Senior Life Support Coordinator

POSITION: Senior Life Support Coordinator (Full Time)

REPORTS TO: Director of Programs

About Nia Imani Family, Inc.:

Nia Imani Family's name is inspired by two of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Nia (NEE-yah) signifies purpose in KiSwahili, urging us to introspect and establish personal values and objectives that benefit our children and community, serving as a foundation for resilience in challenging times. Imani (ee-MAH-nee) translates to faith in KiSwahili, motivating us to focus on our best selves and strive for a higher quality of life for all by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our capacity to succeed and overcome challenges.

For over 29 years, Nia Imani Family has been dedicated to serving Milwaukee's most vulnerable families, many of whom face challenges such as substance abuse, violence, anxiety, depression, and other factors contributing to life instability. Since 2016, our focus has shifted to providing housing for young mothers aged 18-26 experiencing homelessness. Mothers and their children can reside at Nia Imani for up to two years, receiving comprehensive life care and community support.

Role Summary: Senior Life Support Coordinator

In the capacity of Senior Life Support Coordinator, you will collaborate with a team to assist young mothers aged 18-25, along with their children from birth to five years, including first-time mothers. Your responsibilities will include assessing fundamental needs, identifying obstacles to education and employment, offering individual and small group support, resolving conflicts, and ensuring follow-up. Your expertise will also be utilized within the Umoja Community Center, The Sankofa Club, and Nia Imani Family Ujamaa retail space. A strong passion for the mission of Nia Imani Family is essential, along with the ability to effectively support the Executive Director and Director of Programs in both programmatic and administrative tasks, managing essential daily operations of a life skills and transitional housing initiative. A positive demeanor, strong communication skills, and sound judgment are critical.

Key Responsibilities

PROGRAM SUPPORT DUTIES:

· Assist the Executive Director and Director of Programs with Life Navigation skills and program-related tasks that support families in the Young Mothers Transitional Program.

· Collect intake information and conduct assessments of participants' strengths, needs, and interests.

· Advocate for participants with external service providers and offer community resource referrals as necessary.

· Listen to participants' concerns and provide constructive feedback.

· Aid participants in identifying their goals and support them throughout the process of achieving them.

· Evaluate participants' physical and mental wellness, needs, and capabilities to develop a tailored life skills plan.

· Provide crisis management and support to participants and staff as required.

· Deliver culturally appropriate services.

· Build rapport with participants through engagement in activities at the family center.

· Employ various techniques to assist participants in enhancing their social skills.

· Guide participants in implementing necessary changes to meet their goals.

· Offer encouragement and constructive feedback to participants.

· Demonstrate effective methods for helping participants establish bedtime routines for their children.

· Conduct home visits to assist participants with household management, meal preparation, and maintaining orderly living spaces.

· Engage participants in ongoing discussions regarding their individual goals.

· Hold one-on-one meetings with participants weekly or bi-weekly, as needed.

· Monitor and document participants' progress.

· Utilize positive communication to motivate participants in their goal pursuits.

· Maintain timely documentation.

· Facilitate life skills support group sessions.

· Guide participants in managing daily tasks to foster their progress.

· Collaborate with participants on personal budgeting and savings plans.

· Conduct regular urine analysis as needed.

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

· Keep organized and current administrative records of program participants in physical files and regularly update case notes and plans in the data management system.

CHILDREN'S SUPPORT DUTIES

· Create a developmentally appropriate environment in the group room that reflects children's learning and growth.

· Plan, assess, and enhance the physical environment in the group room to meet the evolving needs of children.

· Provide responsive care to all children, tailoring daily routines to individual and group needs.

· Maintain cleanliness and order in the room.

· Communicate with the Senior Life Support Coordinator regarding group room requirements and daily updates.

· Document children's progress using the Muhindi form daily.

· Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

· Exhibit strong communication, problem-solving, and prioritization skills while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.

· Report any concerns to the Senior Life Support Coordinator.

· Meet with mothers as necessary to review progress and plan future steps.

FAMILY CENTER TASKS

· Change bedding as required.

· Remove dirty laundry and notify the life coach for washing.

· Empty diaper disposal units.

· Collect soiled baby items for laundry and inform the life coach.

· Stock cleaning supplies as directed by the Senior Life Support Coordinator.

· Ensure the toy room is cleaned after each use.

· Dispose of trash daily.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

· Compassionate and patient, with the ability to connect with participants from diverse backgrounds.

· Inspire and motivate participants to adhere to their plans and objectives.

· Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey plans and goals to participants, family members, and team members while maintaining accurate case records.

· Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

· Flexibility to adjust plans/goals as necessary for optimal outcomes.

· Proactive and willing to assist as needed.

· Demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and dependability, following up on tasks with minimal supervision.

· Collaborate effectively with others to set goals, resolve issues, and make decisions.

· Ability to lift and move light to heavy objects (up to 25 lbs.) and navigate stairs.

· High level of self-awareness, cultural competence, and emotional intelligence, with a leadership style that values and respects every individual.

· Possess a sense of humor and a positive outlook.

· Trauma-informed care:

o Willingness to learn and implement trauma-informed care practices.

o Commitment to attending webinars, meetings, and workshops to enhance knowledge and improve trauma-informed care practices.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

· Education: A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field is preferred. Candidates with a diploma and significant relevant experience will also be considered.

· Experience: Proven experience in leadership or supervisory roles within social services or community support organizations.

· Skills: Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational abilities. Proficient in developing and implementing programs and effectively managing a team.

· Commitment: Strong dedication to empowering individuals and families through comprehensive support services.

Compensation:

· Full-Time Salary: $35,000 - $40,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

· Vacation Days, Sick, and Personal Days: 5 sick days, 5 personal days annually after the probationary period. 2 weeks' vacation after one year of employment.

Health Coverage: To be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

Application Process

If you are interested in joining Nia Imani Family and contributing to the empowerment of families, we encourage you to prepare a motivational cover letter addressing the following questions:

1. What are your greatest hopes if selected for this position?
2. What combination of skills, experience, and attitude qualify you for this role?
3. What would success look like for you in this position?
4. What support would help you achieve this success?

Submit your application, including the motivational letter, resume, and three (3) references. Applications lacking the required materials will not be considered.