Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) is a leading organization in the NEK addressing poverty through education, community collaborations, and community action. We believe in each individual’s potential for positive growth and change.

JOB TITLE: Family Engagement Specialist

LOCATION: St Johnsbury & Newport

FULL-TIME

HOURS PER WEEK/WEEKS PER YEAR: 40/52

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Permanent

BENEFIT PACKAGE: Yes

Program: Parent Child Center (PCC)

All employees are subject to a 6-month Trial Service Period.

Position is grant funded for one year, with possibility for renewed employment.

NEKCA Mission Statement

To empower all generations in the Northeast Kingdom to grow, prosper and thrive.

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Job Description

The Family Engagement Specialist will primarily be responsible to provide family centered coaching support for families to have safe and nurturing contact with their child/children placed in DCF custody. Family centered coaching will follow the framework of Strengthening Families, a research-informed approach to increase family strengths, enhance child development, and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. This coaching model focuses on engaging families in building five key protective factors:

• Parental resilience
• Social connections
• Knowledge of parenting and child development
• Concrete support in times of need
• Social and emotional competence of children

The Family Engagement Specialist will have trauma informed knowledge of complex issues including generational poverty, substance use, sexual abuse and domestic violence. The Parent Child Center coaching model practices with-in the belief that all families thrive when they have the support they need. The Family Engagement Specialist will work hand-in-hand with the Department for Children and Families (DCF)

Responsibilities Include:

• Demonstrate competency in all six areas of NEKCAs Core Values. Demonstrate respect for all NEKCA clients, the choices they make and the challenges they face.
• Demonstrates competency of Strengthening Families Framework
• Provide coaching support to families engaged in family centered services
• Complete required documentation of coaching services
• Testify in court regarding observations and documentation
• Participate in meetings regarding clients and staff
• Provide in-home coaching support
• Lead in navigation of all Parent Child Center programming and resources
• Work with children and families to develop healthy and positive outcomes in all aspects of nurturing parenting
• Develops a comprehensive, family focused plan to aid in safe and nurturing parent/child contact
• Coaching style fosters parent leadership
• Promote parent involvement of PCC family programing/Promote healthy and positive community relationships
• Provides supportive services on site, in-home and with-in the community
• Works with-in PCC and outside agencies referral systems
• Lead resource and consultation for PCC Staff to work in collaboration of the Department of Children and Families
• Other such duties as assigned.

• Must comply with NEKCA policies if hired.
• Staff will be required to authorize and pass NEKCA’s criminal record check process
• Staff is required to be completely vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to starting position
• Must have a valid driver’s license and sufficient transportation to meet job requirements
• A Bachelor’s degree (preferred) or an Associate’s in Human Services or Child Development or related field
• Evening and weekend hours may be necessary
• Work effectively as a team member
• Excellent interpersonal skills, strong communication and organizational skills
• Experience with community development
• Strong writing skills
• Maintain confidentiality

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NEKCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer & Provider

Applications from women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged. Qualifications for positions within NEKCA are determined by the duties and responsibilities of the position itself.

Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process may call 802-334-7316 ext. 212 or email at jobs@nekcavt.org.