Family Engagement Specialist

About the role

The Family Engagement Specialist (FES) strengthens families by providing intentional, relationship-based support to adults, parents, and caregivers. This role focuses on serving individuals with complex needs by addressing barriers related to the social determinants of health (SDOH), including economic stability, education, health and healthcare access, and more. This position works as a member of an integrated case management team and strives to promote holistic wellness across generations.

What you'll do

• Champion the Malone Center mission and vision in all engagements and interactions, both internal and external to the organization.
• Receive and process internal referrals
• Conduct intake assessments to identify needs, strengths, trauma history, and barriers to stability
• Develop individualized support plans with clients
• Serve as part of a team to train staff on trauma-informed practices and de-escalation techniques
• Plan monthly family nights and resource programs/activities
• Meet regularly with clients to track progress, offer support, and address challenges
• Provide opportunities for individuals receiving services to direct their own recovery process.
• Utilize trauma-informed care principles to build strong, safe connections with clients
• Advocate for clients as part of an integrated case management team, working collaboratively with other staff and service providers
• Maintain organized documentation of interactions, support plans, referrals, and outcomes to ensure high-quality service delivery
• Make timely, appropriate referrals to necessary external entities, agencies, and service providers
• Help families access resources related to mental health, trauma, and behavior support and other community resources
• Collaborate in planning client-facing events and family engagement activities to foster relationships and build trust
• Attend relevant networking events and training opportunities to stay up to date with available resources and best practice standards
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Valid Driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in human services, social work, family advocacy, or a related field
• Demonstrated understanding of the social determinants of health and their impact on families and communities
• Demonstrated understanding of trauma and their impact on an Individual's habits and behaviors
• Ability to build rapport with families from diverse backgrounds, while maintaining professional boundaries
• Experience with case management, systems navigation, or advocacy
• Effective and efficient problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and anticipation of needs.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Commitment to the Malone Center’s mission to eliminate multi-generational poverty
• Occasional evening or weekend hours possible for events or client needs

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Sociology, or related field 
• Knowledge of local community resources and service providers in Lincoln, NE and surrounding areas 
• CPR/First Aid Certification or ability to obtain within first 60 days of employment. 
• Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS), or ability to complete within 90-days  
• Community Health Worker (CHW), or ability to complete within 90-days  
• Complete Mandated Reporter training within first 60 days of employment

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands or arms, talk, or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally.