Overview

Queens Community House (QCH) is a multi-site nonprofit organization serving the diverse population of Queens through a broad network of programs for children and youth, adults and families, and older adults. Our mission is to provide individuals and families with the tools to enrich their lives and build healthy, inclusive communities. We are a modern interpretation of the traditional settlement house, bringing to our work innovative leadership and a passion for social and economic justice. We welcome individuals who have diverse backgrounds and experiences, are inspired by our mission, and are highly motivated to change lives.

The goal of the Family Enrichment Center (FEC) is to offer support, information, access to resources, and activities in the Jackson Heights community of Queens by strengthening the protective factors inherent in its residents and building community connections, capacity, and resilience. 

The FEC is a home-like setting, which reflects the community, and offers direct services, activities, and resources that promote family well-being and empowerment.  

In partnership with FEC staff, families will drive the planning, development, and sustainable co-ownership of the centers. Families who participate in the FEC programming will be encouraged to share their expertise by volunteering at the center and given meaningful opportunities to engage with neighbors and peers. The goal of the FEC is to strengthen families’ protective factors and build community connections, capacity, and resilience.

Position Summary

The Family Advocate is responsible for contributing to the day-to-day operation of the FEC including building connections with other staff, residents, and community partners; co-designing and delivering relevant programming and activities; providing advocacy and making referrals for participants; and creating a warm and inviting gathering place for families and individuals using the protective factors model to support community resilience.

Responsibilities

  • Convene, support, and collaborate with a team of local parents, subject experts, and other residents to deliver monthly events and activities held at the FEC.
  • Provide advocacy, outreach, and referrals to connect participants to service providers and other programs that have resources to offer. 
  • Engage groups of local community members of all ages comfortably and guide them through the co-designed activities and programming of the FEC.
  • Effectively utilize tracking and reporting mechanisms and accurately enter data and run reports in the FEC website and other agency databases as needed to obtain program-level data, compiling statistical or written reports for agency and external stakeholders.
  • Manage the FEC website to communicate with and engage members. 
  • Manage enrollment and attendance at offerings and events.
  • Care for and attend to the physical space of the FEC program to ensure it is safe, welcoming, organized, and appealing to participants and community members.
  • Handle inventory and ordering/purchasing responsibilities to keep the site running and ensure needed food and supplies are stocked for offerings.
  • Serve as the petty cash, MetroCard, and gift card custodian, ensuring these items are available and always accounted for, submitting receipts and backup information to the GSS fiscal department as funds are depleted.
  • Use Appreciative Inquiry and other strength-based tools to engage community members in co-designing offerings.
  • Create monthly calendars, website content, and other outreach tools to promote and document offerings.
  • Foster a culture of respect built on the belief that families and communities possess the inherent strengths and knowledge needed to succeed given the right access to opportunities and support
  • Participate and engage with the FEC team in learning collaboratives facilitated by ACS with other FEC teams from across the city

Qualifications  

  • Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of professional experience; or a high school diploma and five (5) years of professional experience in community-driven programs working directly with children, youth, and families
  • Reside in or near the FEC community, or reside close enough to arrive promptly, in the event of an emergency
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to warmly connect with and engage children, youth, and adults individually and in groups
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Familiar with the community and its assets and resources, such as other programs, services, supports, local civic groups, and community leaders
  • Experience in developing and running a group, a club, or coaching a team preferred
  • Experience caring for children (as a parent, guardian, relative, neighbor, or babysitter) preferred
  • Ability to perform multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced, challenging, and constantly changing environment
  • Must have a commitment to work from a trauma-informed, strength-based, youth and family development perspective. 
  • Must be bi-lingual (Fluent in Spanish – English) Required
  • Work in a fast-paced environment on multiple projects occurring simultaneously.  
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends, attending community events as needed