The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP’s extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior citizens, from school-aged children to homeless families, from non-profit organizations to local employers.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Center for Families (CFF) is a City-wide family support program serving families with children birth to eight years old. The Center provides Baby University (an intensive family support program), Cambridge Dads (programming and supports just for dads/male caregivers), parenting education workshops, parent support groups, early literacy playgroups, gross-motor playgroups, home visits, information and referral services, community building events, parent/child activities, one-on-one support, and concrete support in times of need. All Center activities and services are welcoming and respectful of participants' racial, cultural, family structures, and socio-economic backgrounds. CFF is comprised of 14 full time and 10-12 part time staff. The Center for Families values diverse, flexible, creative teamwork-oriented staff members who are committed to serving all families, especially those traditionally marginalized, isolated, and under-served.

The Center for Families is the primary family support partner for the Cambridge Office Of Early Childhood (COEC). COEC has launched the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP) which supports universal pre-K for Cambridge families. This CFF case management position supports the needs of families outside of access to formal early childhood education programming.

The CFF Case Manager will work to engage and support Cambridge Preschool Program families with identified needs outside of access to formal early childhood education programming and families of younger children with case management needs (setting and addressing goals, organizing services, information and referrals). The Case Manager will provide short-term support to a caseload of families, remaining in contact by phone or email and providing in-person office visits as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Outreach to Cambridge Preschool Program families with needs outside of access to formal early childhood education programming and to families of young children referred by partner agencies.
Partner with the Community Engagement Team to support families from underserved cultural, racial, and linguistic communities in accessing services and supports.
Work alongside families to: identify needs outside of early education and care and connect to appropriate resources, provide advocacy and overall case management, provide information, resources and referrals for families as needed, and provide support in accessing concrete needs.
Connect and collaborate with other agencies that are serving families with young children by: providing warm hand-offs, reducing barriers to participation, and remaining in collaboration after referral.
In collaboration with program staff, support comprehensive family support programming that meets the needs of Cambridge families with children birth to eight years old.
Attend weekly team meetings and monthly full staff meetings.
Full participation in the Department of Human Service Programs’ mission to eliminate racism within our department.
Attend community events and collaborative meetings to build relationships with different Cambridge communities and service providers.
Complete all required paperwork and data entry.
Attend weekly meetings and monthly staff training.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

Degree in early childhood, social work, psychology, mental health or related field and/or relevant experience preferred
3+ years experience in early childhood case management required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Well-versed in facilitating referrals and connecting individuals/families to resources
Ability to build relationships with other service providers
Compassionate in their work with children and families
Comfortable traveling throughout the city of Cambridge
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Understanding of how culture influences parenting
Flexibility in scheduling to accommodate for parent availability
Comfortable speaking and interacting with families both individually and in group settings
Energetic, friendly, outgoing personality.
Ability to relate well with diverse groups and individuals.
The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMODATIONS:

Standard office environment. Fluorescent lighting, carpeted floors, and air conditioning. Moderate to loud noise level.
Moderately to very noisy classroom or gym setting with florescent lighting.
Travel to families’ homes or other locations in the community to offer support.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

ABOUT THE ROLE: