Position Overview
The Resource & Referral Counselor provides general assistance to BANANAS clients, including support to parents & caregivers in their search of child care assistance. The R&R Counselor works one-on-one with families to assess child care needs and provide guidance. In addition, this role connects families with community resources and partner organizations, including food banks, social services, clothing banks, and other support services.
About BANANAS Inc.
BANANAS is a nonprofit organization that supports families, children, and early care education providers. Our programs help families connect with a variety of child care options, including family child care homes, preschool centers, family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) caregivers, and nannies. Providers are supported with technical assistance and professional development. We are experts in the field of early care and education, and our wide variety of services support families and child care providers in raising early learners. We offer workshops, playgroups, coaching, and support groups for parents and caregivers. Low-income families are supported with financial assistance so they can access quality child care. BANANAS is a great place to work with colleagues who care about their clients, our youngest learners, and each other.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Reporting to the Family Resource Manager, the Resource & Referral (R&R) Counselor is an integral member of the Family Resource Team. This position provides individualized support to parents and caregivers as they navigate child care options and access family support services. The R&R Counselor conducts child care referral sessions, counsels families in their search for quality child care, and fulfills referral requests in a timely and professional manner. The position is also responsible for maintaining the child care referral database, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records, and supporting program operations. Additional responsibilities include assisting with the agency's monthly diaper distribution program, supporting the planning and facilitation of Parent Café sessions, and participating in outreach and other Family Resource activities as needed.
Resource Referral Counseling, Program Support & Outreach Services
- Collaborate with members of the Family Resource Team to manage a fast-paced work environment, welcome clients, and assess their needs.
- Provide child care referrals to parents and caregivers, screen families for child care subsidies and other financial assistance programs, and connect them with appropriate community resources.
- Enroll families in related programs that support family strength and stability.
- Assist with coordinating and distributing the agency's monthly diaper program.
- Represent the agency at community fairs, resource events, information sessions, and other outreach activities.
- Perform monthly maintenance of the BANANAS Eligibility List by contacting families, updating application information, and ensuring electronic applications (E-Apps) are completed accurately and successfully.
- Facilitate workshops and participate in community outreach events as needed.
Referral Database & Provider Support Services
- Distribute monthly parent surveys to families and caregivers to follow up on child care referrals and gather feedback on services received.
- Prepare and submit a monthly tally of referrals, client interactions, and services provided to support agency reporting requirements.
- Prepare and submit the quarterly CD2504 Report to the Family Resource Manager in a timely and accurate manner.
- Develop and maintain current knowledge of licensed child care providers, subsidy programs, and community resources.
Administrative Support
- Assist in the development of a plan for resource and referral outreach materials that engage providers and parents in our core services.
- Assist in the development of team training and onboarding materials and resources for new staff.
- Coordinate program materials audit and update process of R&R parent and child development handouts with BANANAS branding focus.
Secondary Duties and Responsibilities
- Other Duties as assigned. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or bachelor's degree in Human Services, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
- Experience providing excellent customer service and working directly with clients in a professional setting.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, as well as Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Drive).
- Experience with database management and accurate data entry.
- Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a Child Care Resource & Referral (R&R) program.
- Knowledge of California child care subsidy programs, including the California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP) and CalWORKs Child Care.
- Familiarity with community resources and family support services available to children and families.
- Experience facilitating parent education workshops, support groups, or community outreach events.
- Experience working with diverse populations and providing culturally responsive, family-centered services.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The role frequently involves the use of hands to type, handle, or feel, and occasionally requires reaching with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
The position is primarily sedentary, though some standing, walking, and filing may be required. The employee may occasionally need to lift or move office supplies and materials up to 10 pounds.
Schedule
BANANAS has a 37.5-hour work week (Mon-Fri - 7.5 hours/day). This position requires working onsite five days a week.
This position may be assigned to work at different locations to support program needs, coverage requirements, and operational priorities. Employees are expected to demonstrate flexibility in work assignments and locations.
Travel between BANANAS’ locations during the workday will be considered compensable hours worked for non-exempt staff, and business mileage and approved work-related expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with California Labor Code Section 2802 and BANANAS’ policy.
Infectious Disease Control Considerations
Staff are required to complete daily temperature checks. Face-covering is optional. BANANAS reserves the right to change or update the conditions of employment requirements for vaccinations and masking mandates to comply with guidance and regulations set forth by the State and/or Federal government of the United States.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $29.38 - $30.60 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Can you describe a time when you helped a client identify and access community resources? What steps did you take to ensure their needs were met?
Ability to Commute:
- Oakland, CA 94618 (Required)
Work Location: In person
