Full-time Children Services Coordinator

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE

The overall responsibility of the Children Services Coordinator is to provide prevention services and educational/therapeutic activities for children and adolescents in the shelter. The Children's Service Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of the children’s program, which includes supervision of interns, volunteers, and/or staff as necessary. As needed, represents the FAC at community events, and completes other tasks as assigned by the supervisor. The Children Services Coordinator, with the assistance of the Executive Director, will envision the comprehensive nature of the program (educational and therapeutic) and plan the program for future years.

The regular workday for this position may include early morning hours until early evening. Examples of work that will be outside of Family Abuse Center business hours include transportation to and from school, children’s evening groups, and special children’s activities. Some activities may fall on the weekend. Work hours cannot exceed 40 hours per week.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The qualifications listed below are representative of the education, experience, skill/ability, and licenses/credentials required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education:

• Master’s (MSW) or a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Social Work, Education, or related field. Knowledge of crisis intervention, case management, child development, and parent/child interactions.

Experience:

• 1-2 years’ experience in the field of Domestic Violence or working with children who have experienced trauma preferred, or the same number of residential services and/or case management experience.
• Experience in social, educational, or human service field required

Skills/Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated experience and ease of working with a diverse population of clients
• Ability to handle crises with sensitivity and assertiveness
• Strong organizational skills
• Demonstrates effectiveness as a member of a team as well as the ability to work independently and to take initiative
• Flexibility and ability to prioritize job responsibilities
• Ability to provide and receive peer supervision
• Ability to maintain personal balance and accomplish multiple tasks that require a variety of skills
• Demonstrates skills of self-direction
• Ability to relate to children
• Ability to maintain accurate data and documentation of client services
• Ability to resolve conflict
• Bilingual preferred.

LICENSES/CREDENTIALS:

• Valid Texas Driver's License and clear driving record.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure that all school-age children are enrolled in school immediately after arrival in the shelter. No later than the next school day, by 9 am.
• Plan and implement holiday and summer field trips and after-school activities.
• Meet with each parent upon shelter entry to determine needs/goals, etc.
• Plan and implement activities for clients to do without the supervision of staff.
• Provide parenting classes to both shelter and housing clients.
• Be a liaison to CPS and schools.
• Help parents and children transition to other services as needed, to preschool, to kindergarten, or other specialized agencies or services as appropriate.
• Ensure that parents and children feel safe and welcome in the shelter.
• Maintain relationships with clients as they transition and are in our housing programs. Continue to provide services to families in housing.
• Maintain and submit in a timely way all required family and program documentation.
• Organize and inventory supplies/materials, uniforms, etc.
• Responsible for the organization and distribution of all Christmas donations.
• Regular distribution of newsletter/update sheet to all departments concerning children’s program events and services.
• Provide crisis intervention to parents in the shelter.
• Consult with parents on best practices in parenting, including FAC discipline policies.
• Ensure that all groups are therapeutic and/or educational.
• Plan and implement all children’s evening groups (two to four times a week).
• Supervise all volunteers in the children’s program.
• Believe in and act in accordance with the agency’s mission statement and goals.
• Experience working with diverse populations and groups.
• Write routine reports, correspondence, and appropriate case notes.
• Maintain and submit in a timely way all required family and program documentation.