Family Engagement Specialist

GSGBC is seeking a passionate and dedicated Family Engagement Specialist to build strong, trusting relationships with parents and families.

Mission: The mission of Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club (GSGBC) is to empower girls and boys in the St. Louis metropolitan area, especially those who need us most, to realize their physical, intellectual, and emotional potential.

Vision: We aspire to help youth build strong, supportive relationships that allow them to safely explore and discover new skills, ideas and opportunities to reach their fullest potential.

Values: Deep Appreciation, Tailored Support, Social and Emotional Growth, Strong Relationships, Collaborations, Critical Thinking and Family Partnerships.

Organization Description: Since 2018, GSGBC has embraced trauma-informed care in its operations and service delivery to members and their families. Drawing from models like the Sanctuary Model, Missouri Model, and Conscious Discipline, the organization integrates trauma-informed principles into its culture and practices. Staff receive training to understand the impacts of trauma and effectively address related behaviors. The Conscious Discipline Model emphasizes safety, connection, and problem-solving, enhancing support for children’s emotional and behavioral needs. GSGBC is committed to fostering a supportive, empowering environment where members and families can thrive.

GSGBC offers afterschool and summer programming for youth ages 5-16, serving more than 700 youth annually. GSGBC supports youth development and holistic health with programs that include:  Academics, Athletics, Character Building, Healthy Living, College & Career Readiness and The Arts. The Afterschool Program runs August through May, 2:30pm-7:30pm, a Summer Camp is offered June through July, 8:00 am-5:00 pm.

Schedule & Locations:

This position is a grant funded three-year position. Extension of this position beyond the grant cycle will be determined based on funding.

The Family Engagement Specialist is a full-time, year-round employee. During the school year (August – May), the Social Services Coordinator will split their time between the three GSGBC sites, working approximately 11:00 am – 7:30 pm. During Summer Camp (June – July), the Family Engagement Specialist will be located at GSGBC’s Soulard Campus and will work approximately 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

Occasional evenings and weekends may be required for events both on- and off-site.

Primary Function:

This individual will be responsible for working with the Social Services Team and Program Team to build strong, trusting relationships with the parents and families of GSGBC youth. The Family Engagement Specialist will serve as a bridge between the Club and families—helping parents feel welcomed, informed, and involved in their children’s experiences. This individual must have general knowledge of trauma-informed care and experience empowering youth and families through meaningful engagement and support.

Responsibilities & Priorities:

·        Build healthy, respectful relationships with families and youth, with a specific focus on parent engagement and rapport

·        Utilize trauma-informed principles to provide guidance, encouragement, and support to families navigating challenges

·        Coordinate family outreach: communicate regularly with parents and caregivers, share updates about Club programs and events (including the creation and distribution of a family-focused newsletter), and connect families to needed support and community resources.

·        Plan and facilitate family-centered workshops, training, and events that encourage parental participation in the Club community

·        Partner with program staff to coordinate and co-facilitate monthly family meetings and celebrations

·        Provide parent education and resource navigation through one-on-one meetings and small group sessions

·        Assist the Membership Administrator in managing the registration process, provide direct support to families requiring assistance, and conduct follow-up outreach with families of members identified as having higher levels of need

·        Collaborate with the Social Services Manager, Social Services Coordinator, Program Leadership and Staff to ensure coordinated care and communication between Club and home

·        Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local community resources and connect families with programs and services that promote stability and well-being

·        Support family engagement initiatives that strengthen communication and partnership between families and GSGBC staff

·        Assist Program Team with registration/recruitment events

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

·        Experience working in settings that implement trauma-informed or family-centered care models.

·        Deep understanding, commitment, and belief in providing high quality social and emotional support to empower at-risk youth to develop effective adaptation and coping skills

·        Knowledge of child and adolescent development, trauma and associated therapeutic processes

·        Must be trauma aware with expectation of becoming trauma informed through additional training

·        Sensitivity, appreciation, and commitment to socioeconomic, cultural and racial diversity and LGBTQIA+

·        Deep understanding, commitment, and belief in providing best practices in social work for members and their families

·        Organized and efficient in managing time, communication, and multiple priorities

·        The ability to solve problems and process through critical thinking

·        Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to establish rapport motivate participation, and foster trust.

·        Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team

·        Punctuality and timeliness, with highly efficient use of time and resources

Qualifications:

·        Bachelor’s degree in social work, youth development, education, psychology or related field (required)

·        Minimum of two years’ experience working with youth and families in educational, social services, or community-based settings

·        Case management experience preferred

·        Proficiency in Spanish and English is highly desirable

·        Clear understanding of the work and mission of Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club and the ability to carry out the vision as defined by the Executive Director and the Club Board

·        Microsoft Office Suite proficiency and general computer skills required

·        Must have reliable transportation and ability to commute to all GSGBC locations

·        Must pass the health and employment requirements set by Department of Elementary & Secondary Education as a condition of employment

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:

·        Ability to stand, walk, and move between program spaces; occasional use of stairs.

·        Ability to sit for extended periods for documentation and meetings.

·        Frequent speaking and hearing in active, sometimes noisy environments.

·        Visual ability to observe youth behavior and read documents/computer screens.

·        Occasionally lift and carry up to 25–30 pounds (program materials and supplies).

·        Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching.

·        Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

·        Ability to travel between multiple sites; reliable transportation required.

·        Ability to respond quickly and maintain calm during crisis situations.

·        Ability to meet scheduled hours and occasional flexible/additional hours.

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pay & Benefits:

The range of pay for this position is $47,000 – $52,000 and will commiserate with experience.

This position is eligible for GSGBC benefit package. Once effective, the benefit package will include 10 days of PTO, 14 paid holidays and the following, fully-paid employee health benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance 2x annual salary, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability. Additionally, after one year of employment GSGBC provides 10% of your annual salary as a contribution to a 401k per year, a vesting schedule.

Apply: Qualified applicants submit resume to HR@gsgbcstl.org, be sure to include “Family Engagement” in the subject line.