Family Support Specialist

Company: Jewish Family Service
Location: Buffalo
Posted on: January 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description ABOUT JFS For more than 150 years, Jewish Family Services of Western New York has been committed to providing high quality services to all in need in the interest of helping to "repair the world." Our services are guided by the essential connection between mental well-being, physical wellness, and positive self-worth. Our reputation is the result of our exceptional staff. In addition to offering competitive compensation and truly exceptional benefits, we are committed to providing a supportive work environment in which all employees are able to contribute their best. OUR VALUES Be a Mensch: We are ethical, kind, and admirable. We assume good intent and act with integrity. We are thoughtful and deliberative in how we support our clients, each other, and the community. “Choose generosity over judgment—every time” Be Purpose-Built: We create spaces and programs that respect clients’ individuality and opens access. We strive to meet the individual where they’re at and give them the tools to be successful Be Resolute: We work with tenacity to identify problems, seek out solutions, and get things done. Even small steps forward are acts of resilience. SUMMARY The Family Support Specialist works as part of the Community Enrichment team to promote protective factors and improved health outcomes for refugees and other vulnerable populations across Erie and Niagara Counties. This individual will work directly with community members both in the office and in the community to lead one on one and group education and support programming around topics such as positive and nurturing parenting and women’s empowerment. This individual also provides case management and other services as needed to support families in achieving their goals, such as childcare navigation, supervised visitation, and child enrichment activities. WHAT YOU'LL DO Coordinates and facilitates one on one and group parent education programming in English and or their native language, using a variety of evidence-based curricula, including The Incredible Years, Tuning Into Teens, and Nurturing Parenting. Programming may run in person or online, in the office or in the community/clients’ homes. Coordinates and facilitates Women’s Empowerment and other health promotion programming. Includes outreach and recruitment; registration; assessments; planning; facilitation; set-up and clean-up; and data collection and entry. Performs supervised visitation for Family Court and DSS-involved families Supports families in applying for the NYS childcare subsidy or scholarship, identifying appropriate childcare providers, and in becoming in home childcare providers. Conducts community outreach, promoting agency offerings within the community and providing education about the benefits of positive parenting and healthy living. Ensures retention of clients through effective communication and relationship building via additional varied supports. Supports child enrichment activities in collaboration with program staff and volunteers. Implements all program models with adherence to all program components and fidelity, including the facilitation of groups for those with low English proficiency as required by contract/grant. Participates in meetings with partner agencies to promote collaboration and continued learning. Assists in linking clients with additional services identified as needed including, but not limited to housing/household needs, health care, education, employment, and safety. Supports administrative functions of the program as per grant requirements. Attends staff meetings and consults with team members to support the delivery of culturally responsive services; and Shares cultural knowledge and perspective to improve the effectiveness of services provided by JFS staff and partners. QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience in education, social work, nursing, psychology, psychiatry, health and human services or other related field. 1 year experience working in client-facing services such as in the child protective, education, human services or health sector or working with refugee, asylee and/or immigrant population. Must speak fluent English and at least one additional language common across the WNY immigrant community, preferably Swahili. Other Qualifications: Complete all required Facilitator Certification Processes and ongoing trainings and certification as necessary. Proficient in Microsoft Word and Outlook Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills Able to travel outside the office to various sites to attend meetings and facilitate groups, visit families/individuals in their homes Ability to perform duties with a minimum of supervision and manage time effectively Ability to work flexible hours to meet the demands of the job Maintains confidentiality Competencies: Communication Intelligence - Listens to others, able to communicate issues clearly and credibly with widely varied audiences; fosters open communication and manages emotion in positive ways. Client Focus - Understands and meets client needs, whether internal or external, providing a high level of service and cooperation courteousness & sensitivity. Teamwork and Collaboration– Able to work as a member of team of staff from different departments Planning & Organization – Develops, implements, evaluates and adjusts plans to reach goals while ensuring the optimal use of resources. Detail orientation - Achieves thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing a task through concern form all the areas involved or impacted. Expectation Based on Agency Values: Must possess a complete commitment to, and understanding of, Jewish Family Services Mission, Vision & Purpose. Cultural Responsiveness – Ensure staff and programming treat each individual with respect - we honor staff and clients and meet them where they are with regard for their unique wants and needs. ( Anava ) Partnership – Ensure staff and programs develop and maintain partnerships to support health and well-being and recognize its role in helping individuals and families achieve meaningful and lasting change ( Chevrutah ) Trust - Work with integrity and be accountable to others and responsive to them to build a foundation of trust. ( Eimun ) Person Centered Care – Believe in and show through daily practice the dignity and inherent worth of every individual at every stage of life and work to address their needs as a whole person. ( B’Tselem Elohim ). WORKING CONDITIONS Will work in the office and in the community. Able to travel outside the office to various sites to attend meetings and provide support services. Valid NYS driver’s license and access to reliable transportation with sufficient insurance (100/300K) is required. Must be comfortable making home visits and providing one on one education in homes/the community, as well as leading group programming Flexible hours including days and some evenings and weekends. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Light physical activities and efforts required working in an office environment and in community settings. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Competitive salary of $21 to $28 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications. 401k retirement plan with agency contribution of 4%. 13 observed holidays annually. Early close on Fridays. The above pay range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, background, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Jewish Family Services of Western New York is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Keywords: Jewish Family Service, Buffalo , Family Support Specialist, Social Services , Buffalo, New York