Bilingual Program Facilitator, Western MA

Families First Overview

Parents have the power to shape their children’s futures. Families First (www.families-first.org) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring parents of young children together in their communities so they can strengthen their parenting knowledge, skills, and support systems. Our vision is that every parent is strong and supported, every child is thriving and resilient, and every community benefits from the power of parents.

Families First’s Power of Parenting program provides parenting education and support for parents of children between birth and age eight. Families First’s Parent Leadership program brings parents’ lived experiences raising children into the community to advise the institutions and policies that are most important in children’s lives. The program consists of the Parent Leadership Series trainings to help parents strengthen their leadership and advocacy skills and a 6-month-long Community Impact Project (CIP) organized and executed in partnership with a community-based agency.

Position Overview

Families First is seeking per-diem facilitators to facilitate our Power of Parenting and Parent Leadership series in Holyoke, Chicopee, and Springfield. Families First Program Facilitators have previous experience working with parents/caregivers and are skilled at leading interactive workshops with adult learners from a wide range of backgrounds.

Program Facilitators typically possess a background in Family Studies, Child Development, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field, and are comfortable talking to others about parenting strategies. Each Power of Parenting program consists of twelve sessions, either virtual or in-person. Virtual sessions are 75 minutes, and in-person sessions are 90 minutes. The Parent Leadership Series consists of six virtual 90-minute sessions. Program sessions are held weekly during daytime, evening, or weekend hours. Curriculum guides, handouts, and slide shows are prepared, developed, and regularly updated by Families First’s support staff.

Additional opportunities for Program Facilitators may arise, such as facilitating alumni workshops or participating in other organizational opportunities or initiatives.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead interactive workshops in both English and Spanish with a diverse group of parents on a variety of topics, including but not limited to, early childhood development, early literacy, self-care and stress management, positive discipline, and parenting in the digital age

• For in-person programs, deliver programs on site in a variety of settings, including schools, early learning centers, community centers, and housing developments

• For virtual programs, deliver programs virtually, which includes:
  • Navigating virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom
  • Hosting virtual meetings (admitting participants, creating break-out rooms, muting/unmuting participants, sharing presentations, interacting with the chat, creating polls, etc.)

• Attend six annual team meetings/trainings run by Families First, held on Saturday mornings, and an annual one-day retreat (all training time is paid)

• Connect with assigned partner sites prior to the start of the program, manage attendance, administer evaluation forms, and maintain contact with Families First throughout program

• Report to Families First’s Assistant Director of Curriculum & Training, who offers supervision and technical assistance

Qualifications

• 4+ years’ experience facilitating interactive and engaging workshops for adult learners

• 4+ years’ experience working with parents/caregivers or families
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies, Child Development, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field may be substituted for two years of the required experience

• Ability to travel to/within Hampden County, MA

• Strong facilitation skills

• Knowledge of child development

• Cultural competence and experience working in culturally diverse environments

• Comfort with using the technology and software required to facilitate virtual and in-person sessions

• Proficient in facilitating programs in both English and Spanish

Pay Rate and Benefits

• $50/hour rate for program session facilitation, prep time, meetings, and trainings, with growth over time

• Guidance, support, participation in a community of peers, and materials from Families First staff

• Opportunities to participate in other Families First projects or initiatives

Expected Start Date: August 2023

Families First has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We aim to attract candidates who hold these same values. Families First is an equal opportunity employer for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.