Family Support Specialist

Job Description

Family Support Specialist (Housing Stability & Family Support) | YMCA of the North Association | Starting at $23.00/hour

At a Glance:

The YMCA of the North—one of the largest and most dynamic nonprofit organizations in the region—is seeking a compassionate and driven Family Support Specialist to join our team.

This full-time, grant-funded role (July 2026–July 2028) provides direct, hands-on support to families experiencing housing instability through the Homework Starts with Home – LHPA Expansion program. You’ll deliver person-centered case management, help families navigate housing resources such as Bring It Home vouchers, and build strong community connections—all while benefiting from a comprehensive benefits package, earned time off, and the opportunity to create meaningful, lasting impact in the community.

This position requires driving. To drive on behalf of The YMCA, candidates must have a valid driver's license, be able to pass a criminal and motor vehicle background check, and maintain personal insurance at the levels of $100,000 Bodily Injury/Per Person and $300,000 Bodily Injury/Per Accident. Job offer is contingent on having these requirements.

The salary for this position starts at $23.00 hourly. We take into consideration an individual’s background and experience in determining salary; therefore, base pay offered may vary considerably depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes a wide range of other benefits and earned time off that vary depending on part-time or full-time status.

• Job Summary:

The Family Support Specialist is responsible for performing and maintaining services and programs that satisfy specific identified needs of families/participants. The incumbent demonstrates ethical behavior and maintains clear and healthy boundaries with youth and/or families while performing all aspects of their designated program. This position would will be working directly with families enrolled in our Homework Starts with Home - LHPA Expansion program. The Family Support Specialist will be working with doubled-up families and navigating Bring it Home housing vouchers. This role is a full time, non exempt, grant funded position. This role will be funded from July 2026-July 2028.

• Essential Functions:

• Perform all case management functions and responsibilities in a person-centered, culturally competent manner. This includes but is not limited to needs assessment, case planning and management, documentation, etc.

• Identify, make referrals to, and coordinate necessary and appropriate community resource programs.

• Establish and maintain working relationships with peers, community and court appointed partners, educators, support systems, and resource staff to achieve established program plan goals.

• Develop and maintain supportive, nurturing, and empowering relationships with families/participants.

• May provide work direction to team members, interns and volunteers as needed.

• Perform administrative duties to support the program as needed.

• Relationships:

This position reports to the Youth Support Program Manager or Youth Support Program Director who reports to the Program Executive. The incumbent interacts regularly with youth, families, community partners/agencies, educators, volunteers and other YMCA program staff.

• Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field (such as Human Services, Social Work, Corrections or Youth Development) or equivalent experience.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in youth development to preferably include case management, working with diverse, low income and at risk youth or related human service experience.

• Demonstrated professionalism in the areas of time management, communication

• Ability to effectively problem solve utilizing all resources available.

• Must be able to work in an independent and self directed manner

• Experience working with diverse populations

• Basic computer skills including Microsoft office suite (Word and Excel)

• Ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, AED certification with the first 30 days of employment, if applicable.

• Ability to transport youth to meetings and activities, if applicable.

• May need to use personal vehicle, have comprehensive insurance, and or go through the MVE training for 15-passenger van

• This position requires driving. To drive on behalf of The YMCA, candidates must have a valid driver's license, be able to pass a criminal and motor vehicle background check, and maintain personal insurance at the levels of $100,000 Bodily Injury/Per Person and $300,000 Bodily Injury/Per Accident. Job offer is contingent on having these requirements

Preferred

• Multilingual

• Prior fundraising experience

• Work Conditions:

• Ability to perform a variety of physical activities with program participants which may include but are not limited to walking, standing for long periods of time, running, throwing and lifting up to 50lbs.

• Ability to travel locally to attend meetings.

• Additional Notes:

This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent is also responsible for taking direction from the Branch Executive, Program Executive or YMCA representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the branch or Association success.

Requirements