Organizational Summary

Union Settlement is an East Harlem based nonprofit organization founded in 1895. For 128 years, Union Settlement has provided critical and innovative programming to children, youth, families, and older adults. As a pioneer of the settlement house movement, Union Settlement continues to meet the needs of the ever-changing East Harlem community through its core programs. Through these programs, New Yorkers gain opportunities, develop skills, and become empowered to pursue and achieve their dreams.

Today, Union Settlement provides services through 33 program sites in approximately 28 locations. Union Settlement’s current programmatic portfolio includes 8 core program areas: Early Childhood Education, Youth Services (including after school programs), Family Services (including the Family Enrichment Center and the Family Childcare Network), the East Harlem Community Partnership, Adult Education, Mental Health Services, Older Adult Centers, and Economic Development.  Union Settlement serves more than 10,000 individuals and nearly 1,000 businesses every year.

Strengthened by a dynamic, diverse, and collaborative workforce of more than 350 employees, Union Settlement also serves as a connector, convener, and advocate for East Harlem and its partners. To learn more about Union Settlement, visit www.unionsettlement.org

Position: Community Liaison

Department: Family Services – Family Enrichment Center

Reports to: Family Enrichment Center Director                         

Hours: Full-time

Salary: $50,000 - $58,500                                                                     

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Location: On-site

Positions Reporting to this Role:

Family Enrichment Centers

Union Settlement is seeking a Director for a Family Enrichment Center that will be opening in East Harlem.  Family Enrichment Centers (FEC) are warm and welcoming community gathering places where any family or individual can come for support, information, and to participate in and/or lead activities (called “offerings”). Each FEC is a unique, home-like setting designed with and for community members where they can connect as neighbors, contribute to their community, and support one another. FECs are based on the premise that community members design and drive the FEC’s activities or offerings. The FEC works with families and community members to develop offerings that promote one or more of family protective factors to increase well-being. The seven protective factors include the five in the Center for the Study of Social Policy’s protective factor framework (review here), as well economic mobility and relationships in the community.

FECs build on family and community strengths, are guided by the community’s interests, dreams, goals, and desires, and do so without being intrusive or using a case management approach. FECs do not follow a traditional social service delivery approach. They are 100% voluntary, safe spaces that welcome all, and respect each person’s privacy and their ability to decide how, when, and how often to interact with an FEC. 

Position Summary:

The Community Liaison contributes to the day-to-day operation of the Family Enrichment Center (FEC) by helping to develop and maintain a parent or advisory group; cultivating relationships with other community groups and stakeholders to collaborate around meeting community needs; ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the FEC program where information, referrals, and resources are freely offered and exchanged to support the needs of participants; and joining and/or creating a network of resources by serving on community district committees, attending local school meetings and events, and building relationships with local businesses and faith-based groups. The Community Development & Outreach Coordinator is focused on building connections using a warm, engaging, and enthusiastic communication style to enhance and support the family protective factors of FEC participants and community members.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and nurture collaborative and effective relationships with community stakeholders in order to provide relevant offerings and programming around key issues of significance to the community.
• Work collaboratively with local public-school staff to engage the participation of families in developing, implementing, and participating in the Family Enrichment Centers' offerings.
• Gather and disseminate resource material and referral information regarding issues and themes significant to the East Harlem community and of importance to the FEC participants.
• Train community residents, program participants, and staff in the skills of outreach, engagement, and recruitment in order to ensure full utilization of FEC programs and activities.
• Identify and develop emerging community leaders to assume leadership roles as mentors, teachers, group leaders, and constituent representatives on matters of collective impact.
• Attend Community Board meetings, school meetings, and other community-based meetings as appropriate.
• Identify and maintain up-to-date information on key community issues and trends impacting children, youth, and families.
• Promote opportunities for youth, families, and community residents to participate in FEC program planning and implementation.
• Provide opportunities for community members to work and celebrate together in order to foster a sense of belonging, pride, and mutual responsibility.
• Supervise interns and volunteers, as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with funders to develop, track and evaluate program efforts and outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and three (3) years of professional experience; or a High School diploma and five (5) years of professional experience.
• Successful experience should be in community organizing, building partnerships, and/or community-led programs.
• Knowledge of, lived experience in, and commitment to the FEC community.
• Outstanding people/interpersonal, community organizing, collaboration, and advocacy skills.
• Comfort and ease in facilitating groups of families, adults, and community stakeholders are required.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and collaboratively with all levels of staff, participants, and community members, with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings or weekends as needed to attend community meetings/events and/or program activities.
• Deep understanding of the East Harlem Community.

COR E CO M P E T E N C IE S

• Leading Others: Creates a sense of urgency throughout the organization on the importance of achieving Inspires, influences, and enables team members to reach their goals
• Facilitating Change: Approaches challenges with creativity and Demonstrates analytical thinking. Guides change to meet Union Settlement’s goals.
• Managing Performance: Evaluates and revises goals semi-annually with the team. Provides consistent supervision and documents performance highlights and concerns
• Applying and Developing Expertise: Embraces and leads the team to achieve milestones. Seeks and supports professional development opportunities for team Manages finances and budgets effectively
• Communicating and Collaborating: Listens well and actively engages with others with honesty and integrity and holds team accountable to the same standard

Union Settlement’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment