ORGANIZATION PROFILE

Founded in the late 1980s, Solid Ground is an award-winning nonprofit whose proven, holistic approach helps families build the strong foundations they need to emerge from homelessness into a brighter future.

Committed to the 'Housing First' philosophy, Solid Ground moves people out of homelessness and into housing first, then provides person-centered, holistic support and services essential for long-term stability. We currently operate eight supportive housing programs throughout Ramsey and Washington Counties housing over 500 women, men and children annually.

Our mission is to prevent and end homelessness for families with children in the communities we serve through housing, resources, and opportunity.

Our vision is that every family has a safe and affordable home, where parents and children thrive in school, at work and in their community and can achieve their goals and dreams.

Our core values include: Person-Centered, Equity & Inclusion, Integrity, Community

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position assists children and their parents in accessing affordable childcare and early childhood learning opportunities and to provide educational supports to children and youth who have formally experienced homelessness.

Research shows that children who participate in high quality early care and education are more likely to experience school success and positive life-long outcomes. Making sure that children have access to high-quality care, mental health professionals and early learning opportunities will help prepare them to succeed and build the foundation needed for long-term success. This work is critical to ending the cycle of homeless for the next generation.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Collaborate with family advocates to provide support services for parents to help with services for their children
• Meet regularly with parents and children to assist them in the areas of affordable childcare and early learning opportunities as well as support the needs of at-risk school age children.
• Provide community resources and referrals as well as coordinate services with various community partners to provide a well-rounded approach
• Assist with enrolling children in local school system, attends parent-teacher conferences if requested, review IEPs with parents for better understanding and provide other school related support as needed.
• Coordinate and document all work done on behalf of participants to maintain accurate progress and recordkeeping for participants, agency, and funders.
• Assist families in obtaining and maintaining WIC benefits
• Assist families in locating a medical home for their children and follow up on well child checks, medical needs, and mental health services
• Complete appropriate questionnaire for all birth-five-year-old children and make appropriate referrals when needed
• Assist families in obtaining birth certificates for all children
• Assist families in locating and touring childcare facilities and preschools
• Assist families in locating and applying for childcare assistance and early learning scholarships
• Assist families in registering for summer school, community education, and other extracurricular activities.
• Assist families in completing the Early Childhood Screening for all children 3-5
• Collaborate with school social workers, teachers, and McKinney-Vento Liaisons to support students socially and academically
• Monitor attendance and academic achievement of all school age children, and help them with their academic success by meeting the students at the school (as allowed)
• Collaborate with Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager to set up tutoring services.
• Assist families in navigating in child protection and other family court systems.
• Assist with distribution of items during community giving events
• Collaborate with Children's specialists in other Solid Ground programs
• Provide resources and referrals for parent education and classes within Solid Ground and in the community.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in child development, social work or related field plus one year of experience in a social service position; or a combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge.
• Licensed social worker (LSW) preferred.
• Experience and/or knowledge of county benefit systems preferred
• Must have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, satisfactory driving record, and current insurance to transport participants.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of pluralism and diversity issues, and ability to effectively communicate and work with diverse populations to encourage full participation in Solid Ground.
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer and other technical resources to effectively accomplish work.
• Knowledge of poverty, chemical and mental health, and other issues affecting program participants to ensure that programs and services are designed to meet participants' needs.
• Knowledge of McKinney Vento Act
• Knowledge of the stages of child development.
• Ability to use age-appropriate de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention.
• Ability to travel to various locations for day, evening and weekend meetings and events.
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively in oral and written communication on an interpersonal and group level.
• Knowledge of community resources or ability to learn area resources.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work with technology such as a laptop and cell phone
• Hybrid position between White Bear Lake location, community locations and participant's homes