Orthodox Resource Coordinator

Orthodox Resource Coordinator

Lev Detroit

Reports To: Director, Resource Center & Lev Detroit

Job Summary

The Orthodox Resource Coordinator serves as a primary point of contact for individuals and families in Metro Detroit’s Orthodox Jewish communities who are seeking assistance from Jewish Family Service. The Coordinator responds to inquiries, assesses needs, provides information and referrals, and helps individuals connect with the right JFS programs and community resources. Working closely with the JFS Resource Center and other agency programs, the Coordinator supports culturally responsive access to services, coordinates Lev Detroit programs and community initiatives, maintains relationships with Orthodox community partners, and helps strengthen communication and trust between JFS and the Orthodox community. Success in this role depends on a strong understanding of Orthodox Jewish life and the ability to make families feel understood.

Principal Accountabilities

Assessment and Referral – Respond to individuals and families seeking assistance by phone, email, walk-in, and other referral channels; assess presenting needs; provide information, resources, and referrals; and identify appropriate JFS programs or outside community services.

Screening and Access to Services – Complete initial screenings and program-specific referral or admission processes according to JFS procedures. Recognize behavioral health, urgent, or safety-related concerns and follow established procedures for consultation and escalation, including the agency’s suicide-safer-care screening process.

Lev Detroit Resource Line and Resource Center Support – Manage day-to-day Lev Detroit inquiries through the resource line, email, chat, voicemail, and walk-ins, and provide timely, welcoming service. Assist with general Resource Center coverage and coordinate with Resource Center staff so callers reach the appropriate JFS program or outside resource.

Program Coordination – Coordinate Lev Detroit’s community assistance programs, educational initiatives, and special projects from planning through completion. Examples include Uniform Assistance, Passover assistance, the annual backpack distribution (in partnership with the National Council of Jewish Women), and New Family Welcome Baskets, and cover program communication, applications, eligibility information, partner and vendor coordination, budgets and invoices, tracking, recordkeeping, and follow-up.

Community Outreach and Relationships – Develop and maintain positive working relationships with rabbis, synagogues, schools, school social workers, community organizations, and other trusted contacts. Attend community meetings, programs, resource events, and outreach opportunities, and represent Lev Detroit as appropriate.

Community Education and Cultural Support – Help plan educational programs for community members, schools, rabbis, and other partners. Serve as a resource to JFS staff on Orthodox Jewish customs, community practices, and considerations that may affect service delivery, including support for Orthodox 101 and other staff education as assigned.

Resource Management – Maintain current knowledge of JFS programs and community resources; identify, organize, update, and share information about formal and informal resources that may benefit individuals and families.

Internal Coordination – Work with Behavioral Health, Family Support Services, Geriatric Care Management, Kosher Meals on Wheels, and other JFS programs to support appropriate referrals and access to services.

Program and Community Feedback – Identify recurring needs, service gaps, or emerging community concerns, and share observations with the Director to support program planning and development.

Documentation and Compliance – Complete required client documentation, screenings, program records, and follow-up accurately and within established timeframes, including documentation in the agency electronic health record.

Customer Service and Confidentiality – Provide clear, respectful, and timely service to clients, community members, partner organizations, and JFS staff. Protect confidential information, maintain professional boundaries, and exercise discretion when serving individuals within a close-knit community.

Ambassadorship – Represent Lev Detroit and Jewish Family Service professionally within the Orthodox community and the broader community.

Additional Responsibilities

Training – Maintain professional and technical knowledge by participating in agency in-service programs, educational workshops, and other professional development opportunities.

Security and Privacy – Adhere to agency and client protection policies and remain current on JFS privacy, safety, and security requirements.

Employee Philanthropy – Participate annually in agency and partner-related philanthropic activities and campaigns.

Mission Dedication – Embody the mission and values of JFS in all work performed on behalf of the agency. Additional job duties may be assigned as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Two years of relevant experience in information and referral, intake, human services, community services, or program coordination preferred. Experience coordinating programs, projects, events, or community initiatives is strongly preferred.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Sciences, Social Work, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant education, professional experience, and community experience may be considered.

Minimum Competencies

- Skills

Technology – Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Google Calendar; ability to learn and use the agency electronic health record (myEvolv), databases, phone systems, Zoom, and other technology required for the position.

Communication – Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to listen carefully, ask appropriate questions, and explain information clearly.

Program Coordination – Ability to organize and track multiple programs, projects, applications, deadlines, participant communications, and follow-up responsibilities.

Interpersonal – Ability to interact effectively and respectfully with clients, coworkers, rabbis, schools, community organizations, and other partners, including individuals experiencing stressful or difficult circumstances.

- Knowledge

Reasoning – Ability to identify and define problems, gather relevant information, consider available options, and use sound judgment to determine appropriate next steps.

Community Resources – Knowledge of human service and community resources, with the ability to learn and maintain current information about services available through JFS and the broader community.

Orthodox Jewish Community and Culture – Strong understanding of Orthodox Jewish culture, customs, religious practices, community structures, and the range of observance within the community. Ability to communicate comfortably and respectfully across different segments of the community while avoiding assumptions about individual preferences. Familiarity with Hebrew and Yiddish community terms is helpful.

- Behaviors

Time Management – Effectively plans, organizes, and schedules work to manage client inquiries, ongoing programs, deadlines, and administrative responsibilities.

Judgment – Demonstrates sound judgment, maintains professionalism, and knows when to seek consultation or additional support.

Resourcefulness – Takes initiative, identifies practical solutions, adapts when needs or circumstances change, and follows projects through to completion.

Coachability – Receptive to supervision, feedback, training, and continued professional development.

Teamwork – Works independently while collaborating effectively as part of the Resource Center, Lev Detroit, and broader JFS teams.

Department/Agency Representation – Supports department and agency operations by representing JFS appropriately in all settings and demonstrating commitment to agency philosophy, mission, goals, policies, and procedures.

Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.