Family Support Specialist

Family Support Specialist - Onsite

Family Support Specialist: Build the Bridge Between Families and the Systems They're Navigating at Brittany's Place Youth Shelter.

180 Degrees believes families deserve clear answers, not confusion, when a young person's life intersects with the system. As a Family Support Specialist, you make sure youth, families, and community members can find real guidance, not red tape, when navigating child welfare, education, Safe Harbor, and the path toward stability.

This role is part builder, part connector. You develop and maintain the online content, tools, and educational resources through website portals, mobile apps, and more that make critical information accessible to families connected to Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY), Sexually Exploited Youth (SEY), and other system-involved youth programs. Every resource you build helps someone find their footing a little faster.

This isn't just work behind a screen. You also provide direct, hands-on support to families connected to Brittany's Place Youth Shelter, building real relationships with caregivers, supporting communication during a youth's stay, and helping guide reunification or transition planning. That firsthand connection is what makes your resources actually work because they're built from real experience, not guesswork.

This role is for you if: You're equally comfortable building tools and building trust. You believe families deserve clarity, not confusion, during some of the hardest moments of their lives. You're a natural connector who can turn real experience into practical resources. And you want work that's meaningful both behind the scenes and face-to-face.

This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week, onsite at Brittany's Place. No direct reports rather a direct hand in helping families find their way.

Qualifications:

• Minimum age: 21
• Bachelor's degree in social work, social services, psychology, communications, public health, education, or a related field, and two years of experience working with families in crisis, youth or residential services, or navigating social service systems; an associate's degree and relevant experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis
• Experience navigating or supporting others through systems such as child welfare, education, mental health, juvenile justice, or Safe Harbor
• Experience using basic digital tools and platforms (website content, shared resources, or similar systems) and willingness to learn new platforms
• Valid driver's license and insurance; dependable transportation for traveling to community partners and events; ability to drive Company vehicle without restrictions.
• Ability to clear a Department of Human Services background study

Essential Competencies:

• Trauma-informed communication and family engagement
• Empathy, boundary-setting, and strengths-based support
• Ability to translate complex systems, services, and policies into clear, accessible, and practical information
• Ability to engage families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds in a respectful, trauma-informed manner
• Ability to work both independently (developing content and resources) and collaboratively with program staff and external partners
• Ability to translate complex systems and information into clear, accessible, and user-friendly resources for diverse audiences
• Strong written communication skills, including experience developing educational materials, guides, or content for families, youth, or community members
• Ability to design and organize resources that are user-friendly and relevant to youth, families, and community members
• Service coordination, referral, and advocacy
• Strong understanding of trauma, adolescent development, family systems, and strengths-based approaches
• Ability to balance family needs with youth-centered safety and shelter policies
• Collaboration across teams and with external partners
• Organization, follow-through, and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Accurate and timely documentation

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer. The employee is frequently required to sit. This position will be attending community events and participating in meetings with community partners. This position requires lifting office supplies and program supplies, up to 25 pounds. Travel to community partners and appointments as required.

Work Environment:

This position is in-person at the Brittany's Place shelter in St. Paul and includes occasional travel for community engagements or transition support. Must be able to work extended hours for events and special projects when needed.

Benefits:

• Sign on Bonus of $600 (Half paid out at 3 months and other half at 12 months).
• Paid time off (PTO) starting at 18 days annually.
• Medical, Dental, FSA & HSA options
• Life, STD, LTD
• 401K company match up to 4%
• 12 paid company holidays

About 180 Degrees:

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a fast-growing non-profit organization. Founded over 50 years ago, 180 Degrees is recognized for piloting innovative solutions to address challenges of homelessness, sexual exploitation, poverty and incarceration. With program sites around the state, 180 Degrees continues to expand its portfolio of programs and services now impacting the lives of over 2,000 youth and adults each year. We seek leaders who will guide the next growth phase of our organization.

180 Degrees, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

180 Degrees' intention is for our staff reflect the communities we serve. We actively encourage women, people of color, differently abled and other diverse candidates to apply for open positions.

Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm