Job Description

PHMC serves as both a direct service provider to individuals, families, and communities across the region and as an intermediary agent — managing large-scale contracts, government and philanthropic partnerships, and multidisciplinary initiatives that require operational sophistication, strategic leadership, and deep mission alignment.

SERVICE AREA: Child Development & Family Services

PROGRAM: ELRC 18 (Early Learning Resource Center)

ROLE TYPE: Full-Time

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Resource and Referral Specialist is responsible for a core set of activities to promote the Early Learning Resource Center as a critical resource and referral entity for families across Philadelphia (Region 18). This position supports the ELRC Family Services team by facilitating and engaging in community planning, support, partnerships, and activities with early childhood education providers and other human service agencies. The Resource and Referral Specialist performs meaningful outreach to vulnerable families (including those experiencing homelessness), works collaboratively with stakeholder agencies, and assists engaged families in applying for social service programs and obtaining comprehensive resources and/or services based on expressed needs. The Resource and Referral Specialist provides technical assistance and system navigation for ELRC clients to reduce family burden through a single access point for connection to services reflective of reported individualized needs. This position reports to the Resource and Referral Coordinator and operates out of the Early Learning Resource Center office with a hybrid schedule of regular field time.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide timely responses to client outreach received through direct family contact, referral from ELRC staff, and referral through community stakeholders.
• Provide consistent and comprehensive information in community settings (and in personal family engagement) on OCDEL programs.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of services, utilizing assigned databases and applications appropriately.
• Meet individually with family clients to understand asserted goals, reported child care needs, and interest in/need for additional regional resources.
• Assist families in accessing preferred external services (e.g., early intervention, home visiting, kindergarten registration, etc.) and in navigating agency-specific intake/enrollment steps through service start.
• Regularly bring family feedback to the Family Services team to inform communication design and enhancements.
• Attend periodic training to remain current on ELRC services, regional stakeholder services and resources, and organization/agency processes.
• Apply knowledge of regional services and intake/eligibility processes across agencies/organizations for improved uptake/completion of referrals to support families in accessing preferred resources, assisting in client applications when necessary.
• Promote Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) resources when assisting families of young children expressing suspected developmental delays or disabilities and/or young children currently served by Early Intervention.
• Understand applicants and clients and support their needs with community connections and “warm hand-offs” to appropriate staff.
• Develop relationships within the ELRC team and with providers in the community to foster selection of high-quality early learning programs.
• Complete all program requirements of assigned Family Services activities, responding timely to any/all inquiries, referrals, and assistance to ensure an efficient, effective, and customer-focused operation.
• Accurately conducts all program processes promptly, maintaining stated timelines, updating all status elements, ensuring full compliance with all regulations, performance standards, and best practices.
• Complete ongoing required and growth professional development to remain current on ELRC policies and procedures, to understand the scope of resources available to regional families, and to develop internal and external collaboration to promote access to the full scope of resources.
• Develop reports as necessary.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

SKILLS:

• Ability to help clients, community members, and colleagues solve problems and achieve goals in a consistently friendly, informed manner.
• Ability to use required databases, software, and other technology, including tracking and reporting systems relevant to the job.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Preferred: Associate degree in social work, human services, administration, or a related field

EXPERIENCE:

• 1+ years of community planning, homeless services, early childhood education, or related experience is required

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.