At a Glance
- Tasks: Build community relationships and create opportunities for students to thrive.
- Company: Join FSRI, a leader in community service with a 130-year legacy.
- Benefits: Comprehensive health benefits, flexible schedule, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values every applicant's unique background.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in human services or related field; experience with youth preferred.
The predicted salary is between 34650 - 42350 £ per year.
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. 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 as 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 anyway. 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.
FSRI - Community Engagement Specialist, South County Academy in Exeter employer: The City of Providence
Family Service of Rhode Island (FSRI) is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact in the community, particularly through its South County Academy program. With a strong focus on employee growth and a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental coverage, FSRI fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and collaboration. Located in Exeter, Rhode Island, employees have the unique opportunity to work closely with adolescents facing complex challenges while being part of a mission-driven organisation that has been improving the lives of families for over 130 years.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FSRI - Community Engagement Specialist, South County Academy in Exeter
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at The City of Providence.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from The City of Providence!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like The City of Providence, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at The City of Providence or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace FSRI - Community Engagement Specialist, South County Academy in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to The City of Providence:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The City of Providence! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The City of Providence
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
