Community Engagement Specialist - South County Academy

FSRI is always looking for candidates that want to make a positive impact on the community! 

About the Program

South County Academy (SCA), a program of Family Service of Rhode Island and in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), is a residential treatment program upholding RIDE standards located in Exeter, Rhode Island. The Academy serves up to 16 adolescent females, ages 13 to 17, who have experienced trauma and present with complex behavioral health needs. Students live in single-bedroom accommodations and are supported by staff 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our clinical model is grounded in evidence-based practice, including Trauma Systems Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Restorative Practices. On-site academic instruction allows students to continue their education without interruption.

Position Summary: The Community Engagement Specialist (CES) is an outward facing, non-clinical position. Responsible for building and expanding the program’s relationships outside its walls, and for turning those relationships into real opportunities for students. Develops and maintains a working inventory of community partners, including employers, volunteer sites, faith communities, libraries, recreation departments, youth sports and arts organizations, vocational and pre-employment programs, colleges, and local businesses. The Coordinates the logistics of community access so that students leave campus regularly and safely and builds the practical skills students need to navigate a community on their own. Supports the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) principle that a young person’s connection to her own home community must be maintained during placement, not rebuilt at discharge.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, communications, recreation, education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
• Skilled in operating various medical record software and hardware, word-processing, and database software programs
• Experience working with adolescents and young adults required. Experience with youth who have trauma histories or behavioral health needs strongly preferred.
• Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to communicate with external stakeholders in a courteous and professional manner.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Self-motivated, resourceful, able to manage multiple projects, and highly attentive to detail.
• Spanish Speaking preferred and is compensated
• Willingness and capability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends, since community activities frequently occur outside standard business hours.
• Excellent multitasking and communication skills necessary
• Ability to work independently and part of a team    

Physical Requirements: This position requires community visits, employees in this position must have the ability to:

• Current driver’s license, reliable transportation, registration, and auto insurance   
• Ability to communicate effectively    
• Travel to and from community locations and office site, which could include using walkways, stairs, and/or elevators
• Utilize a computer and an electronic medical record to complete documentation.   
• Ability to lift up to 20lbs 
• Provide emergency coverage; ratio to the programs as needed

Don’t meet every single requirement?  Here at FSRI, we’re dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about one of our career opportunities, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be the perfect fit for this or another opportunity! 

We offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental and work life benefits.
Only together can we continue to grow and make a difference in our communities.
Join our FAMILY today!

Family Service of RI (FSRI) is a statewide organization with a 130 year track record of improving the health and well-being of children and families. We are passionate about our mission to advance opportunity and hope. FSRI’s diverse and inclusive teams – working across the Health, Healing, Home and Hope divisions, are experts in their fields, delivering strategies to positively impact lives. We provide services statewide, and currently operate in three locations in Providence; and four locations in East Providence, Smithfield and North Smithfield. 

Family Service of Rhode Island provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

FSRI determines pay based on a candidate's relevant and transferable experience, certifications, licenses, degree and language ability.