Family Engagement Specialist

Family Engagement Specialist |Friends of the Children - Western Montana

Friends of the Children is a nonprofit that is impacting generational change by empowering youth through relationships with professional mentors. We do this by providing children facing the most obstacles with a long-term, salaried, professional mentor, who we call a "Friend," from kindergarten through high school graduation, 12+ years - no matter what.

Are you ready to play a critical role in helping Western Montana's most vulnerable children change the trajectories of their lives by developing intensive, long-term relationships with families and caregivers who need it most? If so, the impactful role of a Family Engagement Specialist might be for you.

Position Objective

Develop intensive, long-term, trusting relationships with the families and caregivers who need it most.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Gain an understanding of resources available in the Missoula and surrounding communities and assist caregivers and families with navigating housing resources, food, and clothing support.
• Work closely with the Program Director to ensure that caregiver basic needs are met.
• Work collaboratively with program staff and our families to identify gaps in services experienced by our kids and families.
• Work closely with the Program Director to build intentional community partnerships that directly benefit our families.
• Collaborate with caregivers to effectively navigate outside support systems and organizations.
• Provide direct supervision and leadership to a part-time Family Engagement Support Specialist.
• In collaboration with families and caregivers, organize monthly events and activities focused on school-related topics such as IEP & 504 education plans, awareness of community resources, and activities that reduce isolation.
• Provide rapid response support to families and caregivers to ensure basic needs are being met.
• Record caregiver and youth interactions and track all outbound referrals in our STATS database weekly.
• Alongside the Program Director, work to increase and identify other community-based enrichment opportunities and supports for siblings of enrolled children.
• Empower caregivers by modeling and coaching families in multiple forms of evidence-based parenting techniques, communication skills, anger management, and problem solving.
• Support caregivers to implement plans that advance the goals they have for themselves and their families.
• Help coordinate the organization's annual parent/caregiver survey.
• Research best practices and establish a donation-driven clothing and essential items closet to benefit our kids and families.
• Work with development staff to coordinate back-to-school supplies, holiday gift campaigns, enrichment experiences, and other in-kind donations for the children in our program and their siblings.

The Ideal Candidate

Education

• Bachelor's degree in a mental or behavioral health field.

Experience

• 2+ years of professional experience in a related area of social service.
• Experience building relationships.
• Cultural competence and prior experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Skills and Abilities

• Problem-solving and advocacy skills.
• Enthusiasm to be part of a growing nonprofit organization.
• Passion to play a critical role in helping Western Montana's most vulnerable children change the trajectories of their lives.
• Experience leading parenting skills discussions and workshops.
• Superior scheduling and time management skills.
• Excellent data entry and database management skills.

Additional Requirements

• Must possess or be willing to obtain a valid Montana Driver's License.
• Maintain an acceptable driving record and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Must successfully pass a background check, including criminal and protective services clearances.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: $46,227.50 annually
• PTO & Holidays: 4 weeks PTO + 10 holidays
• Benefits: Employer covers 100% of the employee-only premium for comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability.
• Retirement: 401(k) with 3% employer match
• Loan Forgiveness: Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Equal Opportunity Statement

Friends of the Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to addressing discriminatory practices. The equal employment opportunity policy of Friends of the Children provides fair and equal opportunities for all employees and job applicants. Friends of the Children hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled.