Family Support Specialist II

TITLE: Family Support Specialist

REPORT TO:  Assistant Project Manager

LOCATION: San Juan, Puerto Rico

STATUS: Full Time

BACKGROUND: For nearly 40 years, Urban Strategies, Inc. has assisted residents and community stakeholders to design and implement a wide range of transformative projects in distressed U.S. communities. Our goal is to ensure that all of our families are stable and thriving.

JOB SUMMARY:

Family Support Specialist (FSS) provides support to a defined community or housing development as both a social service specialist and community organizer. The Specialist will work with residents on an individual basis, as needed, to mitigate risks of housing instability. The Specialist will also develop programs with residents and other community service providers to address community concerns and opportunities.

Direct Service Delivery Responsibilities:

Develop effective partnerships with organizations that address community identified needs (including, but not limited to, after school programs, health fairs, job training, on- site classes)

• Develop and coordinate programs as applicable that address the community identified needs
• Develop and maintain relationships with community stakeholders and service organizations
• Work directly with residents when specific intervention is required to include conducting assessments, creating Development Plans, connection to services, and conducting quarterly check-ins for those with identified goals.
• Identify resident needs and locate community resources that may address these needs
• Collaborate with the management company and resident leadership body on neighborhood safety initiatives and meetings
• Grant writing for programs at the local site.
• Maintain records and document resident need, progress, and continual outcomes
• Document work with residents in LEARN
• Document onsite programming outputs in LEARN

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and/or experience required:

• Associates Degree or related experience
• Commitment to strengths-based and family-focused service planning; ability to understand program philosophies and place-based approach
• Ability and commitment to handle privileged information in a professional and confidential manner
• Ability to function as a team player in both internal and external relationships
• Availability to attend evening and weekend functions as required
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and availability of automobile for work use
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel

Skills and/or competencies required:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
• A strong sense of and respect for confidentiality involving both participants and fellow employees.
• Must excel in fast-paced environment
• Ability to work in a variety of settings with culturally-diverse persons and communities with the ability to be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
• The ability to work independently and with initiative, combined with skills for thriving in a team environment to achieve shared goals.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office Suite (Advanced MS Excel), other commonly used software.