls
Turning those relationships into real opportunities for students
Develops and maintains a working inventory of community partners, including employers, volunteer sites, faith communities, libraries, recreation departments, youth sports and arts organizations, vocational and pre-employment programs, colleges, and local businesses
Coordinates the logistics of community access so that students leave campus regularly and safely
Builds the practical skills students need to navigate a community on their own