Amara is committed to positive long-term outcomes for children and families. We drive systemic change, promote healing, and advance racial and LGBTQ+ equity by offering programs and services to families engaged with foster care and to adoptees and families, post-adoption.

At Amara, we believe that a supportive, equitable and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels valued, trusted, and nurtured, is key to shaping organizational culture and investing in underrepresented communities. Amara believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhances our ability to fulfill our mission. We strongly invite candidates from diverse backgrounds, including communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

We are seeking to hire a Program Coordinator to work closely with our Family Time Program and will be primarily based out of our Tacoma office.  Become an integral and valued part of a team working to support children in foster care.  Family time visits are an important service for children and families involved with Washington’s Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), in providing families with opportunities to continue their relationship and bonding, and to reunify families when possible. The Program Coordinator will have a variety of responsibilities, including supporting Visitation Specialists, managing our volunteer program, and coordinating various program logistics. The Program Coordinator will need to be highly organized, have strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to hold firm boundaries while also acting with a high level of compassion for the children and families we serve, and community members they will interact with.

Amara believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhances our ability to fulfill our mission. We strive for equality and justice in the way people are treated and the opportunities they have to succeed by working to address racism, unequal treatment, and other barriers to inclusion. We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds (including communities of color, the LGBT community, veterans, and people with disabilities) to apply and join us in our work.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinating and managing volunteers for all Amara programs; including assessing needs for volunteers, onboarding, and maintenance of volunteers’ requirements (which can vary by program)
• Coordinating family time visitation referrals, waitlist, and managing communication with service stakeholders
• Providing mentorship and support to Family Time Visitation Specialists; including being in-person at Amara’s Tacoma office to greet families arriving and sanitizing visit spaces
• Completing and reviewing detailed and objective reports in Amara and DCYF databases
• Assisting with regular data entry and tracking for various programs (including Family Time Services and Family Connections Program)
• Occasional visitation coverage by providing transportation to, and supervision of, visits between families who are involved with the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and their children who are in foster care; this will include providing STRIVE (parent education and visitation support) services
• Occasionally represent Amara at community and outreach events
• Assisting Amara in providing various supports as needed to the families we serve.
• Assist with reports, documentation, and administrative tasks.

Qualifications

• Highly organized with good communication and problem-solving skills
• Education/Experience Requirement
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field and six months experience working directly with children and families preferred, Or,
  • Associate of Arts Degree in Human Services or a related field (or 2 years of completed coursework toward a bachelor’s degree) and one year experience working with children and families.  Or,
  • High School Diploma or GED and two years’ experience working with children and families.
• Knowledge of child development, child safety, discipline practices, and family systems
• Experience coordinating and managing programs, services, or organizations
• Initiative, independence, flexibility, and maturity
• Strong writing skills with ability to remain neutral and unbiased in reporting
• Experience working with diverse families (variety of religions, races, cultures, ages, and socioeconomic levels)
• Experience with MS Word, Outlook, and Excel a plus
• Ability to have a flexible schedule and work regular evening and some weekend hours (regular weekday work hours will include 12-6pm timeframes)
• Willingness and ability to work in in both Seattle, Tacoma, and surrounding areas
• A valid Washington State driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and proof of auto insurance
• Ability to pass a background check and driving record
• Must provide proof of current flu, Tdap and COVID-19 vaccinations
• Must have current CPR/First Aid Certification and BBP within the past 5 years
• Must be at least 21 years of age

Salary and Benefits

 $41,600-49,920, DOE. Mileage will be tracked and reimbursed monthly. Generous personal leave and benefits package, including paid time off, paid sabbatical, health, vision and dental insurance, 401k with a company match, life, and disability insurance.

Criminal Background Check

Because this position has access to confidential client information and direct interaction with children any final candidate hired into this position must successfully pass a criminal background check performed by the State of Washington. Any job offer is contingent on successfully passing this background check.  A list of disqualifying convictions for this position is available at https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/secretaryslist.pdf.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and one page cover letter indicating why this position is right for you in Smart Recruiters.

Applications will be accepted until position is filled. No phone calls please.

Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.