Family Engagement Specialist

Friends of the Children Montana • Missoula, MT

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Friends of the Children – Western Montana is a nonprofit that is impacting generational change by empowering youth through relationships with professional mentors. We do this by providing children facing the most obstacles with a long-term, salaried, professional mentor, who we call a “Friend,” from kindergarten through high school graduation, 12+ years – no matter what. Are you ready to play a critical role in helping Western Montana’s most vulnerable children change the trajectories of their lives by developing intensive, long-term relationships with families and caregivers who need it most? If so, the impactful role of a Family Engagement Specialist might be for you. Position Objective: Develop intensive, long-term, trusting relationships with the families and caregivers who need it most.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a mental or behavioral health field.
• 2+ years of professional experience in a related area of social service.
• Experience building relationships.
• Cultural competence and prior experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Problem-solving and advocacy skills.
• Enthusiasm to be part of a growing nonprofit organization.
• Passion to play a critical role in helping Western Montana’s most vulnerable children change the trajectories of their lives.
• Experience leading parenting skills discussions and workshops.
• Superior scheduling and time management skills.
• Excellent data entry and database management skills.
• Must possess or be willing to obtain a valid Montana Driver’s License.
• Maintain an acceptable driving record and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Must successfully pass a background check, including criminal and protective services clearances.

Responsibilities

• Gain an understanding of resources available in the Missoula and surrounding communities and assist caregivers and families with navigating housing resources, food, and clothing support.
• Work closely with the Program Director to ensure that caregiver basic needs are met.
• Work collaboratively with program staff and our families to identify gaps in services experienced by our kids and families.
• Work closely with the Program Director to build intentional community partnerships that directly benefit our families.
• Collaborate with caregivers to effectively navigate outside support systems and organizations.
• Provide direct supervision and leadership to a part-time Family Engagement Support Specialist.
• In collaboration with families and caregivers, organize monthly events and activities focused on school-related topics such as IEP & 504 education plans, awareness of community resources, and activities that reduce isolation.
• Provide rapid response support to families and caregivers to ensure basic needs are being met.
• Record caregiver and youth interactions and track all outbound referrals in our STATS database weekly.
• Alongside the Program Director, work to increase and identify other community-based enrichment opportunities and supports for siblings of enrolled children.
• Empower caregivers by modeling and coaching families in multiple forms of evidence-based parenting techniques, communication skills, anger management, and problem solving.
• Support caregivers to implement plans that advance the goals they have for themselves and their families.
• Help coordinate the organization’s annual parent/caregiver survey.
• Research best practices and establish a donation-driven clothing and essential items closet to benefit our kids and families.
• Work with development staff to coordinate back-to-school supplies, holiday gift campaigns, enrichment experiences, and other in-kind donations for the children in our program and their siblings.

Benefits

• 4 weeks PTO
• 10 holidays
• Employer covers 100% of the employee-only premium for comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability.
• 401(k) with 3% employer match
• Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level