Family Worker

Harlem Children's Zone•New York, NY

5d•$42,000 - $45,000

About The Position

Harlem Children’s Zone seeks a Family Worker for its Baby College & 3-Year-Old Journey Program. Baby College provides a nine-week series of free parenting workshops for expecting parents and families raising children up to age three. Workshops cover topics such as child development, discipline, immunization, safety, asthma, lead poisoning, parental stress, and parent-child bonding. The program aims to give families the information and support needed to raise healthy children who enter school ready to learn. The Family Worker provides direct counseling, assistance, and support to children and families, including home-based casework, parenting instruction, developmental screening, referrals, and connections to community resources. The position works Tuesday through Saturday, with Saturday required, and may require some flexibility around department events. The role is based in and involves working outside the office in the Harlem community.

Requirements

Associate's degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred, with relevant work experience.
Some knowledge of child welfare and the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS).
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Willingness and ability to work hours based on client needs; Saturdays are required.
Expert knowledge of the Harlem community and locations where parents are connected.
Sensitivity, tact, and professionalism when dealing with others.
Passion for children and families and a strong connection to the community.
Comfort working outside the office in the Harlem community.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and French or English and Spanish.
CPR/AED certification.

Responsibilities

Provide supportive casework counseling to up to 12 families through weekly home visits, parenting workshops or lessons, and office-based assessments.
Facilitate and provide instruction on early childhood care to a parental group.
Deliver lesson plans explaining effective parenting strategies and practices.
Administer developmental and social-emotional screening tools for children.
Use the Touchpoint philosophy and other early childhood parenting techniques.
Monitor and evaluate children’s overall development and make appropriate internal and external referrals when needed.
Participate in weekly supervision with the Family Service Coordinator.
Connect families to community-based and government resources and escort them to appointments as needed.
Complete and submit case notes and other required documentation accurately and on time.
Participate in agency functions and project activities.
Recruit families between program cycles to support maximum participation.
Perform other duties as assigned.