About the Organization:
New Moms believes in the strength, skills, and potential of young moms. Our comprehensive approach provides housing, job training, academic coaching, and family support to give moms and their children a path to lasting success. Combining behavioral research, proven methodology, and 40 years of real-world experience, New Moms has established an equity-driven model for generational change, challenging the barriers caused by systemic poverty and racism.
Our Commitment to Equity:
New Moms prioritizes racial equity as a strategic and organizational imperative. Strong candidates will be committed to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) values into their work goals and will be evaluated on their impact.
About the Job:
This full-time Family Support Specialist is part of the Family Support Team which uses the Parents as Teachers curriculum, an evidenced based model which provides positive parenting support through comprehensive home-based early childhood services which includes parent coaching, case management and center-based services to pregnant and parenting families. This position will work exclusively with homeless families in coordination with other homeless service providers. This position will collaborate with staff including Doulas to provide comprehensive services in an integrated program as well as the rest of the staff to provide seamless high-quality services. The Family Support Coach will champion all New Moms values including our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, in both strategic planning and performance. This position works out of our Oak Park office and serves young moms living in Oak Park and the surrounding western suburbs. Starting Salary: $48,000
Key Job Responsibilities:
Coaching:
- Maintains a full weighted caseload based on service intensity and of participants and their children
- Conducts thorough assessments of families, utilizing prescribed assessment tools on established schedule; develops written service plans, with quarterly updates at a minimum
- Conducts home based visits based on assigned service intensity with the participant that consist of age-appropriate parent-child activities and observations intended to enhance the parent-child relationship as well as service planning, life skills, and emotional support through a trauma informed approach
- Provides mental health case management to participants experiencing emotional distress or mental health symptoms
- Collaborates with other staff and external community supports to enhance the stability and well-being of participants
- Regular use of supportive coaching technologies includes but isn't limited to New Moms' app, survey platforms, and other digital tools, to enhance connection and communication with participants
- Assists with transportation of participant and children as required and approved by supervisor
- Works in tandem with other New Moms staff to integrate services across the Agency; collaborating with staff and other collateral sources on specific case-related issues
- Maintains working relations with other social service or public agencies; providing linkage of participants to appropriate resources and advocates for participants as necessary. Secures appropriate release and consent forms and facilities inter-agency referrals as needed.
- Assists with recruitment and promotion of weekly parent support groups to all participants on caseload
- Performs written and electronic recordkeeping functions as required for both internal and external databases on a timely basis according to agency policy
- Works to consistently uphold program compliance under the direction of the Family Support Program Manager, working to maximize participant retention and participation in home visits and parent groups
- Coordinates discharge planning, resources and referrals
- Assists with outreach as need to ensure the team is at capacity at all times
Other:
- Upholds the New Moms’ Executive Skills Coaching approach which is grounded in racial equity
- Regularly participates in agency and program staff meetings, as well as professional group seminars or conferences to enhance professional knowledge and job skills; Attend Heartland Alliance Wealth & Wellness training as required for position
- Supervises volunteers and/or interns, as determined by supervisor
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Education**:**
- Bachelor’s degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, children and families or related human service field; OR Bachelor's degree in another field with two (2) years of clinical experience in a mental health setting; OR H.S. Diploma or Equivalent with five (5) years of clinical experience in mental health or human services required
Experience**:**
- One or more years of experience in related field preferred
- Experience working with families experiencing homelessness and/or housing instability preferred
- Experience collaborating with local, state, and federal homeless systems preferred
Skills/Traits:
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Excellent communication skills, both oral and in writing
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Experience in the use of personal computers and Microsoft software applications
Other requirements:
- Valid driver’s license, with safe driving record and valid insurance; daily access to a reliable car required
- Ability to work one (1) evening per week
- Ability to work evenings and weekends, depending on the needs of program
New Moms’ Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees including health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; matching on retirement savings up to 3%; 15 paid holidays; and generous paid time off. We also offer several unique benefits to New Moms: discounts on Bright Endeavors products, free optional spiritual direction services, and half days on Fridays in the summer. Our Flexible Work Options policy allows for staff to work some hours remotely once training is complete. For licensed employees, you will receive over 20 free CEU's during onboarding and an additional 1.5 free CEU's/month throughout employment. We promote professional development and provide time for you to attend other external trainings opportunities as well.