Agency Summary
OPI is a low barrier, housing first emergency shelter for women and families experiencing homelessness. Our program focuses on helping clients secure permanent housing as the first step towards achieving self-sufficiency. We serve both the chronically homeless and those experiencing an acute housing crisis, with priority given to those at greatest risk. The shelter provides a safe, supportive environment where clients’ basic needs for food, water, and safety are met. We work with each client to develop a personalized case management plan to help them find housing, increase their income, and achieve financial stability. We also connect them to community resources so that they have long term tools available to maintain their financial stability. As a family first, trauma informed care organization, we are committed to tackling homelessness with respect, honesty, and courage.
Position Summary
The Family Services Coordinator (FSC) is responsible for overseeing our child and family programing. (S)he will develop activities to promote well-being, social interaction, and learning components in small and large group settings. The FSC will also be responsible for assessing family needs and helping families navigate the referral process for family-oriented services such as Healthy Start, Early Learning Coalition, tutoring, and Families First. The FSC will also work closely with the Title IX Office to ensure that school aged children’s educational needs are being met.
Qualifications
Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in social work, education, child development, or a related human services field. Proven skills/knowledge in working directly with children and families. Proven ability to quickly build trust/rapport with adults/children; listen effectively, adapt, problem-solve, manage multiple projects, prioritize, work with people of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds/orientations, and research/analyze information. Demonstrates a high level of professionalism/work ethic and ability to adhere to Federal, State, organizational and other mandated/applicable rules, regulations and guidelines.
Essential Duties and Core Responsibilities
COVID Responsibilities
- Develop and oversee the homeschool support plan for the shelter, working closely with parents, the Title IX office, and the children’s schools.
- Manage the homeschool-support specialist + pre-school support specialist in developing resources for parents and children during the quarantine period.
- Participate in one-on-one and small group engagement activities to promote parent involvement and child focused, active learning for all age groups.
Direct Services / Family Services Responsibilities
- Conduct child centered activities in small and large group settings with behavioral, social interaction, and learning components.
- Provide parents with educational material + parenting coaching.
- Connect children and families to community resources that meet their individual needs.
- Manage the referral process for child care, ELC vouchers, and other family focused community programs.
- Plan, coordinate, and attend on and off site family activities.
Documentation / File Management Responsibilities
- Maintain thorough, accurate, secure and confidential records: client notes and communicate client needs with staff.
- Update case notes promptly after meeting with a client.
- Ensure records, data, conversations, consultations, etc., are held at the highest/appropriate level of confidentiality.
Organizational Responsibilities
- Meet all regulator, grant, and budgetary requirements
- Actively participate in weekly interdisciplinary meetings
- Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining professional networks; participating in professional organizations
- Assist Co-workers as deemed appropriate
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director
Community Relations
- Develop / foster relevant relationships with social service agencies, faith-based groups and community resources to provide clients with access to a broad range of supportive services.
Hours
20 hours per week. Weekend and evening work may be needed to support enrichment activities. During the COVID crisis, there may be an option to extend up to 40 hours per week.
Location
305 Lovejoy Rd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. 305 Lovejoy Rd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. During the COVID crisis, planning and referral work may be done at home.
Responsible To
Family Services Coordinator