Family Advocate for Family Enrichment Center (FEC)

Description

Center for Family Life (CFL) in Sunset Park, Brooklyn is a nationally recognized social service program. CFL's mission is to promote positive outcomes for children and adults in Sunset Park by providing a comprehensive range of neighborhood-based family and social services.

The Family Enrichment Center (FEC) is a new program being developed by CFL in 2024, and we are currently recruiting Full-time Family Advocate to join our team. The FEC is a warm and welcoming community gathering space located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. It serves as a place where any member of the community can seek support, information, and services. Designed with a home-like atmosphere that mirrors the surrounding community, the FEC provides direct services, activities, and resources aimed at promoting family well-being and empowerment. Through collaboration with FEC staff, families will play a pivotal role in driving the planning, development, and sustainable co-ownership of the center. Families participating in FEC programs will be encouraged to contribute their expertise through co-designing and volunteering opportunities, fostering meaningful engagement with neighbors and peers. The FEC's objective is to enhance families' protective factors while fostering community connections, capacity, and resilience by working with families and local leaders to identify community strengths and develop programs (called "offerings"). 

More information about the FEC model can be found at: 

https://www.nyc.gov/site/acs/about/fec.page 

More information about FEC in Sunset Park site can be found at: 

Instagram @riseupsunsetpark 

JOB TITLE: Family Advocate, Family Enrichment Center (FEC)

DEPARTMENT: Family Support

EXEMPTION: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: FEC Program Director

SUPERVISES: N/A

I. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to

• Utilize an engaging and empathetic communication style to foster a warm and enthusiastic environment within the FEC.
• Engage in outreach to parents, children, and other community members to encourage them to visit the Family Enrichment Center (FEC) and attend offerings.
• Use Appreciative Inquiry and other strength-based tools to engage community members in co-designing offerings, ensuring they feel valued and integrated into the team.
• Continuously strive to understand community resources, along with all CFL programs and services, and help parents, children, and other community members connect to local resources, services, and other forms of support.
• Create and maintain monthly calendars, website content, and other outreach tools to promote and document offerings.
• Oversee daily sign-in procedures, maintain attendance rosters, and accurately track daily counts.
• Track activities, answer phones, and other administrative tasks as needed to support the program.

II. QUALIFICATIONS  

• Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of professional experience; or
• High school diploma and five (5) years of professional experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish is required.
• Experience in community-driven programs working directly with children, youth, and families.
• Outstanding people/interpersonal, community organizing, collaboration, and advocacy skills.
• Detailed-oriented with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent knowledge of word processing tools and spreadsheets for data entry (MS Office Word, Excel).
• Highly organized and able to manage time efficiently.
• Flexibility and the ability to work well as a member of a team.
• Knowledge of, lived experience in, and commitment to, the FEC community.
• Experience caring for children (as a parent, guardian, relative, neighbor, or babysitter).
• A flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends is required.

III. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS

• Build and maintain close, daily interactions with co-workers and supervisors.
• Effectively communicate with outside agency staff.
• Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change.
• Committed to the notion that families and community members possess the strengths and qualities to problem-solve for themselves and their community.
• Able to compassionately engage individuals and families with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

IV. WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is primarily in a community-based setting in shared space.
• Some time is spent sitting at a desk using a computer.
• Some travel throughout Brooklyn, New York is required.
• Attendance at community-based outreach activities and meetings.
• Fast-paced, high-energy, and highly collaborative environment.
• Full-time non-exempt position at 35 hours per week.

V. BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits along with the opportunity to participate in additional voluntary life, disability, and 403B retirement plan.
• Up to four weeks of paid vacation.
• Individual supervision and ongoing professional development opportunities.

VI. SALARY: $43,000 per year