Resource Development Specialist

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Resource Development specialist supports the Innovative Family Supports unit by identifying and coordinating community services that can be leveraged to assist birth families working toward reunification.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Develop and continually update a comprehensive resource guide for local family assistance. Areas of support include housing, furniture, mental health, substance abuse, workforce development, food, healthcare, utility assistance, and any other program servicing families in need in Washington, DC;

· Provide assistance with identification and coordination of atypical support resources as needed;

· Conduct site visits to identified community resources, building an individualized relationship with service providers that can assist in more timely and meaningful referral streams;

· Team with Parent Advocates to identify services and assistance required by active clients and facilitate referral and direct communication with the identified provider;

· Assist Parent Advocates with referrals and paperwork for established government assistance programs such as Rapid Re-housing, Rehabilitative Services Administration, or Human Services Administration;

· Identify gaps in service availability and waiting lists, working with the Program Manager to identify alternative sources of relief or assistance when needed;

· Attend Family Support unit team meetings to ensure continuity and team cohesion is providing quality client services;

· Serve as primary liason for the DC neighborhood collaboratives, building working relationships with points of contact to ensure strong knowledge of available services, referral methods, and eligibility requirements;

· Serve as primary contact for charitable organizations seeking to provide goods or assistance to birth families and youth served by the Innovative Family Services program;

· Participate in all unit trainings;

· Participate in all data collection and quality assurance procedures within the Innovative Family Services program.

QUALIFICATION:

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

· Able to handle a multitask environment and manage time effectively;

· Conflict resolution and negotiation skills;

· Natural inclination of urgency and diligence in accomplishing work tasks and goals;

· Comfort in various environments, including independent visits to different homes and neighborhoods.

· High school diploma and a familiarity with Resource Development and identification..

· Experience in working with families and familiarity with the Washington, DC service network.

· Demonstrated experience working with interdisciplinary teams utilizing innovative strategies to overcome obstacles.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, run, twist, kneel, and climb. The employee is required to utilize hand and eye coordination and manual agility. The employee is required to reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear. The employee may be required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.