Family Support Specialist

Position Title: Family Support Specialist

Reports to: VP, Family Cares

Compensation: $25/Hourly Rate

Location: Chicago, IL

POSITION OVERVIEW

Identify the needs and interests of participating families. Provide referrals and support families to access community resources. Assist families to set goals and support them in building support systems and meeting goals. Maintain a deep understanding of community resources and establish community partnerships.

KEY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and maintains relationships and community partnerships with community organizations, agencies and other resources in program neighborhoods, including schools, community centers, financial services, recreational activities, housing, child-care, healthcare providers, etc.
• Works closely with appropriate Northwestern University Settlement Association programs to identify needs and interests of participating families, set goals and provide appropriate referrals to community resources.
• Assists families to access resources and build support systems and networks.
• Encourages participants to learn about and utilize community, education, and employment resources to reach goals.
• Identifies issues and provides necessary support to participants to stay positive and focused toward their goals.
• Completes participant records, including case notes, files, and other pertinent documentation in a timely and accurate manner in agency databases and other systems as required.
• Collects, reviews and utilizes data and information on participants to inform program design and delivery.
• Compiles information and completes internal reports to track participant progress and program performance.
• Effectively communicates and administers the program policies and procedures to participants.
• Abides by approved program policies, procedures, plans and goals.
• Recommends to the Program Director, Manager or Supervisor methods of improving program efficiency and effectiveness.
• Attends required trainings and other professional development opportunities.
• Participates in regular supervision and staff meetings as required.
• May participate in special projects of the program on- and off-site as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology or related field preferred.
• A minimum of three years of relevant work experience is required.
• Experience working with youth, adults or families strongly preferred.
• Demonstrates knowledge of various social service, educational and community resources.
• Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; consistently writes clearly and concisely for various mediums and audiences.
• Demonstrates sound professional judgment and problem-solving ability.
• Demonstrates ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop trust, and collaborate with colleagues and participants.
• Demonstrates initiative, consistent follow-through, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrates intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook and client electronic data systems.
• Demonstrates respect and acceptance of diverse individuals and communities served by, partnered with and employed by Northwestern University Settlement Association.
• Must submit to a criminal background check and a child abuse and neglect screening and maintain a cleared status throughout employment.

POSITION TYPE - Full Time

COMPENSATION

Compensation is $25 per hour. We offer a robust health benefit package. In addition, all staff are equipped with the tools needed to succeed, including a dedicated work space, laptop, email, high-speed internet access, and all necessary supplies.

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Northwestern Settlement is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting without regard to race color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic or classification protected by law.