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YMCA of Greater Boston

Family Support Specialist Job at YMCA of Greater Boston in Boston

YMCA of Greater Boston, Boston, MA, US

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Job Description

Job Description
Description
Job Title: Family Support Specialist
Reports To: Senior Association Director of Family Support Services  

Employment Type: Full time      
Department:            Youth Development
Location:                   Association Office
Workplace Type:      Onsite
Compensation:        $56,000-$58,500
 

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Senior Association Director of Family Support Services, the Family Support Specialist provides support and counseling to families regarding state financial subsidies for early education, afterschool, and camp; establishes and maintains subsidy records: and works alongside the program and business staff within the Youth Development Department; This position works with families to coordinate all facets of subsidy eligibility as well as provide additional resources as needed. 

Key Responsibilities
Key Functions/Responsibilities:
  • Oversee intake and enrollment procedures for children qualifying for EEC state subsidies, ensuring families are offered, and properly qualify for any financial support confirming all required documentation is in order.
  • Assist in the coordination of the child enrollment process into the YMCA, between YMCA program, and transitioning out of the program or to other forms of financial assistance.
  • Assess family needs at intake and reauthorizations and provide resources as needed.
  • Assist families in applying for SNAP benefits when requested.
  • Establish relationships with local organizations and providers that can provide services to children and families.
  • Support Youth Development business staff in contacting families when children have been absent from program to determine next steps.
  • Maintain all documentation and files associated with the family, including communication logs with YMCA staff and the family
  • Add families and update family information on the EEC centralized waitlist.
  • Represent the YMCA of Greater Boston at open houses and provider fairs, sharing information on the family supports the YMCA provides
  • Respond to common inquiries or issues from parents, members, and staff.      
  • Disseminate information and feedback from staff and parents in an effort to increase effective practices and communication within the program.
  • Assist with trainings of Youth Development business staff on EEC financial assistance policies and procedures. 
  • Support the Youth Development office with compliance audits.
  • Maintain on-going communication with both YMCA program and business staff.
 
Additional Responsibilities:
  • Access of professional development opportunities and attendance at relevant YMCA/external trainings and meetings.
  • Remain current in required and voluntary trainings in order to promote growth of mind, spirit and character values for all.
  • Representation of the YMCA in a professional manner within the community and its programs.
  • Additional responsibilities as deemed necessary by supervisor and department needs.
 
Work Environment:
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
  • Frequent traveling between YMCA locations.
  • Occasional evening and weekend work is expected and may be required.
 
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. 
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, talk and listen.  The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
  • Must be able to commute between multiple program locations and around the community to attend meetings and events.
 
Effect on End Results:

The effectiveness with which the Family Support Specialist has performed on the job should be measured in terms of:
  • Individual must be able to execute fiscal operations, have good interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work well with a team.
  • Sound administration of the program, evident in purposeful and coordinated programs, good public relations, development of personnel, and good record keeping and fiscal management.
  • Improved perception of the YMCA in the community.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise: 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Service or Education field, or 3 years’ experience working with at risk families.
  • Culturally competent and proven ability to work with people from a variety of different ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, religious, sexual, and generational backgrounds.
  • Ability to identify, develop and monitor partnerships that meet specific needs of families and community.
  • Proficiency to handle multiple tasks, work independently, problem solve, and possess effective time management skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Intermediate level knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
  • Reliable transportation to ensure travel between multiple locations and around the community to meet with families or to attend meetings and events.
  • Conversational Spanish preferred.

Required Training/Certifications:
  • Child Abuse Prevention (within 30 days of employment).
  • Respect in the Workplace and Sexual Harassment (within 30 days of employment).
  • Team Leader Certification.
  • EEC Financial Assistance Policy Guide.
  • Child Care Financial Assistance System (CCFA).
  • YMCA Internal Software.
  • Others to be determined.