Family Empowerment Specialist

DEPARTMENT

Strong Families Team

FLSA STATUS

Part-time (Weekend & Evening, on-call supervision)

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Social Worker to build trusting relationships with families experiencing emergency childcare needs. This part-time role provides families with access to both on-site and virtual client registration during scheduled evenings and weekends. The Family Empowerment Specialist will assess client needs, provide crisis intervention, and connect families to appropriate community resources and services. This role also supports Therapeutic Childcare staff and contributes to family engagement programming.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct client intake and registration for families seeking short-term, emergency childcare services
• Assess client situations, strengths, capabilities, and challenges to determine appropriate services and supports
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support while remaining calm and composed under pressure
• Utilize a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and empowering approach to service delivery
• Problem-solve collaboratively with families to identify needs and develop action steps
• Serve as a liaison between families and community resources
• Develop and maintain updated community resource lists, including housing, employment, childcare, food, medical, legal, and other essential services
• Provide referrals and arrange supportive services such as substance abuse counseling, job training, prenatal care, parenting classes, and other prevention-focused supports
• Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough client documentation and case notes
• Provide on-site supervision, training, support, and backup to Therapeutic Childcare staff
• Participate in the on-call rotation schedule to respond to urgent family or program needs
• Actively participate in JereCare family programming, including family dinners, engagement events, and community-building activities
• Assist with community outreach efforts, including evening and weekend tours, tabling events, and speaking engagements
• Communicate effectively with the administrative team and collaborate across departments
• Participate in required staff training, administrative meetings, and professional development opportunities
• Interpret and apply relevant state and federal policies, statutes, and regulations while ensuring program compliance and goals are met

EDUCATION /EXPERIENCE & CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in social service field (counseling, social work, psychology, sociology, etc.) required. Master’s degree in social service field preferred but would consider Master’s-level student as well.

Direct service experience preferred

PA Act 33 (Child Abuse) / Act 34 (Criminal History) / Federal Criminal History Record (FBI Fingerprint) / National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR)
Other Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated understanding of and sensitivity to the needs of young children and families experiencing crisis
• Ability to build positive, supportive relationships with children and caregivers
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with clients, service providers, colleagues, and community partners
• Demonstrates empathy, compassion, and professionalism when working with families in high-stress situations
• Experience working with individuals and families from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Ability to remain calm, composed, and solution-focused during stressful or crisis situations
• Strong planning, time management, and organizational skills with the ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
• Excellent written, verbal, and computer skills, including documentation and data entry
• Knowledge of community-based programs and resources
• Ability to collaborate effectively with the administrative team and actively participate in staff training, team meetings, and organizational initiatives

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Executive Director

Works Closely with Social Workers, Senior Administrative Team, and Center Staff

NOTE: This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be necessary for this role. Personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Jeremiah’s Place is an equal-opportunity employer.

Job Type

Part-time

Salary

$20.00-$26.00 per hour

Benefits

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching

Schedule

Weekends & Evening
On-call support

Work Location

In person