Family Support Specialist
About The Position
Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center (POIC) is a minority-led nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing the highest quality services in education, mentoring, family outreach, employment training and placement. Established in 1968, POIC has been a beacon for communities of color for over 50 years. Today, POIC provides education and direct services to over 700 students and work trainees annually, 80% of whom are Black or Latinx. This position is responsible for providing culturally specific support and assistance to families by fostering open communication, offering non-judgmental support, and creating a safe and positive environment for parents and caregivers of children who are Justice and DHS impacted.
Requirements
- Must become certified Family Support Specialist within 6 months of hire.
- A valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and automobile liability coverage or access to an insured vehicle.
- Must pass a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) check that meets the organization’s underwriting criteria.
- Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of employees or others.
- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the population served.
- Willingness to navigate challenging neighborhoods, people, and families.
- Demonstrates ability to build and strengthen relationships with families.
Responsibilities
- Identifies needs of the family and assists with locating resources and supports.
- Provides service navigation and care coordination and attends IEP, Court, and other meetings to support the family.
- Builds and maintains positive relationships as a team member, displaying dependability, empathy, genuineness, and respect for families.
- Uses the model of SANKOFA to help families use their natural ability to resolve challenging problems.
- Maintains a caseload of 8-15 families.
- Delivers services in the office, home settings, and community.
- Works with families to identify services and supports necessary and make referrals if needed.
- Coordinates meetings with families at a minimum of once per week.
- Identifies family needs to prevent further juvenile justice involvement.
- Gains knowledge of Community Resources and builds relationships with providers.
- Identifies one-time and ongoing needs of families that support well-being.
- Interacts with Child Welfare, Juvenile justice, community partners, and other state or community agencies as needed.
- Works a Monday – Friday schedule with some evening work, as needed.
- Maintains punctual, regular, and predictable attendance.
- Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
- Respectfully takes direction from the Program manager.
- Other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Generous vacation/PTO policy
- Employer paid Medical, Dental and Vision benefits
- Employer paid Life and Long Term Disability insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) option
- 403(b) Retirement Plan option
- Twelve paid Holidays per year
- Professional growth and advancement opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
