Crisis Nursery Family Advocate Families First of Minnesota is hiring a Crisis Nursery Family Advocate to provide responsive, compassionate support to families experiencing crisis or facing challenges that place children at risk. This position combines direct family support, community collaboration, and advocacy to promote child well-being and family stability. This exempt position is scheduled 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. with occasional evening or weekend events. This position is eligible for hybrid scheduling upon satisfactory completion of a 90-day review. Compensation is based upon education level and prior experience, starting at $26.00-27.00/hour. Benefits include Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, Life, Long-Term Disability and 403(b) Retirement Savings, in addition to: paid vacation, sick leave, holidays and personal holidays.

Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor's or Associate's degree from an accredited college or university. At least two years of experience in social work, early childhood, family systems, human services, or forming community partnerships is highly desired.

This position requires:

Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with community partners and families in crisis. Ability to assess family needs, provide referrals, and ensure appropriate follow-up support. Knowledge of child development, family systems, and community resources. Cultural humility and the ability to work respectfully with diverse populations. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Commitment to confidentiality, ethical standards, and high-quality service delivery. Proficiency in maintaining accurate documentation and managing data systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Crisis Response and Family Support a. Respond promptly to all Crisis Nursery inquiries and appointments, assessing and addressing family needs. b. Provide short-term support, including home visits, problem-solving, goal setting, and follow-up. c. Conduct family intakes, complete required documentation, and maintain ongoing communication and follow-up with families. d. Make placements for child care or overnight care when appropriate, ensuring safe and supportive environments for children. e. Refer families to appropriate community resources and parent training programs, including Public Health, Community Education, Early Childhood Education, or other parent groups. f. Contact Social Services when child protection concerns are identified and refer to the Family Support Program through Olmsted County when appropriate. 2. Data Collection, Tracking and Utilization a. Enter and maintain accurate data in required systems and databases. b. Generate reports as needed to meet program and agency requirements. c. Monitor child care authorizations and agreements to ensure compliance and accuracy. d. Verify and input provider invoicing information in compliance with billing practices. e. Complete tracking and follow-up evaluations with families to measure program impact. f. Maintain confidential and organized family records according to agency and program policies. 3. Outreach, Collaboration, and Community Engagement a. Advocate for children and families in all aspects of service delivery. b. Identify and maintain current knowledge of community resources available to families. c. Develop and assist with outreach and child abuse prevention materials for the program. d. Lead community outreach efforts by representing Families First of Minnesota and the Crisis Nursery program at community events, meetings, and initiatives. e. Develop, promote, and maintain strong community partnerships that enhance program visibility and family support. f. Proactively research and initiate contact with area agencies and organizations to build collaborative relationships and expand available resources for families. g. Work collaboratively with other agency programs as a consultant on Olmstead county resources, supporting families in crisis, and other childcare related concerns. 4. Professional Development and Agency Responsibilities a. Comply with all agency and program policies and procedures for both the Crisis Nursery and Families First of Minnesota programs, as well as Olmsted County policies and procedures related to collaborative service delivery. b. Complete all required Olmsted County trainings and maintain ongoing compliance with county standards and expectations. c. Attend Olmsted County and Families First of Minnesota agency, program, and community meetings as assigned. d. Participate in assigned or self-initiated staff development and training opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge. e. Contribute to agency-wide initiatives and maintain collaborative relationships with team members and community partners.

ABOUT US

Families First of Minnesota, formerly known as Child Care Resource and Referral, is a non-profit organization committed to ensuring positive beginnings for all young children and their families. For over 60 years, Families First has been serving as a resource for families, children, childcare professionals, and early education programs in SE Minnesota. Programs under the Families First umbrella includes Head Start, Early Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Aware, Early Learning Scholarships, Crisis Nursery, and Child Care Consultation. Families First of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a multi-cultural, bias-free agency.