REPORTS TO: Assistant Vice President of Programs

SUPERVISES: N/A

LOCATIONS: South End (4 Days/Week) Jamaica Plain (1 Day/Week)

MISSION: Ellis partners with families to provide high-quality early childhood education and out-of-school programs in a warm, nurturing environment. A recognized leader in our field, we support children across the socio-economic spectrum, treasure diversity in all forms, and celebrate the joy of childhood.

Ellis (formerly known as Ellis Memorial) is a vibrant, Boston-based nonprofit with a rich history founded in 1885. Ellis provides high quality early education and care for infants, toddlers and preschool children. Ellis is among the most socio-economically, racially, and culturally diverse organizations serving children in Boston. Through a partnership with Boston Public Schools, it operates four high performing K1 (UPK) classrooms. Ellis serves over 250 children annually at its two centers in the South End and one center in Jamaica Plain. Learn more about us at www.ellisearlylearning.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Family Support Navigator (FSN) will connect Ellis families from our South End and Jamaica Plain locations with various programs and resources, and support families' successful participation and/or enrollment in relevant programs. To build the trust and relationships necessary for success, the Family Support Navigator will need to form meaningful and professional relationships with Ellis families. The FSN will also develop strong relationships with identified partner organizations. Working in collaboration with the Ellis Social Worker, and together with Ellis partners, the Family Support Navigator will help promote delivery of multi-sector supports and services in a manner that works for families.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Get to know possible partner programs and available resources in the community, including but not limited to those around job training, fitness, food and nutrition, financial and legal services, behavioral health services, and housing support. Continuously monitor new opportunities for collaboration and partnership in the community.
• Curate and/or a suite of resources and supports to be available onsite or proximate to Ellis, and engage non-enrolled community members to maximize partner program participation.

• Equip the Ellis sites to act as a hub of resources, supports, and programming for families with young children in and around the South End and Jamaica Plain.
• Serve as a navigator for families seeking to connect with supports and services available in the building and around the neighborhood.
• Strategically schedule activities happening within the building to remove barriers to participation.
• Think innovatively about how to remove barriers to health, wellness, financial security, and joyful parenting.
• Serve as a member of a collaborative family support team at partner early learning centers.
• Primarily stationed at an Ellis front desk, greet and be visible to families to ensure strong relationships are built
• Work in partnership with the Ellis Social Worker to offer family support groups
• Provide coverage in infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms when needed
  

The purpose of this description is to provide the major responsibilities of the position. It is not to be considered a complete statement of all elements of the work that may be performed

QUALIFICATIONS

• Exceptional ability to manage time and handle multiple tasks and priorities
• Demonstrated ability to deeply know and support families
• Demonstrated ability to connect people and foster community
• Attention to detail and highly flexible
• Excellent communication skills with a positive, warm demeanor
• Strong ability to work in a collaborative environment

• Understanding of relevant systems, services, and processes (e.g., Individualized Education Plan [IEP] development)

• Familiarity and ability to work effectively with families of diverse racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural (e.g., LGBTQ, military) backgrounds
• Dual or multi-lingual applicants are encouraged to apply

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Full time (40 hr/week) position. Ellis is committed to providing competitive compensation and benefits commensurate with the professional qualifications and responsibilities of its staff.