Overview
Union Settlement is an on-the-ground resource for East Harlem residents of all ages, and a passionate advocate for the needs of underserved communities. Since opening our doors in 1895, we have brought education, wellness, and community-building programs to our neighborhood, empowering New Yorkers with opportunities to better their lives. More than 350 staff work in our organization and our services impact 10,000 people every year. By helping our neighbors realize their goals, we build the vitality and success of East Harlem. For more information about Union Settlement, please visit our website at www.unionsettlement.org
Position: Community Liaison
Department: Youth Services
Reports to: Family Enrichment Center Director
Hours: Full-Time; 10AM-6PM
Salary: $50,592-$57,970
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Family Enrichment Centers:
Union Settlement is seeking a Director for a Family Enrichment Center that will be opening in East Harlem. Family Enrichment Centers (FEC) are warm and welcoming community gathering places where any family or individual can come for support, information, and to participate in and/or lead activities (called “offerings”). Each FEC is a unique, home-like setting designed with and for community members where they can connect as neighbors, contribute to their community, and support one another. FECs are based on the premise that community members design and drive the FEC’s activities or offerings. The FEC works with families and community members to develop offerings that promote one or more of family protective factors to increase well-being. The seven protective factors include the five in the Center for the Study of Social Policy’s protective factor framework (review here), as well economic mobility and relationships in the community.
FECs build on family and community strengths, are guided by the community’s interests, dreams, goals, and desires, and do so without being intrusive or using a case management approach. FECs do not follow a traditional social service delivery approach. They are 100% voluntary, safe spaces that welcome all, and respect each person’s privacy and their ability to decide how, when, and how often to interact with an FEC.
Job Summary:
The Community Liaison contributes to the day-to-day operation of the Family Enrichment Center (FEC) by helping to develop and maintain a parent or advisory group; cultivating relationships with other community groups and stakeholders to collaborate around meeting community needs; ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the FEC program where information, referrals and resources are freely offered and exchanged to support the needs of participants; and joining and/or creating a network of resources by serving on community district committees, attending local school meetings and events, and building relationships with local businesses and faith-based groups. The Community Development & Outreach Coordinator is focused on building connections using a warm, engaging, and enthusiastic communication style to enhance and support the family protective factors of FEC participants and community members.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and nurture collaborative and effective relationships with community stakeholders in order to provide relevant offerings and programming around key issues of significance to the community.
- Work collaboratively with local public school staff to engage the participation of families in developing, implementing, and participating in the Family Enrichment Centers offerings.
- Gather and disseminate resource material and referral information regarding issues and themes significant to the East Harlem community and of importance to the FEC participants.
- Train community residents, program participants, and staff in the skills of outreach, engagement, and recruitment in order to ensure full utilization of FEC programs and activities.
- Identify and develop emerging community leaders to assume leadership roles as mentors, teachers, group leaders, and constituent representatives on matters of collective impact.
- Attend Community Board meetings, school meetings and other community-based meetings as appropriate.
- Identify and maintain up-to-date information on key community issues and trends impacting children, youth and families.
- Promote opportunities for youth, families, and community residents to participate in FEC program planning and implementation.
- Provide opportunities for community members to work and celebrate together in order to foster a sense of belonging, pride and mutual responsibility.
- Supervise interns and volunteers, as appropriate.
- Work collaboratively with funders to develop, track and evaluate program efforts and outcomes.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree and three (3) years of professional experience; or a High School diploma and five (5) years of professional experience.
- Successful experience should be in community organizing, building partnerships, and/or community led programs.
- Deep understanding of the East Harlem Community.
- Comfort and ease in facilitating groups of families, adults, and community stakeholders required.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and collaboratively with all levels of staff, participants and community members, with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Ability to work flexible schedule including occasional evenings or weekends as needed to attend community meetings/events and/or program activities
UNION SETTLEMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER