ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICE PROGRAMS:

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 BABY UNIVERSITY:

Baby University (Baby U) is an intensive family support program within the Community Engagement and Family Support Division under the Department of Human Service Programs for the City of Cambridge. Baby U is an innovative support program that serves Cambridge families who have children three years old and younger with priority given to families living in public or subsidized housing. The program provides parent education, playgroups, one-on-one visits, and beneficial community resources through workshops offered on Saturday mornings over a series of 14 weeks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

The Baby U Alumni Specialist will: engage and outreach to families in recruitment of the Core Program; support staff and families in transitioning into and out of Baby U; plan, participate, and outreach for alumni activities and events; and act as a liaison between Baby U and Center for Families.

Core Program

• Attend and support 4-5 Saturday workshops during Core Program.

• Provide input into the development of workshop and playgroup curriculum for the Core Program. Attend trainings to learn and prepare materials for each session.

• In collaboration with other Baby U staff, plan and facilitate Baby U Alumni Association events.

• Become familiar with available community resources and act as a liaison for children and families.

• Utilize social media to support Baby U recruitment and outreach for Alumni Programing.

• Assist with upkeep and maintenance of Baby U shared drive.

• Complete administrative duties as necessary.

• Support Baby U alumni by participating in community meetings and events (some evenings and weekends).

Recruitment

• With other staff, create and distribute outreach material and recruit families to attend Core Program. Attend outreach events, including housing development door knocking. With other staff, maintain an up-to-date and accurate recruitment binder and assist with recruitment data entry.

• Support transition to/from Baby U to other activities and resources, including those provided by Center for Families.

Alumni Work

• Provide support and guidance to alumni families navigating life transitions.

• Create monthly newsletter of alumni activities and resources.

• Facilitate warm handoffs for Baby U alumni families as they transition out of Baby U services and supports.

• Full participation in the Department of Human Service Programs’ mission to eliminate racism within our department.

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

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in child development or related field, preferred

• Minimum of three years’ experience working with diverse populations of young children and families required 

• Experience with family support, parent education, early childhood education and community outreach preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Strong technology skills including Zoom, Microsoft 365, PowerPoint and Excel

• 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.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMODATIONS:

• Moderately to very noisy classroom or gym setting with fluorescent lighting. Travel to families’ homes or other locations in the community to offer support.

• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the below documents to complete your application:

• Resume
• Cover letter