Background: Family Promise Metrowest (FPM) is a regional not for profit
organization that offers a community response to families with children
who are facing homelessness by providing shelter, transitional living,
and homelessness prevention and shelter diversion support. We are proud
of our success in helping families reach individual goals that move them
away from homelessness and into sustainable employment and housing.
We?re a dedicated, inclusive, and diverse team that respects all people,
communities, and cultures. The Local Initiative for Family Empowerment
Program (LIFE) is an eviction prevention and shelter diversion program
that supports families who are at risk of eviction and/ or shelter
entry. This position involves assessing clients\' housing needs,
coordinating resources, advocating for clients, and providing ongoing
support to ensure housing stability. The Family Support Specialist
collaborates with various stakeholders, including clients, social
service agencies, landlords, and government entities, to address
barriers to housing and promote self-sufficiency. Responsibilities: ?
Respond and screen intake calls on designated day and determine family
eligibility. ? Refer callers to program leadership as appropriate. ?
Provide community resource referrals to ineligible families. ? Capture
relevant data for intake calls in the Case Management system. ?
Interview prospective LIFE participant(s) in person or virtual. ?
Complete intake and a detailed needs assessment with each family within
48 hours of their placement into the program. ? Develop individualized
housing plans with clients, setting achievable goals in 7 areas of need
that include housing, parenting, employment, education, finance, health,
and transportation. ? Provide ongoing case services, including regular
check-ins, goal review, and problem-solving. ? Offer crisis intervention
and assistance in resolving housing-related conflicts or emergencies. ?
Connect clients with community resources for additional support, such as
enrichment activities, education, childcare, and healthcare services. ?
Work collaboratively with other providers in the area to ensure
coordination of services. ? Maintain detailed, up-to-date case notes and
telephone contact log on participant?s progress. ? Attend weekly
supervision meetings with the LIFE Program Coordinator to review
caseload and discuss any concerns or problems identified. ? Attend &
participate in weekly program meeting and staff meetings as scheduled. ?
Advocate for clients? rights to fair housing and access to essential
services. ? Raise awareness about housing issues within the community
through outreach activities, workshops, and educational events. ?
Collaborate with local organizations, government agencies, and
policymakers to address systemic barriers to affordable housing and
homelessness prevention. ? Bachelor?s or Associate degree in social
work, psychology, counseling, or a related field OR equivalent work/
lived experience strongly encouraged. Organized, enthusiastic individual
with good judgment and empathy for others. Must be independent,
self-motivated, reliable, and passionate about our mission. ? Strong
communication, interpersonal, and advocacy skills. ? Knowledge of local
housing resources, rental assistance programs, and landlord-tenant laws.
Possess a strong work ethic and the capacity to recognize strengths in
others while providing inspiration, respect, and positive feedback to
those being served. Ability to work effectively with diverse
populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, mental
illness, and more