Child & Family Support Coordinator at Transition House

Child & Family Support Coordinator 

Are you passionate about being in service to others? Do you want to make a difference in children' s lives? Do you want each workday to look different?

JOB TYPE:

• Salary: 59,000- 63,000, commensurate with experience. 
• Full time 35 (paid) hour work week, salaried with 5 hours of unpaid lunch
• One to two evenings per week
• In person, on-site role with some flexibility of hours - no weekends
• Reports to: Director of Long-Term Housing Programs    

This role is at Transition House and the search is being assisted by Riverwalker Talent

Role Summary:

With a focus on child well-being and trauma recovery from the impacts of domestic violence, the Child & Family Support Coordinator provides advocacy, consultation, referral, coordination, and direct support to children, youth, and parents who are survivors of domestic violence as well as training and education in the community. This role will provide service in shelter, office and community. 

Our Culture: Why work with us?

Our greatest asset is our employees, encompassing a variety of origins, concepts, viewpoints, and life journeys. We've established a diverse and inclusive atmosphere filled with individuals who share a common purpose. Our leadership is characterized by openness, approachability, genuineness, and a commitment to nurturing our team. A tangible sense of mutual dedication permeates our environment, and collectively, we engage in impactful endeavors that bring about transformative changes for those we serve.

Transition House values diverse life experience and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Bilingual/bicultural applicants, survivors of domestic violence, persons of color, people with disabilities and GLBTQI people are strongly encouraged to apply. Find out more about us www.transitionhouse.org

Who we are

Transition House’s mission is to end domestic violence in our community. Sparking social change in Cambridge, Massachusetts since 1976, we are an innovative organization that develops prevention tools and provides holistic support and a range of housing options for individuals and families surviving domestic and intimate partner violence. To learn more about us: https://www.transitionhouse.org

A day in the life of this role 

The Child and Family Support Coordinator will serve as a vital link between our youth clients, their families, and the resources necessary for their overall well-being and development. This role involves direct support, advocacy, and resource navigation, with a focus on building strong relationships and facilitating access to essential services and enrichment opportunities.

This Coordinator works in the main office but will have the opportunity to work closely with the Coordinator for families in our Emergency Shelter and provide Playspace Support 1-2 evenings per week. 

During the course of the week, clinical supervision will be available to process challenges, and needs, as well regular programmatic supervision. 

Duties & Responsibilities 

Parenting Support and Resources:

• Research and share parenting resources on child development, positive discipline, challenging behaviors, co-parenting, and healthy family communication

• Co-facilitate internal parenting groups and connect families to external support groups (Baby U, Parenting Journey, special needs support)

Educational Support:

• Assist families with IEP meetings, school liaisons, transportation, and teacher/counselor connections

• Support daycare voucher process and maintain relationships with area facilities

• Help high school students with college applications

• Coordinate summer camp scholarships and enrollment; organize back-to-school events

Clinical and Medical Referrals:

• Connect families with youth clinicians and pediatricians

• Ensure youth have current insurance and access to providers

• Work with Children's Clinician to coordinate therapeutic services

Direct Client Support:

• Meet regularly with child clients in Long-Term Housing and Community Support programs

• Coordinate Child and Family intake for new families

• Provide or coordinate youth training on healthy relationships and life skills (financial education, home maintenance, study skills, nutrition, time management)

• Support evening Playspace at Emergency Shelter and coordinate childcare for agency events

Community Partnerships for Youth Enrichment:

• Build relationships with local organizations, community centers, and schools

• Secure free or discounted extracurricular activities for youth

• Remove barriers to access (fees, equipment, transportation, scholarships)

• Support teens with employment, vocational training, resume writing, interview prep, and job search

• Help plan and execute family/youth events (movie nights, seasonal outings, holiday celebrations)

DCF Support:

• Advocate for parents during DCF meetings and interactions

• Help parents understand and comply with DCF case plans

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Maintain confidential client records in EmpowerDB

• Report incidents of discrimination and harassment

• Participate in weekly programmatic supervision and monthly clinical supervision

• Attend team and agency meetings

Professional Growth & Development:

• Familiarize yourself with Cambridge/Somerville resources and statewide domestic violence support trends

• Attend agency and external training (minimum 3 times per quarter)

Qualifications - What we need from you

• A Bachelor's Degree is required for this position. 

• 2-3 years direct service with marginalized populations (homelessness, mental illness, substance use, or domestic violence)

• Experience providing trauma informed support to children and families

• Education and training in child development

• Education in domestic violence, human service and/or clinical training highly preferred

• Demonstrated ability to provide services to children/families from diverse backgrounds and on behalf of people who are socially marginalized including individuals who are low income, immigrants, homeless, mentally ill, struggle with substance use, and are survivors of domestic violence.

• Knowledge of family systems, PTSD, conflict resolution, domestic violence, and crisis intervention strongly preferred

• Understands the impact of chronic trauma on adults and children as well as best practices in trauma-informed social service

• Able to climb stairs frequently, move items up to 30 pounds.

• Fluency in English both verbal and written. Additional compensation available for fluency in Spanish. 

Work Environment:

• Some exposure to emotional support animals.
• Collaborative work spaces
• Work is performed in a non-traditional office environment as well as in the on-site play room, meeting rooms, living spaces of residential program participants, & other locations as needed

How to Apply:

Riverwalker Talent  is assisting with this search. To apply please fill out this application. In lieu of a cover letter, you will be asked 3 short answer questions and will upload your resume.

The questions are:

1. Please expand on the key experiences (life or work) that prepare you best for this position?

2. What experience do you have working with children who've experienced trauma? How do you approach building trust and creating safety for them?

3. This role requires building partnerships with many community organizations. Describe your approach to developing and maintaining these kinds of relationships.

If you have any accessibility issues, need accommodations, or have questions, please contact Jessye Kass (jessye@riverwalkertalent.com.com). 

It is our policy to complete a Criminal Offense Record Information (CORI) background check prior to  hire. Findings will not automatically disqualify candidates. 

No phone calls, please.