Employment Opportunities

  • Work Schedule: Part-Time / Hourly

    Exemption Status: Non-Exempt, Part-Time Hourly

    Hourly Range: $18-$20 hourly

    Service Area: Ouray County

    Position Summary:
    Bright Futures is seeking a Family Support Specialist to join our team. This person will support local families in Ouray County with a combination of home visitation, group meetings, parenting classes and client directed goal setting. We utilize strength-based Family Resource Center Supports (www.cofamilycenters.org) and Parents as Teachers curricula (www.parentsasteachers.org). We help families be their child’s biggest advocate and most important teacher by sharing activities, child development milestones and local resources with families. Ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, understanding of child development, organizational skills, and a commitment to building strong collaborations and community. By supporting families using an evidence-based home visitation model, we help families prioritize goals to achieve the most positive outcomes possible for children and their caregivers. We value continuous quality improvement and training within our organization and staff.

    This position requires 15 to 20 hours of work Monday through Friday.

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
    Recruit families to participate in programming by engaging with schools, community partners and local organizations in a wide variety of ways

    Conduct home visits

    Provide referrals to families

    Organize and execute group meetings and parenting classes

    Participate in community events

    Attend various meetings to communicate programming being offered

    Maintain collaborative relationships with public and private agencies

    Participate in ongoing professional development and educational opportunities

    Collect and track data in databases

    Conduct motivational interviewing

    Qualifications and Requirements:
    Commitment to ongoing learning diversity, equity and inclusion

    Empathy, with firm boundaries

    Case management skills

    Time management skills

    Knowledge of resources, government programs and family systems

    Organization and attention to detail

    Strong communication skills, both verbal and written

    Ability to multi-task, problem solve and work in a team

    Willingness to accept feedback and adapt accordingly

    Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing circumstances

    Excellent computer skills

    Ability to work independently

    Must have own transportation and current Colorado Driver’s License and Insurances

    Additional Desired Qualifications:
    Spanish fluency: able to accurately translate outreach and program materials as needed.

    Other:
    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

    Position requires the ability to communicate with others clearly and professionally. Requires sitting at a desk for extended durations and frequent use of a computer. Position requires interacting and interfacing with the public as well as regional travel on occasion.

    To be considered for this position: Please submit a resume and two professional references to clea@brightfuturesforchildren.org.

  • Start Date: August 16, 2023

    Term Length: 1700 hours End Date: July 26, 2024

    Service Location: San Juan Region (Telluride, Delta, Montrose and Gunnison, CO)

    Living Allowance: $813.04 semi-monthly; up to $18,700 for the member service year

    Overview of Program:
    Bright Futures is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in the San Juan region of Colorado. Bright Futures is partnering with AmeriCorps to create the Early Childhood Education AmeriCorps Program. This is an entry-level position and provides members an opportunity to serve directly with youth. Members will serve 40 hours a week from Monday-Friday, with specific time allocated for specialized training and continuing education. AmeriCorps members will have an AmeriCorps Program Manager who will provide ongoing support as well as an On-site Supervisor that will work with the member(s) at their service location. As a Bright Futures AmeriCorps member, you will have the opportunity to connect with young children and witness their growth by leading them in age-appropriate activities, lessons and positive behavioral strategies.

    AmeriCorps Member Position Service Activities:
    ● Under the guidance of the lead teacher, members will have the opportunity to further develop the skills they are learning in a hands-on setting. They will engage children in the educational curriculum, imaginative play, books, toys, and various learning activities.

    ● Members will serve in an Early Childhood Education Center as a staff aid in an infant/toddler setting (0-3 year olds) or a preschool setting (3-5 year olds). Members will help to ensure teacher:student ratios, and to support the classroom lead teacher with lesson planning, schedules, routines, circle time and planned activities.

    ● Demonstrate a positive attitude while focusing on each individual child and the group as a whole.

    ● Implement positive behavioral framework tools and strategies which are provided during service term. These tools will allow members to help children work through difficult behaviors while providing them with a safe environment to manage their emotions.

    ● Model healthy behavior and communication with the children in order to reinforce and foster healthy social skills. Members will focus on interacting with children in a nurturing and responsive way.

    ● Members will assist the lead teacher with diaper changes, nap time, dressing, putting on shoes and jackets for outside time, helping children wash their hands, and assisting with snack time and bottle time. Members will be placed in an early childcare facility in the San Juan Region of Colorado. Candidates can rank their top choice of facility.

    Qualifications:
    ● Ideal candidates will have a passion for service, a growth mindset and an interest in serving with young children

    ● Certify that they have or will obtain their high school diploma, GED or equivalent to be in accordance with the PD manual requirements

    ● Be 17 years or older at the start of service (no upper age limit)

    ● Pass a national service criminal history check

    ● Hold one of the following citizenship statuses: US citizen, US national, or Lawful Permanent Resident

    Early Childhood Education AmeriCorps Program
    ● Enjoys working with young children and a desire to use positive behavioral strategies as provided during your service year

    ● Willingness to participate in continuing education and trainings to further your Early Childhood Knowledge

    ● Must be comfortable being active and moving around throughout the day

    ● Ability to speak Spanish is a plus, though not a requirement

    Benefits:
    ● Living Allowance in the amount of $813.04 paid semi-monthly (twice a month)

    ● Education Award received upon successful completion of their term of service in the amount of $6,895.

    ● Student loan forbearance for eligible loans during your service term

    ● Continuing education provided during your time in the program with the intention to become assistant/lead teacher certified in order to excel and improve hireability in the ECE industry

    ● Specialized training in positive behavioral framework including the Pyramid Model

    ● Health care is available, if applicable

    ● Childcare coverage if member qualifies

    ● Assistance with housing placement in a region where housing is difficult to find

    ● Wellness benefit that can be used on your choice of wellness activity to benefit your mental health

    ● Monthly individual check-ins; Monthly cohort check-ins and activities; Cohort orientation at start of program

    ● Strong AmeriCorps Alumni network after completion of term

    Equity or Nondiscrimination Statement:
    Bright Futures follows an equal opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental handicap, veteran status, and marital status. Bright Futures prioritizes equity, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) in our hiring process and throughout the organization. We strive to support the needs of the cultural landscape specific to the San Juan region. Through collaboration, training, advocacy, partnership opportunities and ongoing evaluation, we will support EDI development and sustainability efforts.

    To Apply:
    Please fill out the application here, and we will be in touch with more information.

    Individuals with disabilities can make reasonable accommodation requests by calling
    Kaity Swick at 970-728-5613.