Overview

Union Settlement Association 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:   Family Advocate 

Department:   Youth Services

Reports to:   Family Enrichment Center Director

Hours:   Full-Time; 10AM-6PM 

Salary:    $48,000-$55,000

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. 

Position Summary:

The Family Advocate is responsible for contributing to the day-to-day operation of the East Harlem Family Enrichment Center including: building connections with other staff, local 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 Family Enrichment Center. 
  • Recruit, welcome, and orient community residents, volunteers, and participants and ensure they are valued members of the Family Enrichment Center team. 
  • Engage groups of local community members of all ages comfortably, and guide them through the co-designed activities and programming at the Family Enrichment Center.
  • Provide advocacy, outreach, and referrals to connect participants to service providers and other programs that have resources to offer. 
  • Promote cooperation between participants and engage the buy-in and commitment of community stakeholders in the offerings of the Family Enrichment Center.
  • Effectively utilize tracking and reporting mechanisms and accurately enter data and run reports in agency databases as needed to obtain program-level data, compiling statistical or written reports for agency and external stakeholders.
  • Engage members and manage enrollment and attendance at offerings and events.
  • Care for and attend to the physical space of the Family Enrichment Center program to ensure it is safe, welcoming, organized, and appealing to participants and community members.
  • Manage inventory, ordering, and purchasing responsibilities to ensure needed food and supplies are stocked for offerings.
  • Work in a fast-paced environment on multiple projects occurring simultaneously.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

   

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of professional experience; or High School diploma and five (5) years of professional experience in community-driven-programs working directly with children, youth and families. 
  • Deep understanding of the East Harlem Community. 
  • Bilingual English/Spanish preferred. 
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to warmly connect with and engage children, youth, and adults individually and in groups.
  • Experience caring for children (as a parent, guardian, relative, neighbor, or babysitter) preferred.
  • Available to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed.
  • Must have a commitment to work from a trauma-informed, strength-based, youth and family development perspective.

UNION SETTLEMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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