Family Services Coordinator

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICE PROGRAMS:

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 BABY UNIVERSITY:

Baby University (Baby U) is an intensive family support program within the Community Engagement and Family Support Division under the Department of Human Service Programs for the City of Cambridge. Baby U is an innovative support program that serves Cambridge families who have children three years old and younger with priority given to families living in public or subsidized housing. The program provides parent education, playgroups, one-on-one visits, and beneficial community resources through workshops offered on Saturday mornings over a series of 14 weeks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Families & Staff

• Alongside the Baby U Program Coordinator, review and develop curriculum for all parent education workshops and playgroups.
• Ensure that content creates space for parent reflection, is accessible for different literacy levels, and is culturally relevant. Support other facilitators to deliver content.
• Facilitate with Baby U Program Coordinator and other staff, 14 parent education workshops and playgroups (Saturday mornings currently January - May) during the Core Program.
• Partner with the Baby U Program Coordinator to develop a weekly staff meeting agenda and co-facilitate the meeting.
• Provide regular clinical, reflective supervision and other support to Baby U staff. Support Baby U staff in documenting visits, phone calls and any relevant clinical information.
• Hold small caseload of families with complex needs offering home and/or community visits.
• Outreach, interview, onboard and supervise a masters-level social work intern from an accredited graduate program.
• Alongside the Baby U Program Coordinator, order and organize materials for Baby U Core Program, including developmentally appropriate books, toys, and classroom supplies.
• Oversee childcare implementation and staffing.
• Identify, interview, and hire childcare workers for Core Program and Alumni Association events.
• Train and supervise childcare workers during Core Program.
• Ensure there are adequate resources to provide safe and appropriate care for the number of children enrolled in childcare. Work with families and the Childcare Coordinator to resolve any challenges.
• Develop and facilitate professional development for Baby U and Division staff.
• Provide consultation to Division staff regarding families served and provide support directly to the Center’s families as needed.

Administration

• In collaboration with the Program Manager and Baby U Program Coordinator, prepare an annual program calendar that includes one Core Program and Baby U Alumni Association events: support groups, workshops, field trips, and community building events.
• Hold current and future concrete support projects for Baby U families, including holiday support and back-to-school resources.
• With Baby U Program Coordinator and Baby U staff, create and implement recruitment plan for Baby U core program.
• Collaborate with City of Cambridge/partner organizations to ensure a continuum of support and services for Baby U families and staff.
• Full participation in the Department of Human Service Programs’ mission to eliminate racism within our department.

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

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree Social Work with LICSW
• Minimum of three years’ experience working with diverse populations of young children and families required
• Experience with group facilitation and curriculum development
• Experience working in human service and community mental health
• Lived experience as a parent, guardian, or primary caregiver is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good computer/technology skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Zoom and Microsoft Teams
• Interest in continuing own professional development, including ongoing cultural humility and racial affinity/cross-cultural training.
• Familiarity with family support principles and/or early education required.
• 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:

• Moderately to very noisy classroom or gym setting with fluorescent lighting. Travel to families’ homes or other locations in the community to offer support.
• This position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City’s Telework Policy depending on operational needs.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.