Family Advocate

Family Advocate

Commonpoint is a non-profit, multi-service agency with flagship sites in Little Neck, Bayside, Forest Hills, East Elmhurst, and Jamaica with 80 additional sites throughout the community that provides a diverse array of programs and services to over 85,000 individuals. The mission is to sustain and enhance the quality of family and individual life for all members of our community, regardless of religion, ethnic or cultural background, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual preference, age, or disability, within a pervasive and inclusive environment that facilitates individual growth, meets individual needs and builds community.

We accomplish this mission through a broad range of social, educational, and recreational services that reach community members of all ages and backgrounds.

Within our framework of holistic, strength-focused, and family-supported practice, an individual hired as the Family Advocate of the Family Enrichment Center (FEC) will report directly to the Director of the Family Enrichment Center. The FEC will be a warm and welcoming community gathering space located in Queens. It will serve as a place where any member of the community can seek support, information, and services.

Designed with a home-like atmosphere that mirrors the surrounding community, the FEC will provide direct services, activities, and resources aimed at promoting family well-being and empowerment. Through collaboration with FEC staff, families will play a pivotal role in driving the planning, development, and sustainable co-ownership of the center. Families participating in FEC programs will be encouraged to contribute their expertise through co-designing and volunteering opportunities, fostering meaningful engagement with neighbors and peers.

The FEC's objective is to enhance families' protective factors while fostering community connections, capacity, and resilience by working with families and local leaders to identify community strengths and develop programs (called "offerings").

• Bachelor's degree required in social work, public policy, education, public administration, or related field; and three (3) years of professional experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a strongly preferred.
• Reside in or near the Briarwood FEC community, or reside close enough to arrive promptly, in the event of an emergency.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to warmly connect with and engage children, youth, and adults individually and in groups.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiar with the community and its assets and resources, such as other programs, services, supports, local civic groups, and community leaders.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks effectively in a fast-paced, challenging, and constantly changing environment.
• Must have a commitment to work from a trauma-informed, strength-based, youth and family development perspective.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends, attending community events is required.
• Demonstrate unwavering commitment to social justice principles in all interactions within the community.
• Demonstrated ability to establish a strong rapport with an urban adolescent population and their families.
• Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Zoom required, familiarity with Protools, Canva, Social media management, and Salesforce preferred.
• Experience in audio engineering, multimedia production, and digital content creation is highly desirable. Candidates with experience in audio recording, podcast production, photography, videography, graphic design, or digital media production are encouraged to apply. Proficiency with professional software such as Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, Logic Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Cap Cut, Canva, or comparable platforms, as well as experience operating professional audio, video, photography, and lighting equipment, is considered a strong asset.

• The Family Advocate is responsible for contributing to the day-to-day operation of the FEC including building connections with other staff, residents, and community partners; co-designing and delivering relevant programming and activities (offerings); providing advocacy and making referrals for participants; and creating a warm and inviting gathering place for families and individuals using the protective factors model to support community resilience.
• Coordinate meetings, provide support, and collaborate with a team of local parents, subject experts, and other residents to deliver monthly events and activities (offerings) held at the FEC.
• Foster a culture of respect built on the belief that families and communities possess the inherent strengths and knowledge needed to succeed given the right access to opportunities and support.
• Provide advocacy, outreach, and referrals to connect participants to service providers and other programs that have resources to offer.
• Engage groups of…