Family Support Specialist

Job Title: Family Support Specialist

Reports to: LIFE Program Coordinator

Background: Family Promise Metrowest (FPM) is a regional not for profit organization that offers a community response to families with children who are facing homelessness by providing shelter, transitional living, and homelessness prevention and shelter diversion support. We are proud of our success in helping families reach individual goals that move them away from homelessness and into sustainable employment and housing. We’re a dedicated, inclusive, and diverse team that respects all people, communities, and cultures.

Job Summary:

The Local Initiative for Family Empowerment Program (LIFE) is an eviction prevention and shelter diversion program that supports families who are at risk of eviction and/ or shelter entry. This position involves assessing clients' housing needs, coordinating resources, advocating for clients, and providing ongoing support to ensure housing stability. The Family Support Specialist collaborates with various stakeholders, including clients, social service agencies, landlords, and government entities, to address barriers to housing and promote self-sufficiency.

Responsibilities:

Intake

· Respond and screen intake calls on designated day and determine family eligibility.

· Refer callers to program leadership as appropriate.

· Provide community resource referrals to ineligible families.

· Capture relevant data for intake calls in the Case Management system.

· Interview prospective LIFE participant(s) in person or virtual.

· Complete intake and a detailed needs assessment with each family within 48 hours of their placement into the program.

Supportive Services

· Develop individualized housing plans with clients, setting achievable goals in 7 areas of need that include housing, parenting, employment, education, finance, health, and transportation.

· Provide ongoing case services, including regular check-ins, goal review, and problem-solving.

· Offer crisis intervention and assistance in resolving housing-related conflicts or emergencies.

· Connect clients with community resources for additional support, such as enrichment activities, education, childcare, and healthcare services.

· Work collaboratively with other providers in the area to ensure coordination of services.

· Maintain detailed, up-to-date case notes and telephone contact log on participant’s progress.

· Attend weekly supervision meetings with the LIFE Program Coordinator to review caseload and discuss any concerns or problems identified.

· Attend & participate in weekly program meeting and staff meetings as scheduled.

Advocacy and Outreach:

· Advocate for clients’ rights to fair housing and access to essential services.

· Raise awareness about housing issues within the community through outreach activities, workshops, and educational events.

· Collaborate with local organizations, government agencies, and policymakers to address systemic barriers to affordable housing and homelessness prevention.

Supervision:

The Family Support Specialist reports to the LIFE Program Coordinator. The LIFE Program Coordinator is available, in person or via cell phone, on an as needed basis to answer questions or provide additional support and guidance.

Competencies and Requirements:

· Bachelor’s or Associate degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field OR equivalent work/ lived experience strongly encouraged.

• Organized, enthusiastic individual with good judgment and empathy for others.
• Must be independent, self-motivated, reliable, and passionate about our mission.

· Strong communication, interpersonal, and advocacy skills.

· Knowledge of local housing resources, rental assistance programs, and landlord-tenant laws.

• Possess a strong work ethic and the capacity to recognize strengths in others while providing inspiration, respect, and positive feedback to those being served.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, systemic challenges and more.
• Proficiency in computer applications for documentation and data management.
• Proven ability to interact with volunteers, landlords, property managers, and agency representatives.
• Represents FPM in a professional and compassionate manner.

Salary Range: $ 53,000- 65,000

We offer benefits including:

• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• 401K with matching contribution
• Paid Sick Leave
• Generous Paid Time Off

To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to stephanie@familypromisemetrowest.org. This position will remain open until filled; complete submissions will be reviewed as they are received.

This position is full-time, at-will, exempt with a hybrid work schedule available. Some required work hours are outside of regular work hours.

Family Promise Metrowest is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, nationality, age, religion, citizenship, disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender presentation, legal or preferred name, marital status, pregnancy, family structure, veteran status or any other basis protected by human rights laws or regulations. This list is not exhaustive and, in fact, in many cases, we strive to do more than the law requires. Family Promise Metrowest welcomes equity-minded applicants whose values align with our goal of being a homeless services organization committed to anti-racism, social justice, and advocacy. Successful candidates are asked to be engaged in FPM’s dedication to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Bilingual/bicultural and LGBTQ applicants are encouraged to apply!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $53,000.00 - $65,000.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Natick, MA 01760: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Natick, MA 01760

Salary : $53,000 - $65,000