POSITION TITLE: Family Resource Center Community Support Specialist- Tompkins
STATUS: Full time (35 hours), non exempt
RESPONSIBLE TO: Community Services Director
The Child Development Council is committed to fostering a welcoming and vibrant workplace as an Equal Opportunity Employer. We seek a diverse applicant pool to join our team-oriented organization and all qualified applicants will receive consideration.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Family Resource Center (FRC) Community Support Specialist will provide high-quality services to families with young children to promote parenting success and family stability. The FRC Community Support Specialist will provide prenatal and parenting education, child development information and assessments, informal emotional support and crisis intervention, goal planning and connection to community resources. The FRC Community Support Specialist will host family and community events and facilitate activities in the play space. The FRC Community Support Specialist is a Mandated Reporter for child abuse and neglect. This position requires regular evening and weekend hours.
The Child Development Council has offi ces in Ithaca, NY and Cortland, NY. This position primarily requires on-site work at the Family Resource Center located in Tompkins County, with occasional work in the Cortland Offi ce. Regular travel in Tompkins and Cortland Counties is required. Occasional travel in New York State or beyond may be required. Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license is required.
This position requires completion of Active Parenting certifi cation within 6 months of hire and NYSPEP Parenting Educator Credential with 2 years of hire, supported by the agency.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Comprehensive understanding of pregnancy, child development, parenting, and family dynamics
- Strengths-based approach in working with families and colleagues
- Solid ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Excellent communication skills, including documentation
- Knowledge of agency services and community resources, or ability to learn
- Independent problem solving and critical thinking skills
- Knowledge of substance abuse disorders and treatment, domestic violence, and child welfare (highly desired)
Life experience is recognized and highly valued. A degree in a related field is beneficial, but not required.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide comprehensive family support services to a caseload of approximately 15-25 families:
a. Offer ongoing advocacy, parenting and child development education, and support to pregnant individuals and families with young children ages 0-8;
b. In partnership with enrolled families, develop individualized service plans designed to make progress toward their goals and maximize opportunities for success. Monitor plans and assist in implementation as needed;
c. Assist with the identification of social, medical, and educational services and provide support and advocacy to facilitate access to these services as needed;
d. Provide consistent monthly communication and engagement with participants through scheduled appointments, open office hours, activities and events, and phone conversations;
e. Provide informal emotional support and crisis intervention as needed;
f. Conduct developmental and social emotional assessments with eligible children and their parents;
g. Coordinate with community service partners to meet needs of enrolled families;
h. Keep accurate case notes for all participants; collect and record data for reports; keep detailed records and mileage reports;
i. Coordinate with existing Family Services program staff for events;
j. Plan and implement, in coordination with fellow FRC Family Support Specialists, traveling FRCs, family events, community cafes, and play groups;
k. Plan and implement, in coordination with the Family Services Director and FRC Coordinator, parenting education classes and activities;
l. Recruit parent leadership group members, and facilitate child activities during parent leadership group meetings.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Attend scheduled program and agency meetings, as well as agency board meetings as directed;
2. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policies;
3. Attend appropriate professional development training;
4. Participate in solution-focused decision-making and facilitated conversations/conflict resolution;
5. Perform other reasonably related tasks, both at the agency and in the community, as assigned by your supervisor;
6. Maintain reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license;
7. Participate in outreach activities and the agency’s annual events.
COMPENSATION:
Starting Salary Range: $36,400 – $40,000, based on experience, education, and/or credentials.
Benefits: $9,500/annually in flexible benefits that can be used to subsidize health and/or dental care, dependent care costs, annuities, or taken in cash.
Annual Paid Time Off (PTO), Floating Days, and paid holidays.
TO APPLY: Send a resume and related materials to Margaret@childdevelopmentcouncil.org.