Family Support Specialist - Housing

About the Organization:

New Moms strengthens families by partnering with young moms as they progress toward housing stability, economic mobility, and family well-being. New Moms is a nonprofit organization with a $8 million budget and a staff of nearly 60. At New Moms, young moms, 24 and under, take powerful first steps toward economic mobility and family well-being. Our 2-Generation approach puts families experiencing poverty in control of their goals and unleashes their potential. New Moms’ headquarters is located on the west side of Chicago in the Austin neighborhood. Our social enterprise, Bright Endeavors, which provides paid transitional jobs for young moms, is located nearby in the West Garfield Park neighborhood. We also have an office in Oak Park serving the near western suburbs.

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 position is responsible for providing comprehensive, individualized coaching and family support services to families who live in our 18-unit supportive housing program. This position is responsible for support and coaching which focuses on the whole family to help them achieve their goals in the areas of education, employment and family well-being that support the retention of housing and increase positive family outcomes. The Family Support Specialist will champion all New Moms values including our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, in both strategic planning and performance. This position is located in our Oak Park office. (Also see COVID-19 modifications below). Starting Salary: $44,000-$46,800. This position also receives added compensation for on-call shifts ($66/weekend and $22/holiday).

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Maintains a case load of 18 families who reside in our permanent supportive housing facility in Oak Park
• Through a home visiting model, provides a strengths based/trauma informed approach to conduct thorough assessments of families, utilizing prescribed assessment tools on established schedule; develops written service plans, with quarterly updates at a minimum which includes steps to for increased education and/or unsubsidized employment, enhance parent-child relationships, life skills and emotional supports to help maintain housing and/or prepare families to exit to stable housing
• Works to engage participants in the program, working to maximize participant retention and minimize early exits as well as program safety
• Performs written and electronic recordkeeping functions as required for both internal and external databases on a timely basis
• Collaborates with the Property Management team that focuses on eviction prevention and includes participation of move-ins and exits
• As the primary housing department representative located at our Oak Park housing program facility, this position may have additional facility responsibilities including assisting with building tours and assisting as site liaison as needed in absence of Directors
• Works in tandem with other New Moms staff to integrate services across the agency
• Facilitates monthly house meetings and plans other events or activities as assigned
• Actively participates in weekly supervision, team meetings, and agency staff meetings
• Performs crisis prevention as needed
• Actively participates in the Housing teams on-call schedule
• Upholds the New Moms’ Executive Skills Coaching approach that 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

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, children and families or related human service field required

• More than two (2) years of professional experience in related field required; experience in housing and homeless youth services preferred

• Endorses a “Housing First” philosophy

• Sound professional judgment and analytical ability, as well as the desire to work in a socially- and psychologically-pressured environment

• Experience in the use of personal computers and Microsoft software applications

• Experience using Efforts to Outcomes or other data system(s) preferred

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and in writing

• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, projects, and deadlines concurrently

• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team approach model, taking individual responsibility and autonomy while also working well as part of a team

• Ability to work evening and weekend hours

• Ability to be on-call after hours and on weekends for on-site emergencies

• Valid driver’s license, with safe driving record and valid insurance

• Access to a car and/or ability to use public transportation required

COVID-19 Modifications:

• New Moms employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not able to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may seek approval for an exemption through the Director of HR.
• Work hours take place on site at our Oak Park location. However, candidates must have ability to work remotely as needed. A laptop and cell phone will be provided by New Moms.
• Must complete health screen prior to reporting to office, wear a mask throughout shift, and adhere to all New Moms COVID-19 safety procedures.

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%; 14 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.