Description

Stable Homes Stable Schools is a partnership between the city of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA), Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), Hennepin County Health and Human Services, and the YMCA of the North to support referred and eligible families experiencing homelessness in Minneapolis. Families receive up to three years of rental subsidy support with ongoing case management and supportive services provided by YMCA Family Support Specialists.

The Family Support Specialist is responsible for performing and maintaining services and programs that satisfy specific identified needs of program participants. The incumbent demonstrates ethical behavior and maintains clear and healthy boundaries with participants while performing all aspects of their designated program.

• Perform all case management functions and responsibilities in an individual and family focused, culturally competent manner. This includes but is not limited to needs assessment, case planning and management, documentation, etc.
• Identify, make referrals to, and coordinate necessary and appropriate community resource programs
• Establish and maintain working relationships with peers, community and court appointed partners, educators, youth and family support systems, and resource staff to achieve established program plan goals and family identified goals
• Develop and maintain supportive, nurturing, and empowering relationships with program participants
• May provide work direction to team members, interns and volunteers as needed
• Perform administrative duties to support the program as needed
  

This position reports to the Stable Homes Stable Schools Program Manager who reports to the Housing Program Director who reports to the Program Executive. The incumbent interacts regularly with youth, families, community partners/agencies, educators, volunteers and other YMCA program staff.

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field (such as Human Services, Social Work, Youth Development) or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in human development to preferably include case management, working with diverse, low income and at risk individuals or families or related human service experience
• Demonstrated professionalism in the areas of time management, communication and collaboration
• Ability to effectively problem solve utilizing all resources available
• Must be able to work in an independent and self-directed manner
• Demonstrated experience working across dimensions of diversity
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft office suite (Word and Excel)
• Ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, AED certification with the first 30 days of employment
• Access to reliable mode of transportation and a valid driver’s license
  

Preferred

• Multilingual – Spanish or Somali
• Prior experience engaging with public school systems, housing access/coordination, fundraising, Apricot and HMIS
  

• Ability to perform a variety of physical activities with program participants which may include but are not limited to walking, standing for long periods of time, running, throwing and lifting up to 50lbs.
• Ability to travel locally to attend meetings.
  

This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent is also responsible for taking direction from the Branch Executive, Program Executive or YMCA representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the branch or Association success.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge

The Y of the North is committed to the work and everyday practices of eliminating disparities and eradicating of unjust systems to become a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization. YMCA of the North team members and volunteers must exemplify the association’s mission, vision and values of caring, equity, honesty, respect and responsibility.

The YMCA of the North continues to develop plans and strategies to ensure team members and volunteers reflect the demographics of the communities we serve. We will continually conduct institutional racism and oppression review of our policies, procedures and practices in recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive work environment and culture that promotes equity and respect for the human dignity of all. We value and respect this diversity and choose to be inclusive through our acceptance of all.