Family Support Specialist

*IMPORTANT: To be considered for this position, please follow the Application Instructions at the end of this job posting*

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.


- We believe all people have value.


- We believe all people can grow.


- We believe all people can contribute and build thriving communities.


Visit our website at

What We Offer:

POIC offers a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment where everyone has the opportunity to grow. Our compensation and benefits package represent our commitment to employee health and financial wellness.


- 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


Application Instructions:

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit:


1. Personal Statement that includes:


a. Why you are interested in working for POIC


b. How your skills and experience relate to this position


c. What you can contribute to our organization and the youth we serve


2. Resume


Job Summary:

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 by performing the following duties.

Essential Duties:

• 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.

Job Duties:

• Maintains a caseload of 8-15 families.
• Delivers services in the office, home settings, and community.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the population served.
• Willingness to navigate challenging neighborhoods, people, and families.
• 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.
• Demonstrates ability to build and strengthen relationships with families.
• 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.

Qualifications:

• 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. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

Experience/Education:

• High school diploma or GED, One year certificate from college or technical school, and/or Associate degree from college or technical school.

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.

Please send your Personal Statement and Resume. Applicants who do not submit a Personal Statement that includes the requested information may be disqualified from consideration for the position.

POIC is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.