We are looking for a Portugese speaking person who has "lived experience" and is familiar with children's school related issues to become a Family Partner with the Taunton Family Resource Center. The Family Partner will be part of the Taunton Family Resource Center (FRC) team working with families experiencing a range of issues that impact their home and family life. The Family Partner will specifically focus on supporting families with children exhibiting behaviors that meet the state of Massachusetts' definition of a "Child Requiring Assistance" or CRA (repeatedly runs away from home; repeatedly fails to obey the lawful and reasonable commands of their parent/guardian; repeatedly fails to obey the lawful and reasonable regulations of their school; is habitually truant; or is sexually exploited). The Family Partner provides support and advocacy coaching to parents and caregivers in a fast paced and changing environment. The Family Partner acts as a role model for parents and caregivers in interacting with community providers and agencies to meet the identified needs of the youth and family.

Typical responsibilities will include:

• Work in conjunction with FRC Clinician to complete FAST Assessment and to develop and oversee the implementation of the Family Support Plan for family members dealing with CRA-related issues
• Provides guidance, coaching, training, support, education, and advocacy for Parent/Caregiver with regard to interacting with their child and networking with community resources and treatment providers to meet youth's needs
• Assists Parent/Caregiver in articulating youth's strengths, needs and goals for Family Support Plan
• Assists Parents/Caregivers in recognizing the importance of self-care as a vital component of their parenting and helping them connect with support in the area of self-care as well as support in the form of individual, peer/parent support and self-help groups
• Attends court as needed to support families and provide information about the CRA Diversionary Program to court professionals, schools, DCF and families.
• Teams with FRC Staff to provide support to all families seeking services at the FRC.
• Attends FRC staff meetings weekly.
• Co-Facilitates parent and youth groups.
• Conducts a minimum of weekly contact with Parent/Caregiver through office based visits and telephone.
• Maintains professional boundaries at all times.
• Attends and actively participates in weekly supervision with a licensed clinician, and group supervision to review families' progress, identify risk factors, improve communication and work on professional growth.
• Completes daily progress notes, treatment goals and other required documentation, including data entry, in a timely manner, adhering to the highest professional standards. Experience and qualifications for this position include:
• Lived experience or familiarity with CRA-related issues Portuguese speaker highly preferred
• One (1) year of experience working with the target population; or two (2) years of experience working with children/adolescents/transition age youth; and experience in navigating any of the child and family-serving systems
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), organizational and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate cultural humility with an ability to work with diverse populations, within the community and with agency staff members.
• Possess basic computer skills for purposes of word processing and data entry.
• Flexibility and ability to respond to Families under stress, and in crisis, in a fast paced work environment.
• Possess a current and valid driver's license, and automobile - must be able to drive daily.
• Must be able to walk, sit and stand during the work day Facts about Family Resource Centers (FRCs): Family Resource Centers (FRCs) of Massachusetts serve as partners who help parents and children thrive by strengthening family bonds.

Our goal is to empower, nurture, and support children and families to help them reach their full potential. Our centers reflect the cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds of families in the communities we serve. When you arrive at our center, our fully trained staff will greet you and ask some questions to help you obtain the support you need. After this brief meeting, you will be referred to experts who work either on site at the center or at another location where you will receive assistance.

Our family friendly programs include:

• parent education programs
• youth and parent support groups
• early childhood services
• information and referral
• educational support
• cultural events

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

403(b) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Health insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Referral program Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Language:

Portuguese (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

Taunton, MA 02780: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person