Family Support Specialist

Jewish Family Service • Buffalo, NY

5d • $21 - $28 • Hybrid

About The Position

For more than 150 years, Jewish Family Services of Western New York has been committed to providing high quality services to all in need in the interest of helping to "repair the world." Our services are guided by the essential connection between mental well-being, physical wellness, and positive self-worth. Our reputation is the result of our exceptional staff. In addition to offering competitive compensation and truly exceptional benefits, we are committed to providing a supportive work environment in which all employees are able to contribute their best.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience in education, social work, nursing, psychology, psychiatry, health and human services or other related field.
• 1 year experience working in client-facing services such as in the child protective, education, human services or health sector or working with refugee, asylee and/or immigrant population.
• Must speak fluent English and at least one additional language common across the WNY immigrant community, preferably Spanish.
• Complete all required Facilitator Certification Processes and ongoing trainings and certification as necessary.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Outlook
• Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills
• Able to travel outside the office to various sites to attend meetings and facilitate groups, visit families/individuals in their homes
• Ability to perform duties with a minimum of supervision and manage time effectively
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet the demands of the job
• Maintains confidentiality
• Must possess a complete commitment to, and understanding of, Jewish Family Services Mission, Vision & Purpose.
• Cultural Responsiveness – Ensure staff and programming treat each individual with respect - we honor staff and clients and meet them where they are with regard for their unique wants and needs. (Anava)
• Partnership – Ensure staff and programs develop and maintain partnerships to support health and well-being and recognize its role in helping individuals and families achieve meaningful and lasting change (Chevrutah)
• Trust - Work with integrity and be accountable to others and responsive to them to build a foundation of trust. (Eimun)
• Person Centered Care – Believe in and show through daily practice the dignity and inherent worth of every individual at every stage of life and work to address their needs as a whole person. (B’Tselem Elohim).

Nice To Haves

• Valid NYS driver’s license and access to reliable transportation with sufficient insurance (100/300K) is required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and facilitates one on one and group parent education programming in English and or their native language, using a variety of evidence-based curricula, including The Incredible Years, Tuning Into Teens, and Nurturing Parenting. Programming may run in person or online, in the office or in the community/clients’ homes.
• Coordinates and facilitates Women’s Empowerment and other health promotion programming. Includes outreach and recruitment; registration; assessments; planning; facilitation; set-up and clean-up; and data collection and entry.
• Performs supervised visitation for Family Court and DSS-involved families
• Supports families in applying for the NYS childcare subsidy or scholarship, identifying appropriate childcare providers, and in becoming in home childcare providers.
• Conducts community outreach, promoting agency offerings within the community and providing education about the benefits of positive parenting and healthy living.
• Ensures retention of clients through effective communication and relationship building via additional varied supports.
• Supports child enrichment activities in collaboration with program staff and volunteers.
• Implements all program models with adherence to all program components and fidelity, including the facilitation of groups for those with low English proficiency as required by contract/grant.
• Participates in meetings with partner agencies to promote collaboration and continued learning.
• Assists in linking clients with additional services identified as needed including, but not limited to housing/household needs, health care, education, employment, and safety.
• Supports administrative functions of the program as per grant requirements.
• Attends staff meetings and consults with team members to support the delivery of culturally responsive services; and
• Shares cultural knowledge and perspective to improve the effectiveness of services provided by JFS staff and partners.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of $21 to $28 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• 401k retirement plan with agency contribution of 4%.
• 13+ observed holidays annually.
• Early close on Fridays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree