Clinical Coordinator

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP’s extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior citizens, from school-aged children to homeless families, from non-profit organizations to local employers.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Center for Families (CFF) is a part of the Community Engagement and Family Support Division under the Department of Human Service Programs for the City of Cambridge. CFF is a City-wide family support program serving families with children from birth to eight years old. The Center provides Baby University (an intensive family support program), Cambridge Dads (programming and supports just for dads/male caregivers), parenting education workshops, parent support programs, early literacy playgroups, gross-motor playgroups, short-term case management, information and referral services, community building events, parent/child activities, one-on-one support, and concrete support in times of need. All Center activities and services are welcoming and respectful of participants' racial, cultural, family structures, and socio-economic backgrounds. The Division is comprised of 19 full-time and 20-25 part-time staff. The Center for Families values diverse, flexible, creative teamwork-oriented staff members who are committed to serving all families, especially those traditionally marginalized, isolated, and under-served.

The Center for Families is the primary family support partner for the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood (COEC). COEC launched the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP) which supports universal pre-K for Cambridge families. This CFF Clinical Coordinator position will support the needs of families outside of access to formal early childhood education programming.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Center for Families Clinical Coordinator will engage and support priority Cambridge Preschool Program families with multiple complex needs outside of access to early childhood education programming (performing needs assessment, setting and addressing goals, organizing services, information, and referrals). The Clinical Coordinator will provide support to a caseload of families, supervision of the Case Manager, oversee the Center for Families concrete family support, and manage case management data collection.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Outreach to Cambridge Preschool Program families with needs outside of access to early childhood education programming and to families of young children referred by partner agencies.
• Conduct assessments to identify and determine family needs, provide resources and support and assist with case referrals. (complex needs)
• Based on clinical experience, provide intensive family support that may include the following: clinical intake assessment of needs for services, advocacy, consultation, direct social work services, mediation, referrals to resources, and collaboration with partners.
• Work with the Community Engagement Team to support families from underserved cultural, racial, and linguistic communities in accessing services and supports (utilizing City language access services)
• Connect and collaborate with agencies that are serving families with young children by:
  • Developing a referral system with partner agencies
  • Providing connection between service providers and families to reduce barriers to participation
  • Remaining in collaboration after referral
  • Creating transition plans for families ending CFF case management
  • Attend weekly team meetings and monthly full staff meetings.
• Full participation in the Department of Human Service Programs’ mission to eliminate racism within our department.
• Attend community events and collaborative meetings to build relationships with different Cambridge communities and service providers.
• Complete all required paperwork and data entry.
• Attend weekly meetings and monthly staff training.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• A master’s degree in social work required. Current and valid licensure in Social Work
• 3 + years of experience in case management

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Well-versed in facilitating referrals and connecting individuals/families to resources
• Ability to build relationships with families and other service providers
• Compassionate in their work with children and families
• Comfortable traveling throughout the city of Cambridge
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of how culture influences parenting
• Flexibility in scheduling to accommodate parent availability
• Comfortable speaking and interacting with families both individually and in group settings
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to build rapport and maintain positive relationships with clients and team members.
• Ability to relate well with diverse groups and individuals
• The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMODATIONS:

• Standard office environment. Fluorescent lighting, carpeted floors, and air conditioning. Moderate to loud noise level.
• Moderately to very noisy classroom or gym setting with florescent lighting.
• Travel to families’ homes or other locations in the community to offer support.