Family Advocate, Family Enrichment Center

RISEBORO COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP•New York, NY

4d•$30 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Advocate is part of the Education Division program staff and contributes to the day-to-day operations of the Brownsville Family Enrichment Center (FEC). The role builds connections with staff, community residents, and partners; co-designs and delivers relevant programming; provides advocacy and referrals; and helps create a warm, inviting gathering place that uses the protective factors model to support community resilience. The Family Advocate develops relationships with families and individuals, assesses their needs and strengths, and supports them with individualized services, goal setting, action planning, and progress monitoring. The role also conducts outreach, connects participants with community resources, collaborates with local parents and other residents to deliver events, maintains program records and communications, and supports the FEC’s daily operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field with at least three years of professional experience in community-driven programs working directly with children, youth, and/or families; alternatively, a high school diploma or equivalent with at least five years of such professional experience.
Demonstrated experience in community-driven programs working directly with children, youth, and families.
Knowledge of and commitment to the Brownsville community.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment on multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to connect with and engage children, youth, and adults individually and in groups.
Knowledge of youth and young adult programming and conducting community events.
Ability to use lived experience with disability, mental illness, the criminal legal system, special education, substance use disorder, and/or foster care to support community resiliency, recovery, and wellness.
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and collaboratively with staff, participants, and community members.
Commitment to a trauma-informed, strength-based, youth and family development perspective.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings or weekends as needed for program activities.
Commitment to RiseBoro’s mission, vision, and values.
Ability to understand institutional and structural racism and bias, their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities, and the needs of communities affected by systemic oppression.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing and implementing a group or club, or coaching a team.
Experience caring for children as a parent, guardian, relative, neighbor, or babysitter.

Responsibilities

Develop strong relationships with families and individuals, demonstrating empathy, understanding, and cultural sensitivity.
Maintain a safe, welcoming, and organized space at the Family Enrichment Center.
Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify family needs, strengths, and goals; provide individualized services, including goal setting, action planning, and progress monitoring.
Create and implement monthly outreach plans, develop effective partnerships, and serve as a liaison and advocate to help families access healthcare, education, housing, and social support.
Convene, support, and collaborate with local parents, subject experts, and residents to deliver monthly events and offerings at the FEC.
Serve as a liaison between clients and outside organizations regarding education, healthcare, and social services.
Conduct outreach with vulnerable populations to market the program, recruit new clients, and re-engage former clients.
Use tracking and reporting mechanisms, enter data accurately for program reporting and evaluation, and co-manage the FEC database system for communication and engagement.
Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and professional development activities.
Use appreciative inquiry and other strength-based tools to engage community members in co-designing programming.
Create monthly calendars, website content, and other outreach tools to promote and document offerings.
Help clients work toward their goals by locating community resources, making referrals, strengthening problem-solving skills, providing mentoring and life-skills support, and exploring community resources with participants.
Manage inventory ordering and purchasing for program and event supplies.
Perform other related duties as assigned.