Careers

Amara is committed to positive long-term outcomes for children and families. We drive systemic change, promote healing, and advance racial and LGBTQIA+ equity by offering programs and services to families engaged in the child welfare system.

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 LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Amara has an opportunity for an Enrichment & Education Manager as part of our overall programming. The Enrichment & Education Manager is a centralized position for Amara’s various programs including our Youth, Caregiver, and Parent group supports and various educational offerings. This position will report directly to the Associate Director of Programs – Foster Care and will work collaboratively across the organization.

Position Summary

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

Enrichment & Education Design:

• Lead the creation of an organizational enrichment workplan, including annual enrichment events and opportunities across program areas and tapping into key partnerships like Washington State Parent Ally Committee (WSPAC)
• Assess training needs for Amara staff, parents, caregivers, and service providers (e.g., parent attorneys, judges, CASAs, etc.) on an ongoing basis. Look for gaps in available enrichment opportunities, what consumers indicate they need and what program staff indicate is needed. Build a plan to fill gaps where needed, and identify existing resources
• Lead the design of all Amara-led Support Groups (determine audiences, needs, structure, and evaluation)
• Work with Amara program area experts (and key partners like WSPAC) to support the creation of enrichment curriculum content and learning objectives for all enrichment activities and events (such as Support Groups, Speaking of Change, Tidbit Trainings, etc.) by updating historical content as well as identifying new content
• Identify a functional and fiscally sustainable online training platform for use across enrichment workshops (like Rise360).
• Work with Leadership and Human Resources to review and update Amara Staff Enrichment Plans/Requirements to support staff learning and to meet contractual requirements
• Ensure consistency in the design and development of workshops and support groups across both in-person and online learning environments.

Enrichment & Education Implementation:

• Coordinate and Implement Enrichment opportunities identified in the organizational enrichment workplan (e.g., Amara support groups, trainings, etc.) which focuses on the needs of children/youth/families that have been chronically underserved.
• Work with Amara programs to identify and support co-facilitators as needed
• Work with Client Services & Compliance Manager to effectively coordinate group/event Registration, certificate tracking, SAM entry
• Collaborate with Associate Director of Program Impact and Evaluation to ensure effective evaluation of Amara enrichment opportunities
• In collaboration with Amara’s Communication Team, promote and build referrals for Amara Enrichment Opportunities (ensuring sufficient enrollment and equitable community access)
• Identify available trainings, both internal and external, for various groups (caregivers, parents, youth, etc.). Create and maintain a resource list that is easily accessible by staff and clients
• Implement identified enrichment opportunities from design, such as: implementing or coordinating facilitators of STAR Parenting groups
• Lead the implementation and migration to the identified online platform for web-based aspects of enrichment opportunities
• Implement Amara Staff Enrichment Plan in collaboration with HR.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to implement Amara’s annual Human Rights Campaign (HRC) training plan
• Track and report on various project statuses, identifying any issues that need to be escalated to ensure timely completion of program objectives.
• Create and manage a calendar of in-person, online and on-demand enrichment and training activities for Amara staff and program participants.
• Prioritize projects based on departmental goals.
• Attend and represent Amara as appropriate at key training-focused community meetings
• Inform Director of Resource Care of budgetary needs associated with Education and Enrichment work and make budgetary adjustments as needed.

Qualifications:

• Associate of Arts degree in education or social services with minimum of 5 years of experience providing direct service within the child welfare and/or education fields.
  • OR bachelor’s degree with minimum of 3 years of experience providing direct service within the child welfare and/or education fields
  • OR master’s degree in social work, education, or allied field with minimum of 1 year of experience providing direct service within the child welfare and/or education fields
  • A practicum may take the place of one year of experience
• Knowledge of youth and adult learning theories and principles
• Knowledge of child welfare, foster care, and kinship care policies and current best practices.

• Expertise in Trauma Informed Care
• Experience with curriculum development for programming across all ages
• Experience leading/facilitating workshops and trainings with diverse audiences, in both in-person and virtual formats.

• Ability to work with all groups across age, religion, race, culture, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

• Experience designing, coordinating, and managing programs or services.

• Highly organized with good communication and problem-solving skills including skills in Informational Technology.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and juggle priorities while meeting varying deadlines.
• Strong communication skills; experience communicating through verbal and written formats with a wide variety of stakeholders across cultures.
• Ability to lead with initiative, discretion, maturity, flexibility, and independent judgment.
• Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the various cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and staff
• Demonstrated leadership in promoting the advancement and development of diversity, equity, and inclusion in oneself, staff, and within program development.
• Strong decision-making skills, including critical thinking skills. Demonstrated ability to think globally.
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends to meet the scheduling needs of youth and families.

• Knowledge of teen-specific needs to consult on case-specific needs and to inform additional training opportunities is a plus.

• Ability to collect, organize and utilize data for program improvement purposes.

• Experience with MS Word, Outlook, and Excel required.
• Knowledge of web delivery tools (Zoom, Teams) preferred.

Criminal Background Check

Amara conducts background checks appropriate to the contractual requirements of the position. A previous conviction will not necessarily bar individuals from employment at Amara.

Specific clearance requirements can be discussed with the Hiring Manager or Human Resources.

Vaccination Requirement:

Amara requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This requirement is designed to prioritize the safety of the children and families we serve. Exemptions may be sought only for documented medical or religious accommodation.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time exempt position with a salary range of $66,268-75,816, DOE.  Amara offers a generous leave and benefits package including 10 company holidays, 4 personal days, sick leave, and 15 days of vacation per year. Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance rates, a 401k with a company match, life, and disability insurance and a paid sabbatical. Amara supports a hybrid work environment with some flexibility to work from home.

To Apply

To express your interest in this position, please send your resume and a one-page cover letter indicating why this position is the right opportunity for you in Smart Recruiters.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Amara is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Amara is committed to positive long-term outcomes for children and families. We drive systemic change, promote healing, and advance racial and LGBTQIA+ equity by offering programs and services to families engaged with the child welfare system.

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 LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

We are seeking to hire a Family Connections Program Manager to lead our Family Connections Program, part of our Resource Care Team. This position involves a hybrid work environment, working both remotely and through in-person interactions with colleagues and participants throughout Washington state.

The Family Connections Program (FCP) seeks to shift local child welfare practice from a siloed and adversarial approach to a more collaborative and open approach. FCP does this by helping foster and kinship caregivers and children’s parents build a working relationship to maintain essential connections for the child placed in out-of-home care and by providing coaching and enrichment opportunities to child welfare workers and judicial officers. The goal of the program is to reduce the trauma experienced by children entering out-of-home care by supporting and facilitating a positive relationship between the child’s parents and caregivers. The team includes FCP peer mentors (parents impacted by the child welfare system and relative and foster caregivers who have received specialized training) as well as a program coordinator.

Responsibilities

The Family Connections Program Manager reports to the Chief Program & Policy Officer and works closely with Amara’s Program leadership team while managing Amara’s Family Connections Program (FCP) development, implementation, and maintenance. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

 Program Development and Administration:

• Budgeting

• • Review, allocate, and approve program-related expenses.
  • Project, develop, and monitor revenue and expense budget for Family Connection Program with supervisory support.

• Reporting
  • Ensure programmatic reporting is aligned with Agency vision, mission, and strategic plan.
  • Maintain effective contracts between Amara and pertinent program partners (e.g., DCYF, Administrative Office of the Courts, etc.).
  • Ensure Amara meets all monitoring, reporting, and contract requirements. This includes guiding internal and external audits to ensure regulatory compliance regarding service delivery.
• Program Development/Refinement

• • Lead the implementation and iteration of protocols, procedures, and program structure that are consistent with best practice models.

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Family Connections Program and collaborate with team members to advance program impact.
• Identify, recommend, and implement program and process improvement in concert with team feedback/guidance.

• Direction Setting/Leadership
  • In collaboration, create and implement a strategic workplan for the Family Connections Program annually, ensure clear team-wide direction setting, work assignment, and accountability.
  • Work collaboratively to ensure impactful, efficient, and complementary services across Amara’s service array.
  • Inform key personnel regarding any recommendations for child welfare policy.
  • Remain apprised of current trends, practices, and legislation that inform and impact the Family Connections Program.
• Community Engagement – narrative change

• • Build collaborative relationships with local Community Based Organizations (CBOs) including behavioral health organizations, foster care organizations, DCYF, etc. to ensure effective referrals and community support.
  • In collaboration, ensure key successes and challenges are transparently shared with our community partners.
  • Attend required and recommended County and State provider and community meetings in key identified partner areas serviced by Amara.
  • Utilize support of the Strategic Policy Advisor in narrative change efforts, advisory council reporting, content creation for trainings, and embedding the FCP referral process across WA state DCYF offices.

• Outreach and Communication – newsletters, marketing, advertisement, etc.

• • Lead outreach efforts by creating a clear strategy, collaborating across the organization, and effectively assigning tasks to self and team members as appropriate (e.g., newsletter content creation, email marketing to key community partners, etc.).

• Outcomes/Evaluation
  • In partnership with key personnel, ensure appropriate data collection and reporting.
  • Keep Amara staff and key personnel up to date as to program outcomes and performance.

FCP Staff Supervision and Management

• As a manager, this position plays a key role in the development and ongoing promotion of Amara’s mission, vision, philosophy, and culture.
• Provide a warm, caring, and confident leadership style that supports a team providing direct services to families experiencing the child welfare system.
• Develop, supervise, and support the FCP team, including staff recruitment and retention, hiring, orientation, supervision, evaluation, and promotion of staff.

• • FCP staff bring a wealth of lived expertise and varying professional experiences to their work and require differing supervisory approaches and support.

• Ensure that services provided are high quality, consistent, and responsive to child and family needs across all team members.
• Utilize reflective supervision skills in individual and group settings with FCP staff and contractors to ensure best practice across all program areas.
• Support FCP staff in effectively coordinating work for shared clients across program areas, be readily available for ad-hoc staffing and participate in team meetings as needed.
• Collaborate with the FCP Coordinator to assign and manage staff caseloads, setting and adjusting work to be accomplished by staff.
• Track overall performance of FCP team members and provide professional development as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Lived expertise can be considered in lieu of the educational requirements outlined below.
• Associate’s degree in social services, family development, or an allied field with minimum of 5 years of experience providing direct service within the child welfare field.
  • OR Bachelor’s Degree with minimum of 2 years of experience providing direct service within the child welfare field
  • OR Master’s degree in social work, education, or allied field.
• Knowledge of child development and family systems
• Knowledge of child welfare, foster care, guardianship and adoption and the needs of families supporting children through transitions and post-permanency
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, discretion, maturity, flexibility, and independent judgment required.
• Ability to work with individuals across the spectrum of age, religion, race, culture, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and gender expressions & identities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with an outstanding professional team, DCYF and other community providers.
• Must provide proof of current COVID-19 vaccination.
• First Aid/CPR/BBP Certification
• Willingness and ability to work at Amara offices, and travel as needed to other WA state counties.
• Valid Driver’s License, reliable vehicle, current auto insurance
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant lived experience navigating the complexities of child welfare.
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with Spanish-speaking families.
• Experience coordinating and managing individual, and group support.
• Strong writing skills
• Experience with MS Word, Teams, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel

 Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time exempt position with a salary range of $66,268-75,816, DOE.  Amara offers a generous leave and benefits package including 10 company holidays, 4 personal days, sick leave, and 15 days of vacation per year. Competitive health, dental and vision insurance rates, a 401k with a company match, life, and disability insurance and a paid sabbatical. Amara supports a hybrid work environment with offices in Seattle and Tacoma.

Criminal Background Check

Amara conducts background checks appropriate to the contractual requirements of the position. A previous conviction will not necessarily bar individuals from employment at Amara. For specific requirements please feel free to contact the hiring manager or human resources.

 Vaccination Requirement

Amara requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This requirement is designed to prioritize the safety of the children and families we serve. Exemptions may be sought only for documented medical or religious accommodation.

To Apply

To express your interest in this position, please send your resume and a one-page cover letter indicating why this position is the right opportunity for you in Smart Recruiters.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Amara is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Amara is committed to positive long-term outcomes for children and families. We drive systemic change, promote healing, and advance racial and LGBTQIA+ equity by offering programs and services to families engaged with the child welfare system.

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 enhances our ability to fulfill our mission. We strongly invite candidates from diverse backgrounds, including communities of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Amara has an opportunity for a Family Resources & Outreach Manager. The ideal candidate is passionate about Amara’s mission, vision, and values. Has strong interpersonal, operational, and administrative skills, enjoys working to improve processes, and can engage with a variety of families and community partners.

Responsibilities

The Family Resources & Outreach Manager reports to the Associate Director of Programs – Parent Support and will be responsible for leading and implementing various programs primarily at our Family Resource Centers in Seattle and Tacoma; some services may also be available to families participating in other program areas. They will also be involved in developing partnerships with various community organizations to bring resources to families in underserved areas of Pierce County and beyond. The core responsibilities include staff supervision, program management, strategic leadership, and direct service.

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

Supervision and Management (25%)

• Oversee, support, and develop the program team, including recruitment and retention, hiring, orientation, supervision, evaluation, and promotion of staff in conjunction with Amara’s Human Resource Manager.
• Provide a warm, caring, and confident leadership style that supports a team providing direct services to youth and families.
• Work with staff and build from the work of Amara’s DEI council to develop objective performance measures across the program, to ensure consistent, high-quality evaluation and goal setting for all employees.
• Support and directly supervise program staff including Amara’s Family Resource Center team.
• Provide opportunities for growth and professional development among staff.

Operational Management (35%)

• Manage and coordinate distribution of various concrete resources at Amara’s Tacoma office to community members (e.g., food pantry, diaper bank, other concrete resources, etc.).
• Assist in identifying needs assessment model and goal setting framework (e.g., recruit participants, co-lead/participate in listening sessions).
• Manage the Implementation of needs assessments, developing a family plan and resource navigation.
• Strengthen and build community partnerships for coordination of community-based services and support at Amara’s FRC location.
• Coordinate and manage concrete goods requests across the organization including internal processes, tracking financial reporting and documentation.
• Implement Family Resource Center policies and procedures, refining as necessary.
• Complete various reports, assist with data tracking and administrative tasks.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Programs – Parent Support on creating and managing FRC budget.

Direct Support to Families (25%)

• Along with the Family Support Coordinator, provide resources to families seeking assistance.
• Connect families to external resources through warm referrals, as needed.

Strategic Leadership (15%)

• Regularly review and recommend changes in program services to meet client needs with an emphasis on services for underserved populations.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships within Amara as well as with other service providers, agencies, and partners to ensure that children and families have excellent access to all needed services.
• As a member of the Program Leadership team, this position plays a key role in the development and ongoing promotion of Amara’s mission, vision, philosophy, and culture.
• Remain apprised of current trends, practices, and legislation through networking and publications to develop new programs to either meet changing needs in our community or to diversify our services.
• Build and coordinate partnerships with key community organizations and partners including government agencies, research institutions, schools, and other social welfare organizations.
• Participate in select internal and external collaborative efforts with key partners to advance systemic child welfare change and family well-being.
• Assess program development and provide leadership in service expansion opportunities.

• Coordinate with the Communications team on media content regarding issues related to Family Resource Center programs and services.

 Qualifications

• Educational Requirement: High School Diploma or GED and three years’ experience working directly with children and families required, OR
• • Associate of Arts Degree in Human Services or a related field (or 2 years of completed coursework toward a bachelor’s degree) and two years’ experience working directly with children and families OR
  • Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience working directly with children and families OR
  • Master’s degree and 6 months of experience working directly with children and families.
• A practicum may be considered as a substitute for one year of paid experience.
• 3+ years of combined leadership experience including program development, leadership development, contract management and financial management.
• 2+ years of experience in team facilitation and a proven track record of effective communications with internal and external partners.
• Project management experience with proven execution of accomplishing deliverables in a defined timeline.
• Broad knowledge of program areas, funders, and community partners.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and juggle priorities while meeting varying deadlines.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to lead group meetings.
• Ability to lead with initiative, discretion, maturity, flexibility, and independent judgment.
• Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the various cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and staff
• Demonstrated leadership in promoting the advancement and development of diversity, equity, and inclusion in oneself, staff, and within program development.
• Strong decision-making skills, including critical thinking skills. Demonstrated ability to think globally.
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends to meet the scheduling needs of youth and families.
• The Family Resource Center will take place in King and Pierce counties. Candidate must be able to travel frequently between these locations.

• Food Handler’s Permit or ability to obtain once hired.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time exempt position with a salary range of $66,268-75,816, DOE.  Amara offers a generous leave and benefits package including 10 company holidays, 4 personal days, sick leave, and 15 days of vacation per year. Competitive health, dental and vision insurance rates, a 401k with a company match, life, and disability insurance and a paid sabbatical. Amara supports a hybrid work environment with some flexibility to work from home.

Criminal Background Check

Amara conducts background checks appropriate to the contractual requirements of the position. A previous conviction will not necessarily bar individuals from employment at Amara. For specific requirements please feel free to contact the hiring manager or human resources.

Vaccination Requirement:

Amara requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This requirement is designed to prioritize the safety of the children and families we serve. Exemptions may be sought only for documented medical or religious accommodation.

To Apply

To express your interest in this position, please submit your resume and one-page cover letter indicating why this position is the right opportunity for you in Smart Recruiters.

Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Amara is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Amara is committed to positive long-term outcomes for children and families. We drive systemic change, promote healing, and advance racial and LGBTQIA+ equity by offering programs and services to families engaged in the child welfare system.

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 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.

The Junior Staff Accountant works closely with the Senior Staff Accountant and other administrative staff to maintain accurate and complete financial records for the organization. You will have the responsibility of managing accounts receivable and accounts payable, along with assisting in financial reporting and general ledger accounting. This position will cross train on other accounting tasks as needed and provide backup for administrative support for some program services.

The ideal candidate is passionate about Amara’s mission, vision, and values. They will have strong interpersonal and administrative skills with outstanding attention to details, enjoy working to improve processes and be the liaison between the finance, development, and program teams.

Responsibilities 

The Junior Staff Accountant reports to the Senior Staff Accountant and works closely with the  Administration, Development, and Program teams. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

 General Responsibilities:

• Receives vendor invoices (bills) and seeks approval from the appropriate manager.
• Receives, reviews, and verifies employee expense reimbursement reports with manager approval each month.
• Data entry of approved vendor invoices (bills) and employee expense reimbursement reports into QuickBooks Online.
• E-Files all documentation related to accounts payable activities.
• Prepares accounts payable reports on a regular basis.
• Manages vendor files including up-to-date W-9s, mailing addresses, ACH banking information, contact information, contract status, and more, in conjunction with HR
• Facilitates payment of vendors, which may include verification of federal ID numbers, reviewing purchase orders, federal debarment status, and resolving discrepancies.
• Ensures outstanding obligations are credited upon payment, identifies discount opportunities, and issues purchase order amendments or stop-payment orders as needed.
• Assists with general ledger accounting entries as needed.
• Assists with accounting records and ledgers by reconciling monthly statements and transactions.
• Other related duties as assigned.

 Qualifications

• Associates degree in business, accounting, or related field; work experience may be substituted with demonstrated ability to understand accounting work
• Previous Accounts Payable/Receivable or other accounting work preferred
• Ability to quickly perform routine tasks with consistent accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to multitask and initiative to take assigned tasks to the next level
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and use logic and available resources
• Experience with QuickBooks preferred

  Salary and Benefits

 Annual salary range of $57,000-69,999 DOE. Amara offers a generous leave and benefits package including 10 company holidays, 4 personal days, sick leave, and 15 days of vacation per year. Competitive health, dental and vision insurance rates, a 401k with a company match, life, and disability insurance and a paid sabbatical. Amara supports a hybrid work environment with some flexibility to work from home. Chosen candidate will have workspace available in one of our locations in either Pierce or King County.

Vaccination Requirement:

Amara requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This requirement is designed to prioritize the safety of the children and families we serve. Exemptions may be sought only for documented medical or religious accommodation.

Criminal Background Check

Because this position has access to confidential client, employee, or financial information OR 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.

To Apply

To express your interest in this position, please submit your resume and a one-page cover letter indicating why this position is the right opportunity for you in Smart Recruiters.

Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.