Family Support Specialist I

URBAN STRATEGIES INC•Caguas, PR

17d

About The Position

Family Support Specialist provides support to a defined community or housing development as both a social service specialist and community organizer. The Specialist will work with residents on an individual basis, as needed, to mitigate risks of housing instability. The Specialist will also develop programs with residents and other community service providers to address community concerns and opportunities.

Requirements

Associates Degree or related experience
Commitment to strengths-based and family-focused service planning; ability to understand program philosophies and place-based approach
Ability and commitment to handle privileged information in a professional and confidential manner
Ability to function as a team player in both internal and external relationships
Availability to attend evening and weekend functions as required
Possession of a valid driver’s license and availability of automobile for work use
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
A strong sense of and respect for confidentiality involving both participants and fellow employees.
Must excel in fast-paced environment
Ability to work in a variety of settings with culturally-diverse persons and communities with the ability to be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
The ability to work independently and with initiative, combined with skills for thriving in a team environment to achieve shared goals.
Computer proficiency in MS Office Suite (Advanced MS Excel), other commonly used software.

Responsibilities

Develop effective partnerships with organizations that address community identified needs (including, but not limited to, after school programs, health fairs, job training, on- site classes)
Develop and coordinate programs as applicable that address the community identified needs
Develop and maintain relationships with community stakeholders and service organizations
Work directly with residents when specific intervention is required to include conducting assessments, developing IDPs and FDPs, connection to services, and conducting quarterly check-ins for those with identified goals.
Identify resident needs and locate community resources that may address these needs
Collaborate with the management company and resident leadership body on neighborhood safety initiatives and meetings
Grant writing for programs at the local site.
Maintain records and document resident need, progress, and continual outcomes
Document work with residents in LEARN
Document onsite programming outputs in LEARN