FCRC Fatherhood Engagement Specialist

Job Title: Fatherhood Engagement Specialist

Department: Family & Community Resource Center (FCRC)

Reports to: FCRC Program Manager

Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) 

Type: In-Person Role

FLSA: Non-Exempt 

A. Overview

Family Services of the Merrimack Valley is seeking a full-time Fatherhood Engagement Specialist to join its Lawrence-based Family & Community Resource Center (FCRC). The FCRC provides parent education programs, youth and parent support groups, information and referral services, educational support, cultural events, and other opportunities that strengthen families with children from birth through age 18.

The Fatherhood Engagement Specialist will be an integral member of the FCRC team, providing direct support to fathers, father figures, and families experiencing challenges that impact family stability and well-being. The Specialist will provide intake and assessment, parent education, information and referral services, peer support, and individualized case management while promoting positive father involvement and healthy family relationships.

This position will lead fatherhood-focused programming and community engagement efforts. The Specialist will also support capacity-building initiatives for professionals by coordinating and facilitating trainings that enhance knowledge and skills related to father engagement and positive father-child relationships. Additionally, the Specialist will assist fathers in navigating systems of care, accessing community resources, and strengthening their role within their families and communities.

B. Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with community outreach, participant recruitment, and engagement activities, with a special focus on recruiting and retaining fathers and father figures.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies to increase father participation in FCRC programs and services.
• Conduct comprehensive intake and assessments for all referred families, utilizing standardized tools and capturing all required data.
• Provide individualized supportive services, including the creation of individualized development plans, coaching, advocacy, and ongoing support.
• Coordinate a system of support services for fathers and families, facilitating participation and linking families to appropriate community resources.
• Facilitate evidence-based parenting education curricula, fatherhood workshops, and peer support groups for fathers.
• Plan and facilitate a minimum of four annual fatherhood capacity-building trainings for professionals and coordinate an annual Fatherhood Promotion Fair.
• Provide peer support and mentoring to fathers experiencing challenges related to parenting, co-parenting, employment, housing, family stability, and reunification.
• Assist fathers in navigating systems of care, including the Department of Children and Families (DCF), probation and court systems, child support services, schools, healthcare providers, and other community-based systems.
• Support fathers in understanding their rights, responsibilities, and available resources while promoting positive family involvement and healthy co-parenting relationships.
• Collect and enter all required client data and maintain accurate documentation of program activities and outcomes.
• Provide translation and interpretation support for Spanish-speaking participants and assist other FCRC staff as needed.
• Work with participants to build self-sufficiency and strengthen their ability to independently navigate systems of care.
• Represent the FCRC at community meetings, coalitions, trainings, and public events.
• Collaborate with community partners to expand resources, services, and opportunities available to fathers and families.
• Participate in agency trainings, supervision, and professional development activities.
• Other duties as assigned or requested.

C. Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related field required; or a High School Diploma or GED with a minimum of four years of relevant experience working with low-income, vulnerable families and facilitating support groups or educational programs may be substituted for the degree requirement.
• Fluency in English and Spanish required.
• Ability to work 2 evenings per week and 1 Saturday per month.
• Demonstrated cultural humility and the ability to effectively engage diverse populations.
• Strong communication, facilitation, engagement, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organizational, documentation, and data entry skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and database systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Reliable, dependable, and punctual.
• Access to reliable transportation to conduct agency business. Must maintain an acceptable driving record and appropriate automobile insurance coverage.

D. Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with fathers, fatherhood initiatives, family engagement programs, family support services, or community-based outreach programs strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of DCF, child support enforcement, probation, family court systems, and other systems affecting children and families preferred.

ABOUT FAMILY SERVICES OF THE MERRIMACK VALLEY

Family Services is a non-profit, social service organization located in Lawrence, MA. The organization helps more than 7,000 people in the Merrimack Valley each year through 20+ programs focused on youth development, parent education and emotional health. All of its services are infused with a sense of hope and possibility and enable individuals to thrive in their family, community, workplace and school. For more information, please visit www.FSMV.org. FSMV is an equal opportunity employer.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• This is a 40 hour per week, non-exempt, benefited position with a pay range of $22-$23 per hour, commensurate upon experience. 
• Benefits include competitive health and dental insurances as well as fully paid life and long-term disability insurance along with training and professional development opportunities.
• A generous time off policy for employees working 30 hours or more per week including 4 weeks of paid Earned Time Off as well as 13 paid holidays per year!
• An opportunity to work with and learn from a team of dedicated, passionate individuals in a diverse environment that serves children, youth and adults.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates please apply at https://fsmv.org/get-involved/careers/ .