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Form of workJob Description
ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH CENTRAL TEXAS
Founded in 2002, Breakthrough Central Texas is changing lives with our community and student-centric approach to postsecondary access and completion. We work with families and local stakeholders to foster investment in and bring highly sought resources to Central Texas schools. By developing authentic community partnerships, hiring experienced educators who increasingly reflect the communities we serve, and pairing them with well-trained AmeriCorps members, we are able to provide in-school and out-of-school time programs and services to thousands of deserving students each year, and support them to realize their postsecondary aspirations.
We are proud to have validated that our long-term commitment to students and their families is improving outcomes and increasing the number of first-generation college graduates in the region. Data show that Breakthrough participants are consistently outperforming their peers in on-time high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment, and postsecondary degree and certificate attainment. Breakthrough Central Texas is poised to leverage the state’s favorable policy environment, abundant current and developing partnerships and its latest strategic plan, in the direction of the organization’s new north star: promoting equity in college attainment rates across the entire Austin region. Toward that end, by 2025, Breakthrough will expand its impact to serve more than 4,000 students in Central Texas.
WHY WORK AT BREAKTHROUGH CENTRAL TEXAS?
The Breakthrough Central Texas team firmly believes in the potential of all students, and their right to postsecondary success and self-determined lives of choice. Join us if you are committed to making college-going and degree attainment accessible for the youth in our region, while also fostering an inclusive team culture that supports us all to do our best work.
ABOUT THE STUDENT & FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST ROLE
The Student & Family Support Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the mission and objectives of our non-profit education organization by providing essential non-academic wrap-around support to students, and their families. This position focuses on creating a nurturing and supportive environment within the organization, promoting mental and emotional well-being, and addressing the unique social and emotional needs of our community.
Specific responsibilities of the Student & Family Support Specialistocial Worker include:
Collaboration and Resource Coordination:
- Collaborate with program leadership, advisors , and other relevant staff to identify students' social and emotional needs and develop appropriate intervention protocols.
- Work closely with external agencies, community resources, and families to provide comprehensive support services.
- Evaluate current resource structure, and provide recommendations for continual improvement and systems redesign for Student and Family Support.
- Build and maintain Breakthrough’s list of partner agencies to support the wellbeing of students, including school, government, and community resources to support students and families in need of housing, rental assistance, utility relief, access to food, and other services.
- Manage Breakthrough’s partnership with mental health providers, including the process for staff referral for care.
Crisis Intervention and Support:
- As needed, provide counseling and emotional support to students and their families as they navigate crises.
- In collaboration with other program saff, respond to student or family crisis situations, such as incidents of trauma or emotional distress, and provide immediate support and referrals as necessary.
- Manage a small caseload of up to 10 students who are referred by Breakthrough advisors, as-needed, for temporary support during a challenge or crisis, would benefit from support navigating external agencies or resources.
- Develop crisis intervention plans and procedures to ensure a safe and supportive environment for students and staff.
Education and Training:
- Conduct training sessions and workshops for staff and summer teaching staff to raise awareness of social and emotional issues and equip them with effective strategies for supporting students.
- Provide information and resources to staff and families on topics related to mental health and well-being.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Maintain accurate records of all interactions and services provided to staff, students, and families.
- Prepare reports and assessments as required by the organization and regulatory agencies.
Advocacy:
- Advocate for the needs and rights of students and their families across multiple agencies, particularly in cases involving at-risk populations or those with unique challenges: those experiencing housing or food insecurity, domestic abuse and/or partner-based violence, and supporting communication to state and local agencies and services such as SNAP, MAP, etc.
- Attend and/or support occasional programmatic and student/family-centric events.
- Perform other job-related duties as required
ABOUT YOU
You are a strong candidate for the Student & Family Support Specialist role if, above all, you are a champion for closing the opportunity gap and increasing social and economic equity and mobility through educational attainment. You are a proven systems builder with an ability to develop and improve systems for greater efficiency and optimal care. You will also bring experience or demonstrated capacity in the following:
- Strong commitment to the mission and values of the organization.
- Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program.
- State licensure as a Social Worker (LCSW, LMSW, or equivalent).
- Experience in social work, preferably in an educational or non-profit setting.
- Deep knowledge and familiarity with local agencies and existing support services offered by city, county and state agencies, and or community-based organizations
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of social work ethics and principles.
- Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
- A commitment to the organization's mission and values.
- Bilingual proficiency in languages spoken within the community served a plus.
- Experience working with children and adolescents.
- Training or certification in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Student and Family Support Specialist
is a full-time position that reports to the Chief Student Support Officer (CSSO).
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Competitive annual salary between $57,000-$75,000 depending on experience and qualifications
- Health, dental and vision insurance; Breakthrough pays 100% of employee only premiums
- Long-term disability and life insurance
- Matching 401K retirement plan
- Thirty days of annualized PTO
- Generous leave policy
- Organization-paid professional develop to maintain licensure
The salary range listed represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for the year in which the position is filled. The actual salary offered for this position will depend on a number of factors including overall years of experience, relevant years of experience, skills and qualifications. At Breakthrough Central Texas, we offer a compelling total compensation packet with additional benefits.
Breakthrough Central Texas is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its relations with its applicants, staff members, and families, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender identity and gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. People of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
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