Program Director, New Bedford Community Connections Coalition

Job Title: Program Director, New Bedford Community Connections Coalition

Reports to: Chief Impact Officer

Work Schedule: Full time, salaried, exempt position

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Introduction:

United Way of Greater New Bedford (UWGNB) strives for the health, education, financial stability and basic needs of every person in the nine communities it serves. We are actively involved in our communities, supporting organizations and strategically creating initiatives and offering services where gaps exist. Every United Way of Greater New Bedford staff member serves as an ambassador for the organization, demonstrating a culture of fundraising, service, and volunteer engagement. Since 1996, UWGNB has operated New Bedford Community Connection Coalition (NBCCC) funded by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The NBCCC works to prevent child abuse and neglect, strengthen families, and build healthier communities. NBCCC takes on a leadership role within the City of New Bedford and supports the work of Patch, which utilizes a neighborhood-based welfare practice model for families within two identified areas of New Bedford.

Position Summary:

The Director of the New Bedford Community Connections Coalition reports to the Chief Impact Officer and serves in a senior role at the United Way of Greater New Bedford. The Director coordinates the efforts of both the New Bedford Community Connections Coalition (NBCCC) and Patch. The position will focus on ensuring the Coalition is taking a significant role within the city and surrounding areas to facilitate collaborative strategies that build neighborhood-based networks of family support. Patch models link the protection work of DCF with the prevention work of family support in neighborhood-based settings.

Duties and Responsibilities:

General:

• Promote the embedding of the community-based prevention and family-community engagement work of the Patch Unit and Community Connections Coalition with the larger child- protective case practice of the United Way’s Family Resource and Development Center and the New Bedford DCF Area Office.

• Work closely with colleagues in the community to be knowledgeable about the social, health, and educational opportunities and emerging needs for families and children within our area

• Develop constructive and mutually beneficial connections with parents, youth, local service providers, community leaders, and other community stakeholders in efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect

• Collaborate with CFO on budgets, amendments, and State reporting

Specific to NBCCC:

• Coordinate the development and implementation of NBCCC’s annual action plan

• Convene NBCCC’s Advisory Board of community stakeholders on a bi-monthly basis

• Oversee the day to day activities and logistics of NBCCC including staff, volunteer, or intern oversight, financial reporting and budgetary oversight, planning and implementation of projects and external grants as necessary

• Convene and/or actively participate in collaborative community efforts to address gaps in local services for families and children with every effort to bring out the voice of parents and residents in the city

• Work closely with the Family Resource & Development Center (FRDC) and Patch Team, including the Family Advocate to identify gaps in services and supports for families

• Supervise and support the work of the NBCCC/Patch Family Advocate

• Create opportunities for parent leadership and capacity-building for families

• Prepare and maintain records, data, and reports as required by UWGNB, DCF, and other private funding sources when applicable

• Attend statewide and regional meetings and trainings, as required

• Stay current with research and best practices in the field of family support and evidence based parenting programs

• Contribute to the organization’s overall success and impact by working with the Leadership Team and other Program Directors in the implementation of new initiatives and ensure integration of program operations

• Other duties as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Chief Impact Officer

Specific to Patch:

• Model and mentor Patch staff to ensure they are providing appropriate, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed services and supports to families

• Ensure that Patch staff are connected to and aware of local community resources through presentations and site visits

• Support and strengthen already-existing or develop new partnerships between Patch staff and local institutions such as neighborhood schools, community-based and religious organizations, and neighborhood/cultural groups

• Convene the Patch Leadership Team on a bi-monthly basis to oversee the implementation and continuous monitoring of the Patch child welfare practice approach

• Develop and institute Patch case practice evaluation tools

• Support the Patch DCF staff on special projects that enhance the 5 protective factors of their Patch families

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations and a broad cross sector of the community

• Bi-Lingual/Bi-Cultural Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole highly desired

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations and a cross sector of the community

• Principles and approaches that promote family support and parent engagement

• Energetic self-starter and ability to work independently

• Highly organized

• Excellent oral and written communications skills

• Ability to problem solve and access resources in a complex environment

• Experience in needs assessments, program planning, and outcomes measurements

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related human services field with a minimum of 3 years’ experience working with at-risk families and communities. Familiarity with community resources for families with children and the state agency’s health and human service provisions for families and children, particularly DCF.

• A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle is required, as well as a willingness to work some evenings and occasional weekends

Candidates should email resume and cover letter to: liveunited@unitedwayofgnb.org and list in the subject line New Bedford Community Connections Coalition Program Director.

United Way of Greater New Bedford is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, medical condition, status as an individual with a disability, or any other basis applicable by law. United Way of Greater New Bedford strives to foster an inclusive and empowering environment for all employees.

Salary: $58,000 - $62,000

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• Dental insurance

• Health insurance

• Paid time off

• Parental leave