Job Information
St. Catherine's Center for Children Family Engagement Specialist (Family Opportunity Ctr.) FT or PT in Albany, New York
This is a 40 hours per week, flexible position OR we have part-time!!
About Our Organization:
St. Catherine’s Center for Children is a leading non-profit organization located in New York’s Greater Capital Region. Our comprehensive range of human services reach more than 1,000 children, 600 families, and hundreds of adults across Upstate New York each year. We offer residential and therapeutic foster care programs for children and youth, Kinship support, homeless and community-based services for adults and families, a special education elementary school for ages 5-13, and so much more.
Our spectrum of services for children, families and individuals suffering from the lasting effects of abuse and neglect, family instability, mental illness, homelessness and other ongoing traumas, is continuing to grow. St. Catherine’s employs more than 300 full and part-time staff, and we are committed to cultivating a culture where all employees can bring their authentic and best selves to the workplace. Our DEI-B initiatives are designed to support and build a more equitable, inclusive and diversified workplace, one which exemplifies true respect and dignity.
Our Mission:
St. Catherine's Center for Children provides a comprehensive range of human services designed to offer hope, foster growth, and improve the lives of the children, families, and adults we serve.
Position Summary:
Under the leadership and supervision of the Albany County-based family opportunity center Program Supervisor/Clinical Case Planner, the Family Engagement Specialist (“Specialist”) facilitates family connectivity with program services and is a primary member of the center’s family engagement team.
Duties & Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
With overall supervision by the Program Supervisor, the Family Engagement Specialist works alongside and at the direction of the Behavioral Health Specialist and is an ongoing, everyday resource for participating adults, the participating school-age children and their families.
Assists school-age children and families in accessing school resources and resources in the surrounding community.
Takes the lead, based on professional acumen and capabilities, as called upon, to facilitate events such as the wellness workshops, attending to logistical matters, communication, promotion, outreach, and engagement with the community.
Utilizes the program vehicle, as called upon, to transport participants for mental health, substance abuse counseling, and other services.
Supports the initial engagement and screening of families so the program can identify factors that impact the families’ overall physical and mental well-being
Assists participating families in breaking down the barriers to social determinants so that family needs are comprehensively attended to and wraparound services are provided that bridge the gap to meaningful service delivery and ultimate goal attainment for the engaged families.
Understands the importance and works with the team to emphasize behavioral health support, providing supporting activities as needed, and as called upon -- assisting with appointment scheduling, making reminder calls, assisting with arrangements for child care, and other tasks distinctly linked to family success in this fundamental program area.
Cross-trains and provides back-up support for other program positions, as called upon.
Engages in the program’s adoption of the evidence-based practice; supports the practice’s administration and application at the family opportunity center.
Works with the program team to actively interface with other community-based organizations, government entities, schools, etc., across Albany County, to ensure a strong referral stream, community connectivity, and fluid operations that meet the overall performance objectives for the family center.
Trains in and implements trauma-informed treatment and incorporates the motivational interviewing model into the program milieu.
Ensures the quality of all program documentation is in step with NYS-OCFS standards, the agency’s electronic record (AWARDS), and other documentation connected to program expectations, agency policies, and regulatory bodies.
Position Specifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field.
Candidates with proof of sufficient academic progress in a Bachelor’s program (Human Services or related field) may be considered.
At least 1-year experience working with at-risk families within community services, preferred.
Familiarity with wraparound services and implementation in a family-centered system of care, preferred.
Wraparound training or certification and parenting education credentials and/or experience, preferred.
Prior knowledge of mental health, juvenile justice, and child welfare prevention programming.
Local travel is regularly required for this position; therefore, a Clean and Valid New York State Driver’s License – and have been actively licensed for at least one (1) year is required, and have reliable transportation, is essential.
Proficiency in various computer applications: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), Google Business Workspace Suite (Gmail, Google Docs, Meet, Sheets, etc.); and secure Internet practices.
Experience with AWARDS is a plus!
Ability to pass required pre-employment background checks, including CBC fingerprinting, required.
What We Offer*:
Competitive Pay with an Excellent Benefits Package
Health Insurance options*: Medical, Dental and Vision
$600 Well-being Reimbursement Benefit*
Generous Combined Leave Time and loads of PAID Holidays*!
$500 Employee Referral Bonus*
We are a 501(c) (3) agency, which is a qualifying employer for eligible staff under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program*
Pension Plan with Aggressive Agency contribution*
Life Insurance – Automatic Benefit at no cost to employee
Paid Training including TCI and CPR/AED/First Aid Certification & Update courses, if role appropriate
Tuition Reimbursement*
Travel/ Mileage Reimbursement*
Professional Development & Career Growth Opportunities
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
The Comfort of a Business Casual Environment.
*To qualify, certain conditions may apply
Background Checks: We run a thorough and complete pre-employment background check on all candidates being considered for a position, this includes fingerprinting. All candidates must successfully clear the pre-employment background check process, which follows NYS/DOJ requirements. We pay for all pre-employment background checks!
EEO Statement: St. Catherine’s Center for Children is committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, reproductive health and pregnancy, family history and genetics, disability, age, military status, veteran status, politics, or other beliefs, and any other characteristics protected by law.