The goal of the Family Enrichment Center (FEC) is to enhance child and family well-being by providing access and support to enable the strengthening of family protective factors inherent in its residents and community by building mutual community connections, capacity, and resilience.

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 (offerings); 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

• Coordinate meetings, provide support, and collaborate with a team of local parents, subject experts, and other residents to deliver monthly events and activities (offerings) held at the FEC.
• 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
• 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 and guide them through the co-designed activities and programming of the FEC.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Participate and engage with the FEC team in learning collaboratives facilitated by ACS with other FEC teams from across the city
• Other duties as assigned

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
• Russian Required.
• 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 able to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends, attending community events as needed