Program: NNCC Department of Youth Services

  Reports to:  YouthBuild Director           Pay: $65,000-70k/ year

SUMMARY:  Conduct assessments, clinical support, and outreach to TAYYA (Transition Age Youth & Young Adults). Provide education, counseling, crisis support, follow-up on all referrals, clinical support for all Youth Participants in the Department of Youth Services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain upkeep of all record keeping for each young adult/ student. Maintaining information confidential to unless self-harm mandates a higher level of care and a mandated report.
• Establish a positive rapport with young adults, providing counseling sessions on an ongoing basis to those young adults who need it based on intake information and initial meetings/assessments.
• Provide direct mediation to youth who are referred after an issue/altercation.
• Meet with students individually once a week, providing coping mechanisms and best practices to divert from drug usage. Document sessions by adding a progress note to their file on OASIS database.
• Refer TAYYA for higher level of care on a case-by-case basis, (i.e. crisis, detox , prescriptions)
• Greeting and screening clients seeking services
• Knowledgeable in computers and their programs i.e.: Windows, Excel, Internet usage, etc.
• Program record keeping with daily service log and reports
• Work in collaboration with the Case Manager of the young adult/student for any social services supports needed (i.e., DTA, appointments, housing, food insecurity etc.)
• Gather information and analyze data for the purpose of evaluating and adjusting programs, when necessary, in accordance with funding program requirements
• Participate in collaborative meetings and committees to benefit at-risk youth.
• Participate in training (Trauma, Youth Development, Motivational Interviewing, etc.)
• Implement other projects, activities, or job duties as assigned

JOB TITLE:              Springfield Community Connections Program Director

SUPERVISOR:         NNCC Executive Director  

SALARY:                  $65,000

Position Description:

The Springfield Community Connections (SCC) Program Director is responsible for working with the coalition and the NNCC Executive Director  to produce and implement yearly action plans that fulfill the SCC mission of supporting Springfield families by bringing parents and providers together to better coordinate and address gaps in local services, to bring out the voices of local parents and to help parents to become more nurturing and competent.

Basic Functions: Recruitment of parents/residents; coordination of all aspects of the Community Connections efforts, including facilitation of neighborhood meetings/parent focus groups, outreach/public relations, and completing reporting requirements for DCF.

Under the direction of the NNCC Executive Director manage the SCC so that all elements of the

SCC contract are ensured, specifically that the coalition engages parents in the community and key stakeholders to address the goals of the Commonwealth’s Prompting Safe and Stable Families Act.

• Coordinate the day-to-day activities of the coalition including assist with budget tracking, co-facilitate or facilitate coalition meetings, recruit parents from the community to participate in meetings, supervise volunteers and interns, and to take on primary responsibility for implementation of selected projects.
• Work with the NNCC Executive Director and the Steering committee to examine, evaluate, and adjust program implementation to ensure that annual goals, work plans, and objectives are met.
• Participate in local, state, and federal associations that promote the mission and values of SCC. Suggestions: Community Connections statewide meetings.
• Bring community services, community leaders, parents and other residents together to talk about how to build and strengthen systems of parent support.
• Prepare and maintain records, data, and reports as required by the state, DCF, coalition members and other private funding sources related to services provided.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Coordinates the day-to-day activities and logistics of the coalition.
2. Informs providers, neighborhood residents/families of meetings, assignments and events on an on-going basis via mailings/telephone or email.
3. Arranges trainings for volunteers, parents/residents and providers.
4. Information and Referral – develops linkages among providers, and general membership, to include parents/residents.
5. Prepares and submits reports, as required by funders and Steering Committee.
6. Attends meetings, workshops, and training sessions as necessary.
7. Performs administrative duties as required by Steering Committee which may include preparation of agendas, minutes of meetings, follow-up contacts.
8. Performs all other duties necessary to plan and implement a successful citywide coalition, inclusive of Springfield’s parents/residents and providers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field, or at least 5 years’ experience in a similar setting. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Organizing/activism experience preferred.  Familiar with Springfield’s neighborhoods. Spanish speaking preferred.  Demonstrated skills in group facilitation. Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License. 

• Leadership skills for facilitation of large group meetings
• Strong interpersonal / relational skills
• Ability to navigate varying data management systems electronically
• Working knowledge of the unique needs of Springfield and the surrounding communities
• Associate degree in social work, public Administration, Community organizing or a related human services field, or 5 years or more in community organizing
• Multi-lingual language preferred, multi-cultural sensitivity required
• Grassroots organizing training and / or experience
• Grant writing experience preferred
• Experience in advisory board development and engagement preferred
• Experience in working with different systems and experience in building collaborations
• Work closely with the staff of the Springfield Family Resource Center. Help them connect with local resources as needed, and work with the coalition to address barriers the SFRC identifies to the needed resources for families in Springfield.
• Foster relationships with DCF area offices
• The preparation (or to supervise the preparation) of reports for review and approval by the coalition Steering Committee with co-chairs and NNCC Executive Director.
• Proof of a MA valid drivers license, acceptable driving record, and personal transportation to fulfill essential job functions is required.
• Demonstrated ability to be innovative, creative, analytical and decisive in problem solving. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated administrative and organizational capabilities. Ability to work effectively with others as well as the ability to work independently.

Physical demands:

The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, use a keyboard, use a telephone and climb stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The employee must have the ability to drive a vehicle as needed.

• Must be able to perform sedentary aspects of position, including, but not limited to desk and electronic work, driving to meetings and trainings
• Ability to move tables or chairs to set up for presentations or activities.
• Carrying boxes or supplies or filers for program may be required,
• Must be able to perform the duties listed above, with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Please email or send resume and cover letter to:

                   New North Citizens’ Council, Inc. (NNCC), 2455 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01107

                                          Email to: mligus@ newnorthcc.org

                                     Attn: Maria M. Ligus, Executive Director, Executive Director 

Generous Benefit Package!

 SUMMARY: He/She will be operating under the Department of Developmental Services Family Support Guidelines, and the Guiding Principles of the Family Support System. The Family Support Skill Builder will be responsible for the provision of the following services to families identified and referred by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

 Provide intensive, at least twice per week, home visiting, and extensive Case Management/ Family Navigation services to identified families who require specialized education and support in the home. 

 Work with assigned families to identify strengths, competencies, needs, and resources. Develop a Family Support /Intervention plan, which respects, supports and honors personal preferences, cultural and linguistic values, and learning styles of the families and individuals served. 

 Provide strength based skill -building. Based on identified needs, and recognizing and accommodating differing learning styles, teach skills such as establishing routines, setting boundaries, parenting, discipline, household duties, budgeting, relationships, child development and understanding issues of disability. 

 Knowledgeable in computers and their programs i.e.: Windows, Excel, Internet usage, etc. 

 Organize relevant family trainings, support groups, and networking opportunities. 

 Maintain confidential records for all activities, including Family Navigation statistical data, and management of flexible funding. 

 Be available to work during non- traditional working hours. 

 The ability to work independently, set priorities, be flexible, and creative while working as part of a team. 

 Attend relevant trainings and conferences 

 Working knowledge of available area public benefits, entitlements, community service system, and generic resources. 

 Ability to provide respectful family-centered services, including the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, linguistic, economic backgrounds, and levels of ability. 

 Must be proficient in use of computers, including a working knowledge of the internet and various soft ware applications.