Family Resource Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

The Family Resource Specialist is responsible for ensuring the successful reunification between homeless & runaway youth with their care takers or independent living by brief providing counseling services to the youth and in some cases the family. Additionally, the Family Resource Specialist assists in the recruitment, training and licensing of host families. The office of the family-based Host Homes/Transitional Living Program is located in metropolitan area of Washington DC.

JOIN US AND SUPPORT YOUTH TO LIVE, WORK, AND STUDY WITH DIGNITY, HOPE, AND JOY!

LAYC/MMYC is an organization that makes a difference in our community. We invite you to join our talented staff and become a part of an organization that is known for its commitment to excellence, mission, and respect for youth. We value diversity as a strength, with 85% of our staff identifying as people of color. We prioritize recruiting and supporting staff who have shared life experiences as our youth.

We believe in a future where all youth pursue their dreams, reach their goals and acquire the skills and self-confidence to live a life of purpose, connection, contribution and joy.

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS

In addition to a friendly work environment, we are pleased to offer the following benefits to our employees.

• Medical, dental, and vision plans with prescription coverage.
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Voluntary long-term disability and supplemental life insurance
• Matching 401(k) program beginning at hire
• 3 weeks paid vacation leave per year; PTO is accrued, increasing to 4 weeks with tenure.
• 12 paid holidays per year, 12 days paid sick leave per year and 4 wellness days. Sick and wellness days are prorated during your first year based on your start date, then available in full in subsequent years.
• Eight weeks paid parental leave, including adoption and foster care.
• Health club discounts
• One to two days per week of telework for most positions (eligible after first 60 days).

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts outreach in the nearby areas of Washington DC and Maryland to recruit Host Families.
• Conducts interviews with potential TLP families and candidates and provides feedback regarding admission to the program.
• Assists host families in the process of getting licensed, trained and ready for the program.
• Prepares recruitment and outreach packages.
• Supports in sending stipends and documents to families in a timely manner.
• Assist in move-in and move-out tasks such as assembling and moving furniture, putting together welcome kits for the youth or reporting missing supplies to Program Manager.
• Carries a caseload of clients by providing on-going support throughout the duration of the program as needed or assigned by Program Manager.
• Provides case-management services to clients which include accompanying clients to appointments, obtaining vital documents as needed or assigned by Program Manager.
• Meet clients once a week and schedules house visits every month as needed or assigned by Program Manager.
• Will provide crisis intervention to youth and families as needed.
• Provides workshops and resources to families and clients as needed.
• Improves professional skills by attending workshops, seminars, and training sessions as allowed by time and funding constraints.
• Provides crisis intervention and responds to emergencies as necessary and remains available for emergencies on an on-call rotating schedule.
• Works with and develops strong, healthy relationships with youth, family members, and others involved in the youth's life with the goal of helping youth create a net of life-long informal supports.
• Support outreach staff with coordinating outreach programs and life skill groups.
• Facilitate Weekly outreach meetings
• Reconcile Divvy purchases (i.e., CL code, receipts, etc.)
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of the Housing.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• A Master’s degree in Social Work or related field required.
• Licensed Social Worker (LMSW or LCSW) in the District of Columbia or Maryland is preferred, or willingness and ability to obtain licensure in DC or MD within the first year of employment at LAYC.
• Minimum of two-three years of experience working with at-risk population.
• Experience in managing crisis situations.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Driver’s license
• Bilingual or fluent/proficient: English and Spanish required.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of community and local resources in DC and Maryland.
• Knowledge of case management, monitoring, mediation or conflict resolution and reporting.
• Ability to translate Positive Youth Development.
• Knowledge of youth and family development.
• Proficient computer skills, experience with ETO or other data collection system a plus.
• Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and at times weekend for meetings with families.
• Complete criminal and child abuse/neglect clearances.
• Flexible, energetic, positive individual with commitment to youth development in a high quality, respectful environment.
• Ability to work well and communicate with culturally diverse populations.
• LAYC/MMYC requires the COVID-19 vaccine of all its employees. You will be asked to provide proof of vaccination at the time of your interview and at your onboarding.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 10 lbs. May require the ability to travel locally and/or regionally.

LAYC/MMYC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing opportunities without regard to age, race, color, pregnancy, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or status within any other protected group.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume.