ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP’s extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior citizens, from school-aged children to homeless families, from non-profit organizations to local employers.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Baby University (Baby U) is a part of the Community Engagement and Family Support Division under the Department of Human Service Programs for the City of Cambridge. Baby U is an intensive family support program, serving Cambridge families with at least one child under the age of 4, with priority given to families living in public or subsidized housing. Through a strengths-based, racial equity lens, Baby U supports families by providing evidence-based parent education, access to local resources and supports, and opportunities to develop community. Reporting to the Manager of the Center for Families (CFF), the Baby U Coordinator’s specific duties include, but are not limited to the following:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• With support of the Center for Families Program Manager and Baby U Family Services Coordinator, supervise Baby U staff.

• Manage Baby U evaluation efforts, including the gathering of data and its analysis. Ensure that program improvements, based on evaluations, are integrated.

• Manage overall Baby U budget in collaboration with Director of Community Engagement and Family Support Division and CFF program manager.

• Facilitate with Baby U Family Services Coordinator and other staff, 14 parent education workshops and playgroups (Saturday mornings currently January - May) during the Core Program.

• Partnering with the Baby U Family Services Coordinator to develop a weekly staff meeting agenda and co-facilitate the meeting.

• Conduct home and/or community visits to families enrolled in the program and carry a small caseload of families.

• Outreach , interview, onboard and supervise a masters-level social work intern from an accredited graduate program.

• Alongside  the Baby U Family Services Coordinator, review and develop curriculum for all parent education workshops and playgroups. Ensure that content creates space for parent reflection, is accessible for different literacy levels, and is culturally relevant. Support other facilitators to deliver content.

• Alongside  the Baby U Family Services Coordinator, order and organize materials for Baby U Core Program, including developmentally-appropriate books, toys, and classroom supplies.

• In collaboration with the Program Manager and Baby U Family Services Coordinator, prepare annual program calendar that includes one Core Program and Baby U Alumni Association events: support groups, workshops, field trips, and community building events.

• Hold current and future concrete support projects for Baby U families, including holiday support and back-to-school resources.

• Oversee childcare implementation and staffing. Identify, interview, and hire childcare workers for Core Program and Alumni Association events.  Train and supervise childcare workers during Core Program.  Ensure there are adequate resources to provide safe and appropriate care for the number of children enrolled in childcare. Work with families and the Childcare Coordinator to resolve any challenges.

• With Baby U Family Services Coordinator and Baby U staff, create and implement recruitment plan for Baby U core program.

• Develop and facilitate professional development for Baby U and Center for Families staff. 

• Provide consultation to Center for Families staff regarding families served and provide support directly to the Center’s families as needed.

• Collaborate with City of Cambridge/partner organizations to ensure a continuum of support and services for Baby U families and staff.

• Actively engage in and support the Department’s Race and Equity Initiative.

• Perform their duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Three years supervising staff required
• Experience with group facilitation and curriculum development
• Experience working in human service and community mental health
• Three years’ experience working with diverse populations of young children and families required
• Familiarity with family support principals and/or early education required
• Experience managing budgets required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good computer/technology skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
• Strong organizational skills
• Interest in continuing own professional development, including ongoing cultural humility and racial affinity/cross-cultural trainings.
• Commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. The City of Cambridge’s workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Master’s degree in relevant field preferred.

• Grant writing experience.

• Knowledge of the Cambridge community is an asset.

CORI Requirements:

This position is subject to Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) checks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMODATIONS:

• Standard office environment. Fluorescent lighting, carpeted floors, and air conditioning. Moderate to loud noise level.
• Moderately to very noisy classroom or gym setting with fluorescent lighting for programming.
• Travel to families’ homes or other locations in the community to offer support.
• This position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City’s Telework Policy depending on operational needs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Vacation and Sick leave eligible.

• Paid parental leave.

• Sick Incentive Pay Eligible.

• 3 Personal days.

• 14 Paid Holidays.

• Management Allowance, $2,700/year.

• City employee commuter benefits (T-Pass reimbursement Bluebikes membership, EZRide Shuttle membership)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the below documents to complete your application: 

• Resume

• Cover Letter