Director of Family Enrichment Center

Agency Background

Founded in 1968, Children’s Arts & Science Workshops, Inc. (CASW) has always had its roots in the Uptown community, emerging as a result of the NYC teacher's strike. CASW was formed by local parents and teachers with the aim of offering academic and cultural enrichment to the youth residing in the Washington Heights neighborhood. Today, CASW fosters the growth of families and young individuals in the community by equipping them with leadership skills and avenues to instigate positive change. Through CASW's comprehensive programs that encompass education, recreation, culture, and employment, families and young community members are empowered to grow as leaders.

About the Family Enrichment Center

CASW is thrilled and honored to participate in an innovative and groundbreaking endeavor within the Division of Child and Family Well-Being at ACS, aiming to establish citywide Family Enrichment Centers (FEC). These welcoming, inclusive, and secure spaces resemble homes, where community members in the Washington Heights/Inwood neighborhood can forge connections, acquire new skills, engage in diverse activities, and access vital resources for the growth and well-being of children, families, and individuals. Serving as a hub for support, information, and services, the FEC in Washington Heights/Inwood reflects the community's unique character while providing direct services, empowering activities, and valuable resources. What sets the FEC model apart is its community-driven approach. Families take the lead in shaping the centers' planning, development, and sustainability, becoming co-owners of the initiative, and are encouraged to share their expertise through volunteering and engaging in meaningful connections with neighbors and peers. Ultimately, the FEC strengthens families' protective factors, forges community bonds, and enhances resilience, contributing to the overall well-being of the Washington Heights/Inwood community.

Summary of Position

The Family Advocate assumes a crucial role in the Washington Heights and Inwood Family Enrichment Center, actively building connections and nurturing relationships with staff, local residents, and community partners. Their dedication involves collaboratively designing and delivering tailored programming and activities to meet the community's specific needs. Through providing advocacy and referrals, the Family Advocate ensures individual requirements are effectively addressed, fostering an inclusive environment that empowers community members to thrive. Beyond program development and participant support, they actively contribute to establishing a welcoming and inclusive community hub. Guided by the protective factors model, the Family Advocate integrates resilience, relationships, knowledge, support, communication, economic mobility, and community into center operations, promoting a sense of support, connection, and empowerment. Their commitment to relationship-building, meaningful programming, and community resilience drives positive change and transformation within the Washington Heights and Inwood community.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement monthly outreach plans to establish partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including educators, community leaders, law enforcement, local businesses, and community-based organizations.
• Collaborate with a team of parents, subject experts, and residents to deliver monthly events and offerings at the FEC, fostering community engagement and involvement.
• Serve as a liaison between clients and external organizations, facilitating access to essential services and resources such as education, healthcare, and social support.
• Engage in proactive outreach activities to encourage community members, including parents and youth, to visit the FEC and actively participate in co-designing relevant offerings.
• Promote collaboration, cooperation, and stakeholder buy-in to ensure the success and impact of FEC activities, while effectively managing program data, resources, and the physical space of the center.

Degree & Experience Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include either: a Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of relevant experience; or a High School Diploma and at least five (5) years of relevant experience.
• Relevant experience includes managerial and/or leadership roles in community organizing, community-led programs, coalitions, or other community-driven service delivery.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of and commitment to the Washington Heights and Inwood community.
• Strong interpersonal skills, be able to connect with and engage children, youth and families
• Knowledge and experience in youth and young adult programming, as well as conducting community events.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, enabling effective communication and collaboration with staff, participants, and community members at all levels.
• Commitment to working from a trauma-informed, strength-based, youth, and family development perspective.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of one or more of the FEC frameworks (equity, co-design, Appreciative Inquiry, Family Protective Factors) or other frameworks/approaches with similar components.
• Fluency in the Spanish language.