Family Specialist

MISSION STATEMENT 

Are you ready to give back to the community while pursuing your passion?  For over 50 years, Acacia Network and its affiliates have been committed to improving the quality-of-life and wellbeing of underserved communities in New York City and beyond.  We are one of the leading human services organizations in New York City and the largest Hispanic-led nonprofit in the State, serving over 150,000 individuals every year. Our programs serve individuals at every age and developmental level, from the very young through our daycare programs to mature adults through our older adults centers. Our extensive array of community-based services are fully integrated, bilingual and culturally competent.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under supervision of the Program Director, the Family Specialist will provide a range of culturally competent; family-centered services that support families participating in the program with healthy lifestyle goals to empower the parent-child relationship, family support systems and community integration. Family Specialist is responsible for providing office and/or support services to families including: intake and assessment; goal planning to facilitate independence and family stability; provide support and education to promote positive parent-child interaction and healthy growth and development; and coordinate with other providers for service needs, referrals and goal planning. 

Full-time, M-F 930am-530pm. 10455

KEY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assess social and psychological needs of families and children and the educational needs of children living at home. 


• Conduct family sessions on a monthly basis.


• Assess, develop and coordinate services to families and children.


• Refer families to appropriate resources, including treatment providers (for medical, mental health and dental care), child care and educational resources.


• Monitor school performance of children, by communicating regularly with teachers and other educational professionals.


• Create and lead psycho-educational workshops for families on topics such as child rearing, nutrition, health, and mental health.


• Provide crisis intervention to prevent escalation of high-risk behavior, relapse, hospitalization, and other negative outcomes.


• Acts as a liaison between families and community agencies/referrals, including Administration of Children Services (ACS).


• Ensure that families receive safe, effective, family-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable service.


• Carry a case load; specific number to be determined; and meet with caseload clients on a weekly basis.


• Maintain program case files and other records as “audit-ready” at all times as required by program funding sources, including but not limited to progress notes, individualized family service plans and psychosocial assessments specific to the family unit.


• Utilize a strengths-based approach; maintain non-judgmental and unbiased approach.


• Facilitate individual, group, and dyadic counseling sessions. 


• Work collaboratively with other program staff to develop and conduct parent education activities, family activities, and parent meetings; encourage parents to attend planned activities and meetings.


• Tasks may be modified, expanded and/or assigned over time. 

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred. 


• Associates Degree required with a combination of relevant experience to client population.


• 1-3 years’ experience working with the target population.


• Ability to use business acumen to exercise good judgment and decision-making.


• Ability to deal with sensitive issues with diplomacy and discretion


• Must be able to multi task with strong organization sills.


• Excellent interpersonal skills and able to communicate both verbally and in written form.


• Commitment to cultural diversity and sensitivity.


• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor under pressure and operate with a keen sense of urgency and commitment to quality.


• Willingness to perform other related duties as assigned

WHY JOIN US?

Acacia Network provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. In addition to a competitive salary, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage. We also offer generous paid time off, including vacation days and paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance. We prioritize the well-being of our employees both professionally and personally.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.