Job Title: Client Services Specialist

Supervisor: Program Manager

Positions Supervised:  None

About Us: The Father Center of New Jersey is an innovative community organization that believes that children grow best when father figures are involved in their lives. Some fathers face challenges that prevent them from being fully engaged with their children, and we are here to support them – including adolescents, juvenile offenders, and ex-offenders who are re-entering the community. We provide opportunities for growth and success in a safe and comfortable space.

The Father Center offers fathers the emotional, social, and economic resources to improve their lives and those of their children. From stress management training and anger management programs to adult computer classes, we support fathers in gaining the life skills to be there for their families. We believe that when fathers are empowered to be good parents, the entire community benefits.

Purpose of the Position: The Client Services Specialist (CSS) is responsible for conducting outreach, engaging and retaining participant population through assessment and provision of needed job readiness services, child support advocacy/education, case management and appropriate referrals.

Responsibilities:  

• Initiate Intake Form to determine baseline needs of clients. Provide direct service and support to individuals or clients, such as handling a referral for child advocacy issues, providing information and referral, or resolving complaints. Deliver client-centered services to enhance life skills and encourage emotional development.
• Establish and maintain relationships with other agencies and organizations in the community to meet community needs and to ensure that services are not duplicated. Speak to community groups to explain and interpret agency purposes, programs, and policies.
• Conduct employment assessment in conjunction with testing tools to establish clients’ skills, educational level, strengths and weaknesses to assess and prepare for work readiness.
• Connect and build relationships with employers and develop job opportunities. Facilitate job search and work simulation activities such as completing applications/resumes, mock interviews, computer training, and job shadowing.
• Perform wrap-around case management and develop individual action plans with participants to determine steps, services needed, and time frames for achievement of employment, educational and other specified goals.
• Lead anger management, parenting, and/or job readiness group sessions to include life skills with referrals as needed, personal appearance and presentation, goal setting, time management, motivation, etc.
• Perform data collection and data entry to track participants’ progress, record statistical information and complete contractual reports. Attend case conferences and operations meetings as required to maintain contractual compliance.
• Participate in all Father Center agency events including client engagement activities, staff retreats, and fundraisers.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of issues involving disadvantaged adult males in urban environment; Resourceful with working knowledge of county social service system; Computer literate; Team player; Strong oral and written communication; Detail-oriented in completing paperwork and meeting deadlines; Skill in providing effective coaching, training, and group sessions; ability to motivate others; knowledge of trauma-informed care; culturally competent

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited social work, psychology, or counseling program with at least three years of relevant human services experience preferred; Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary; Possession of valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle with ability to travel to various locations; Ability to speak Spanish is a plus.

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to Marc Warren, [email protected].