Family Advocate

A Career with Little Flower

Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York is a nonprofit organization that has worked to improve the well-being of children, youth, families, and people with developmental disabilities across New York City and Long Island since 1929. Our staff of more than 500 provides prevention services, foster care, residential treatment care, adoption services, medical and mental health services, and programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities. 

A career with Little Flower can be rewarding in so many ways. We are looking for conscientious and caring people who are ready to commit to the work of strengthening families and supporting the well-being of children and adults with developmental disabilities. If you’re looking for a career where you can truly make a difference, we hope you will consider joining our team.  

Family Advocate

The Family Enrichment Center is seeking a Family Advocate for a Family Enrichment Center (FEC) that will be opening in the Bedford Stuyvesant area in Brooklyn. The Family Enrichment Centers are a warm and welcoming community gathering place where any family or individual can come in for support, information, and to participate in and/or lead activities (called “offerings”). Each FEC is a unique to the community’s needs, a home-like setting designed with and for community members where they can connect as neighbors, contribute to their community, and support one another. FECs are based on the premise that community members design and drive the FEC’s activities or offerings.

Principle Responsibilities

• The Family Enrichment Center (FEC) Family Advocate supports the FEC Director with day-to-day operation of the Family Enrichment Center, while building relationships with community members and organizations.
• The Family Advocate builds connections using a warm and patient communication style and uses a strengths-based and community-driven approach to organizing and collaborating.
• Responsibilities include building partnerships with community members and stakeholders, co-designing and delivering relevant offerings, engaging in advocacy, and continual collaboration with the FEC Advisory Board.
• Work collaboratively with local organizations and community leaders;
• Develop and nurture collaborative and effective relationships with community stakeholders;
• Represent the FEC at community events and venues;
• Interact regularly and frequently with the community members;
• Facilitate offerings in response to community priorities, needs or interests;
• Collaborate with the Advisory Board to co-create surveys to understand community interest in offerings;
• Use Appreciative inquiry and other strength-based tools to engage community members in co-designing offerings;
• Help community members connect to resources or services the FEC is unable to provide;
• Advocate for community members to connect participants to relevant resources;
• Create monthly calendars, website content, and other outreach tools to promote and document offerings;
• Engage in data tracking and analysis, and compiling written reports for external stakeholders.

Special Qualifications

• BA Degree and at least three (3) years of professional experience, or a High School Diploma and at least five (5) years of professional experience.
• Professional experience should be in community-driven-programs working directly with children, youth, and families.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience living and/or working in Brooklyn Stuyvesant area;
• Minimum two (2) years of experience working with children and families;
• Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred. 
• Ability to stay calm and poised under pressure.
• Knowledge and experience working in the Bedford Stuyvesant Community.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal and organizational skills;
• Excellent communication, verbal, written and people skills are required

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement: 

With more than 250 years of combined experience, Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York and St. John’s Residence for Boys have a long-standing history of serving children, youth, adults and families of color. Our mission, vision and values are grounded in elevating the shared humanity of every staff member, community partner and those with whom we engage. We recognize that our DEIB work is continuously evolving as we strive for equity and inclusion for individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, abilities, religions and lived experiences.