Children's Support & Engagement Manager

The Children’s Support and Engagement Manager will lead the development and implementation of a new child-centered component within our survivor-centered programming. This role is designed to create long-term generational impact, ensuring that young children receive the support they need while empowering their parents, who are predominantly single mothers navigating trauma and systemic barriers. The manager will oversee program design, partnerships, and parent support initiatives, ensuring alignment with best practices in child development and trauma-informed care.

Tasks and Responsibilities: This statement of duties is for purpose of identifying this position but it is not limited to:

Key Duties:

• Program Development & Implementation - 25%
  • Design and oversee programming that integrates trauma-informed and strength-based approaches for young children and their families.
  • Develop parenting support structures, educational resources, and engagement activities that foster emotional resilience and literacy.
  • Create a scalable model that can grow over time and eventually support additional staffing needs.
• Parent & Caregiver Engagement - 25%
  • Provide direct support and resources to parents, helping them develop skills and access practical and financial assistance.
  • Offer coaching, workshops, and interventions to strengthen parent-child relationships.
  • Ensure programming reflects an intersectional understanding of systemic challenges faced by survivors and young mothers.
• Child-Centered Activities & Supervision - 25%
  • Ensure that all activities align with best practices in child development, including play therapy, art therapy, and literacy-building strategies.
  • Lead early childhood programming initiatives, such as the Summer Literacy Pilot, to encourage parent-child engagement in reading.
  • Supervise and train future team members, ensuring those working directly with children model healthy, engaging interactions.
• External Partnerships & Advocacy - 25%
  • Build relationships with organizations specializing in child development, early education, and special needs advocacy.
  • Establish connections for families to access special education supports, neurodivergence-friendly resources, and therapeutic interventions.
  • Advocate for best practices in supporting children who have experienced trauma or witnessed violence.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience:
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or an MSW working toward clinical licensure (required) or Minimum 5+ years of experience working with families and children impacted by trauma, poverty, and systemic barriers.
  • Background in child development, early childhood education, social work, mental health counseling, or related fields
  • Experience working with survivors of domestic violence, teen parents in child welfare, or complex trauma cases.
  • Strong understanding of intersectionality and systemic inequities affecting single parents and children.
• Additional Expertise (Preferred):
  • Experience with play therapy, art therapy, or therapeutic modalities for young children.
  • Knowledge of neurodivergent development (ADHD, autism) and learning disabilities (speech challenges, dyslexia, etc.).
  • Ability to navigate and advocate for special needs children within school systems and community services.
• Skills & Approach:
  • Deep commitment to trauma-informed care and genuine survivor-centered programming.
  • Ability to train and supervise future staff, ensuring quality interactions with children and families.
  • Strategic thinker who can balance direct engagement with big-picture program development.

Additional Qualifications:

• Ability to serve as a strong role model, provide guidance to students and young workers, and mediate conflict as needed
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a busy professional setting
• Strong project management skills, including managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines; ability to adapt strategy to changing conditions and communicate changes effectively
• Passion for youth and community development and social justice
• Commitment to the vision and mission of Girls Educational and Mentoring Services
• Exhibit an understanding of CSEC and human trafficking.

Job Competencies:

Attention to Detail

Empathetic Outlook

Follow Directions

Multi-tasking

Respect for Policies

Attitude toward Others

Excellent Written and Verbal Communication

Initiative

Personal Accountability

Team Player

Emotional Control

Flexibility

Meeting Standards

Project/Task and Goals Focus

Behavioral Competencies:

Adaptable

Organized Workplace

GEMS Core Values:

Developmentally Grounded

Trauma Informed

Culturally Competent

Gender Responsive

Strengths Based

Social Justice Oriented

GEMS Principles:

Survivor Leadership

Transformative Relationship