About Knoxville Jewish Alliance and Jewish Family Services:

Jewish Family Services (JFS) is the social services arm of the Knoxville Jewish Alliance (KJA), a dynamic and inclusive organization dedicated to serving and strengthening the Jewish community in the greater Knoxville, Tennessee area and throughout the world. Robust programming from early childhood through the senior years is the heart of our organization. Additionally, we work to support the success of all of our community partners and organizations – recognizing that we are our strongest together when we are also strong individually.

JFS provides a variety of resources to support individuals and families. A committee of dedicated volunteers works alongside the JFS Director to innovate programs to support the JFS mission of promoting, strengthening, and preserving individual, family, and community well-being in a manner consistent with Jewish philosophy and values.

KJA is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. In recruiting for our team, we seek the unique contributions that individuals can bring from all backgrounds. We strive for a diverse team in order to better serve our community and maintain our excellence as an organization in identifying, designing and delivering solutions.

Position Overview:

The Knoxville Jewish Alliance is seeking someone who is self motivated, innovative, compassionate, culturally sensitive to serve as Director of Jewish Family Services. This part time position is responsible for developing and implementing mission-driven programs that cater to the diverse needs and interests of individuals from early childhood through older adulthood, and providing support and assistance to individuals and families within the community, helping them navigate various challenges and access necessary resources. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute meaningfully and make a lasting difference in our community. This position has the ability to grow.

JFS serves all individuals, without regard to religion, race, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability to pay. Over the years, JFS has evolved and adjusted its mission to meet the ever changing needs of the community it serves, but one thing has remained the same since the agency was founded—Jewish Family Service hires incredible people to do remarkable things!

Key Responsibilities:

Referral Services

• Provide informational and referral services for social service organizations in the greater Knoxville community.
• Conduct assessments to identify clients' needs and develop personalized care plans to address those needs. Provide emergency financial assistance and case management when needed.
• Coordinate with community organizations, social services agencies, and other resources to connect clients with relevant support services.
• Offer guidance and advocacy to clients navigating the healthcare system, legal system, and other bureaucratic processes.
• Collaborate with rabbis, synagogues, and other Jewish community leaders to provide holistic support to individuals and families.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records.
• Maintain an inventory of durable medical goods.
• Stay informed about developments in the field of social work and attend relevant training sessions and workshops to enhance professional knowledge and skills.

Programming

• Collaborate with the JFS committee to set committee priorities and objectives.
• Identify new opportunities for mental health and wellness programs, mentorship programs, intergenerational workshops, and collaborative projects that promote understanding and engagement across generations.
• Attend monthly Kabbalat Shabbat services at an independent living facility
• Coordinate Shabbat visitation and holiday celebrations for long term care residents
• Identify and support volunteers to assist with activities programming and client engagement.
• Collaborate with KJA programming staff for intersecting programmatic opportunities.
• Seek and secure special events related to the JFS mission.
• Oversee the purchase and preparation of materials and resources for various programs and services.

Community Engagement

• Educate the Jewish community about the JFS offerings.
• Cultivate relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and other organizations to enhance collaboration and support for JFS.
• Represent KJA in the general Knoxville community (for example: being the KJA representative to the Office on the Aging)

Fiscal Management

• Manage Jewish Family Services budget and financial resources effectively and transparently, while respecting privacy and adhering to laws governing financial assistance.
• Seek and secure further funding to enhance programming and potentially grow the position.

Qualifications / Attributes:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field required; Master’s in Social Work or related field preferred.
• Strong understanding and respect of Jewish culture, traditions, and values as well as cultural sensitivity and ability to work with a multicultural client base.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders including but not limited to older adults, groups, volunteers, and professional staff.
• Growth-minded, flexible thinker with the ability to develop and implement innovative programs and initiatives.
• Strong computer literacy utilizing Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and Zoom as well as the use of Internet resources.

 

To Apply:

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and list of references to President@JewishKnoxville.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Salary commensurate with experience.

The Knoxville Jewish Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of employment. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. We only care about your abilities, skills, knowledge, and degree of human compassion.