Job Opportunity – West Side Childrens Center, Family Resource Specialist
JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Family Resource Specialist (FRS) – Garden & Family Enrichment
CATEGORY/DEPT: Strengthening Families Department
REPORTS TO: Community Engagement Program Manager
REPORTING STAFF: None
STATUS: Full-Time Exempt
AGENCY OVERVIEW:
Westside Children’s Center (WCC) exists to give at-risk children and children living in poverty the
foundation they need to increase their life choices and lead fulfilling lives. For over 25 years, WCC has
been providing thousands of at-risk children and their families with critical, high-quality early education
programs (including comprehensive Early Head Start services), family strengthening interventions, foster
care and adoption services, and a range of vital, integrated services, including educational assessments,
disabilities screenings, nutrition, dental and vision screenings, and pediatric health consultations.
JOB SUMMARY:
WCC contracts with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to protect at-risk children
and strengthen families. As a part of WCC child maltreatment prevention efforts, the Family Resource
Specialist – Garden & Family Enrichment, is responsible for implementation of frequent family enrichment
activities, including regular weekend events to foster social connectedness of community members;
responsible for maintenance of the on-site 10,000 square foot learning garden including working with
children and families to foster a sense of wellness and connection to healthy food; plays a key role in
community outreach and recruitment, including developing community relationships to enhance family
wellness offerings; provides limited high-quality case management services and linkages for families. The
Family Resource Specialist position works collaboratively with community partners, participates in
coordination of family events, and conducts community outreach.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.
Develop and maintain the on-site 10,000 square foot learning garden, including collaborating with
volunteers, WCC staff, and caregivers to plant, nurture and harvest crops
Plan, advertise and implement frequent prevention and early intervention family activities and
community events, particularly on weekends utilizing the garden, conference room, commercial
kitchen, and other communal spaces for activities
Collaborate with teachers to plan and involve center and home-based children in learning activities
including activities around healthy eating
Collaborate with the Community Engagement Program Manager and Development Manager
identifying and providing tours to potential donors and community sponsors
Conduct community outreach to promote programs and services available at WCC
Plan and conduct recruitment activities to solicit referrals including developing community
relationships to enhance family wellness offerings
Position requires flexibility in order to meet the needs of families; work a minimum of 4 weekend
days per month to host activities/events at the Center
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SECONDARY JOB DUTIES:
Provide case navigation services as needed to clients in the Prevention and Aftercare program and
associated activities including conducting intake, developing service plan, administering outcome
measures, and progress notes
Attend staff meetings, individual and group supervision, case reviews, and trainings as needed
Collaborate with key partner agencies for referrals, and parental support; ensure successful
partnership and documentation of outcomes
Maintain confidentiality of clients and obtain and maintain on file legal releases of information
when needed
Comply with all applicable federal, state and county regulations, policies and procedures
Staff must believe in and act in accordance with both the agency’s and the program’s mission
statements
In accordance with our “team” philosophy, the person filling this position may occasionally be
required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the duties listed on this job
description.
QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION:
Bachelors’ Degree (knowledge of early education and child development a plus)
Garden cultivation and management experience required; community garden experience a plus
Experience developing educational curricula for children and families
Cooking experience with children/families a plus
Experience with community outreach, event organizing, working with families and children in a
community setting required
2 years working with children and families, or equivalent experience
Bilingual – English/Spanish required
Ability to work in a supportive team environment
Ability to work and communicate with a diverse group of families
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Knowledge of community resources and experience with interagency collaboration preferred
Ability to work independently, flexible, strong organizational skills, and commitment to
teamwork
Basic computer skills required – Word, Excel, Software applications
Passionate about learning and possesses curiosity about issues affecting children and families
All employees, regardless of position, serve as role models for children and families who are
served by our agency.
Fingerprint background clearance (DOJ, FBI & Child Abuse Clearance Index), or approved
exemption
Successful completion of pre-employment physical, PPD risk assessment, proof of immunizations for
pertussis, measles and influenza
Class “C” driver’s license, proof of insurance, a safety record acceptable to CAA, and reliable
transportation required
Westside Children’s Center is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all applicants and seeks to hire
qualified staff who reflect the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We define diversity in broad terms
to include race, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression,
disability, geography, socio-economic status and other unique attributes that make us who we are.
Westside Children’s Center has achieved accreditation through the Council on Accreditation
(COA). This means our programs, services, administration, and management have been
rigorously evaluated and meet best practice standards. Visit www.COAnet.org to learn more
about COA Accreditation.
FOR CONSIDERATION:
Send cover letter and resume to hr@westsidechildrens.org
WCC Job Description FRS Garden Family Enrichment_ao 6.20.18 (2)
