Family Specialist- Jamaica

Job Description

Job Description

FAMILY SPECIALIST

We are excited to invite a passionate and dedicated Family Specialist to join our team! Homes for the Homeless (HFH) is searching for a dedicated Family Specialist for our Families with Children facility located in the Jamaica area of Queens, NY. As a Family Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting the families in our shelter by planning, coordinating, and implementing activities and events that promote positive family engagement, child development, and educational enrichment. This role works directly with children and families to create a safe, welcoming, and family-centered environment while providing developmentally appropriate activities and connecting families with community resources. Join us and be a part of an organization that values your contribution and cares deeply for the community we serve.

ABOUT HOMES FOR THE HOMELESS: 

Homes for the Homeless operates shelters for families experiencing homelessness in NYC. Our family residences are more than just a place to sleep. Families can make the most of their stay through accessing an array of onsite programs. Many of these programs are also available to people living in the local community. Our goal is to have a positive impact so families can thrive long after they leave our shelters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Assist in the planning and implementation of family engagement activities, educational workshops, holiday celebrations, and events. 
• Build positive, supportive relationships with families and children residing in the shelter. 
• Support parents and caregivers in strengthening parenting skills by providing guidance, modeling positive interactions, and connecting them with appropriate community resources. 
• Foster a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and trauma-informed environment that promotes healthy child development and family well-being. 
• Assist families in accessing community resources, including childcare, education, healthcare, employment, housing, and social services. 
• Supervise and monitor children's and families' participation during activities to ensure safety and compliance with shelter policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate documentation of attendance, program participation, activity outcomes, referrals, and other required records in accordance with agency policies. 
• Prepare activity materials, maintain program supplies, and ensure activity spaces remain clean, organized, and safe. 
• Collaborate with shelter staff and community partners to coordinate services and enhance family engagement opportunities. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Senior Family Specialist.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• High school diploma or equivalent required, an associate degree in human services, social work, or a related field is preferred. 
• Experience working with children, families, or vulnerable populations, preferably in a shelter, nonprofit, or community-based setting. 
• Knowledge of child development and the ability to actively engage children in age-appropriate activities, indoor and outdoor.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, family-centered practices, and positive behavior support strategies. 
• Strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills. 
• Bilingual in Spanish or other language is a plus.

COMPENSATION/EEO:  

In order to attract and retain a high-performance workforce, Homes for the Homeless offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment, with a focus on ensuring an appropriate work-life balance. In addition to a competitive salary, full-time permanent employees are eligible for excellent benefits including comprehensive health insurance (including medical, dental, and vision), an employer-funded 403(b) retirement plan, commuter benefits, life insurance, Work/Life Assistance Program, 3 weeks paid vacation, 10 sick days, 3 personal days and 12 paid holidays.

Homes for the Homeless is committed to promoting an inclusive organizational environment of dignity and respect. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) committed to equal treatment, and prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on age, race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and gender expression), disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, arrest or conviction, domestic violence victim status, familial status, or any other basis that would be in violation of any applicable federal, state, or local law.

SALARY: 

$36,000