You’re Not a Bad Parent: How Asking for Help Is a Sign of Strength

You’re Not a Bad Parent: How Asking for Help Is a Sign of Strength

By: Julie Loftis, JFS Marketing Specialist

As the school year approaches and families begin adjusting to new routines, it’s not uncommon for parents to feel overwhelmed. The transition from summer to fall often brings anxiety—new teachers, schedules, academic pressure, and shifting household dynamics. For many, these challenges stir deeper questions: “Why is this so hard? Am I doing something wrong? Why does everyone else seem to have it together?”

At Jewish Family Services (JFS), we hear this often—and we want every parent to know: “You are not a bad parent. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure.”

Following the Shalom Park BeWell Resiliency Roundtable youth and parent surveys, JFS saw clear patterns. Parents across our community expressed feeling isolated, under-resourced, and unsure how to manage their children’s emotional needs—especially post-pandemic. The data showed rising concerns about anxiety, behavioral challenges, and emotional regulation in children, alongside a deep desire for support.

In response, JFS is launching several new initiatives to meet these needs. “Parenting from the Inside Out,” a support and skill-building group starting this fall, will offer a space for caregivers to explore how their own experiences shape their parenting—and how they can grow alongside their children. Grounded in neuroscience and attachment theory, the group fosters greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and empathy.

To reach even more parents, July marked the introduction of Weekly Parenting Pointers on JFS Facebook and Instagram accounts. Every Wednesday helpful, expert-informed parenting tips will be posted to support families in our community. These posts will offer practical guidance on topics such as managing stress, building strong parent-child relationships, fostering emotional regulation, and more. Our goal is to provide accessible, bite-sized resources that empower parents and promote resilience at home—one tip at a time.

Behind these efforts is a deep clinical foundation. JFS offers trauma-informed counseling for families, including evidence-based practices like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). These therapies address the root causes of stress, offering relief for both children and caregivers.

Back-to-school season can resurface unresolved stressors for both parents and children. Transitions, expectations, and social pressures can be difficult to navigate. But families don’t have to do it alone.

The message is simple: Struggling doesn’t make you a bad parent. Avoiding support only keeps you stuck.

JFS encourages parents to view reaching out as an act of love—for yourself and your child. Whether through therapy, support groups, or engaging with a weekly post, small steps can create lasting change.

As September unfolds and the school year begins, we invite families to let go of perfection. Lean into community, embrace imperfection, and remember: parenting is not about having all the answers—it’s about having the courage to ask for help when it matters most.

Finance and Administrative Services Manager

Finance and Administrative Services Manager

Finance and Administrative Services Manager

PROGRAMS: All Jewish Family Services Programs
FSLA STATUS: Exempt
DIRECT REPORTS: Administrative Support Specialist, Client Services Specialist, Accounting Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Finance and Administrative Services Manager plays a vital leadership role in overseeing the organization’s finance, risk management, office operations, human resources, and technology functions. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this position ensures operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This is a hands-on role that requires strategic thinking, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to lead with integrity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Management

  • Ensure compliance with JFS financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
  • Oversee cash management, general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and all required filings.
  • Reconcile bank and investment accounts; manage billing functions.
  • Prepare monthly financial and statistical reports with analysis to support strategic planning.
  • Provide monthly finance reports to the Board in collaboration with the Executive Director and Treasurer.
  • Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis to identify savings opportunities.
  • Oversee investments, including reserves, endowments, retirement plans, and designated funds.
  • Ensure adequate insurance coverage (e.g., D&O, liability, property, workers’ compensation).
  • Coordinate annual independent audit and prepare necessary schedules/documentation.
  • Maintain compliance with corporate, state, and federal nonprofit filing requirements (e.g., Form 990, Charitable Solicitation License).
  • Oversee billing through the Electronic Health Record system.
  • Streamline workflows and processes related to finance, accounting, risk management, and billing.
  • Ensure the integrity of all financial transactions and establish streamlined accounting processes with a focus on efficiency and reporting.

Office Operations

  • Negotiate equipment leases and oversee office supply and equipment needs.
  • Manage vendor relationships for operational services.

Human Resources:

  • Administer HR policies, procedures, and benefits in compliance with all applicable laws.
  • Process payroll, reconcile timesheets/PTO, manage deductions, and handle yearend tax reporting.
  • Document and track employee Paid Time Off.
  • Administer retirement plans and insurance benefits, including enrollments and compliance.
  • Maintain personnel files and manage pre-employment procedures.
  • Conduct workers’ compensation and disability audits.

Information Technology:

  • Serve as the subject matter expert for technology functionality.
  • Collaborate with Foundation of Shalom Park IT staff to meet staff and program needs.
  • Maintain an updated inventory of technology equipment.

Fundraising and Development Support:

  • Track donation documentation and gift designations.
  • Respond to donor inquiries regarding contributions and fund use.
  • Ensure reconciliation between donor management and finance records.

Supervisory & Strategic Leadership

  • Provide orientation, training, supervision, and annual evaluations for direct reports.
  • Manage workload assignments for front office staff.
  • Foster professional growth for team members.
  • Serve as a member of the Management Team and participate in Board committees as assigned.
  • Attend Board meetings as needed and prepare relevant reports and materials.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Proficiency in nonprofit accounting and compliance requirements.
  • Experience managing multiple funding streams and nonprofit audits.
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting best practices.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
  • Minimum of five years’ experience in a finance-related position (nonprofit experience preferred).
  • Experience in human resources functions strongly preferred.
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and finance database systems.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate at all organizational levels.
  • Proven supervisory experience and leadership skills.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fastpaced environment.
  • Commitment to exceptional customer service and teamwork.

WHY JOIN US?

At Jewish Family Services of Greater Charlotte, you will be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to serving the community with compassion and excellence. In addition to standard Federal Holidays, our employees also enjoy paid Jewish Holidays that fall during the work week, providing more opportunities for rest, celebration, and connection. JFS is located on a large campus with access to a state-of-the-art cultural and fitness community center and pre-school. The position offers the opportunity to provide community programming along with therapy services and offers excellent benefits. The position is full time with a 35-hour work week and is closed for most National and Jewish holidays.

 

Interested applicants should email their resume to howard.olshansky@jfscharlotte.org.

Finance and Administrative Services Manager

Case Manager

Case Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Case Manager is responsible for the implementation of case management, information and referral and outreach services to JFS Case Management Clients. The Case Manager reports to the Senior Engagement Manager.

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION:

The Case Manager position is a full-time non-exempt position.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Individualized Case Management Services, which may include

  • Conduct telephone screenings to determine appropriateness for case management services.
  • Conduct a comprehensive case management assessment to determine the emergent and long-term needs including but not limited to financial, housing, medical, emotional, and physical needs of adults/families, senior clients and caregivers.
  • Work with clients to create customized case management plans to reflect goals, desired outcomes and target areas for resources and referrals.
  • Refer clients to appropriate community resources and advocate for or assist the client in obtaining such services.
  • Provide ongoing case management services to evaluate and reassess client’s progress with short and long-term goals and make modifications to these as necessary.
  • Assist client in identifying both formal and informal community resources and support systems based on client needs.
  • Work with partner organizations to identify resources to connect clients to local supportive services.
  • Assess client’s eligibility and make recommendations for individual financial support grants.
  • Make recommendations and provide on-going review of client’s need for Senior Housing rental program.
  • Work with Community Liaison to coordinate pantry and case management services.
  • Submit timely documentation and maintain accurate, complete case management documentation of all services and client related activities.
  • Establish and maintain close working relationships with clients, caregivers/families, and other community professionals.
  • Ensure that community resource information is kept updated and that staff is kept informed.
  • Coordinate services with other JFS staff.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Admin and Strategic

  • Performs basic administrative tasks such as record keeping, electronic chart management, and statistics related to performance and productivity of programs and services on a monthly basis.
  • Assist the Senior Engagement Manager to meet outcomes and benchmarks for success of services.
  • Collaborates and assists the Senior Engagement Manager, Director of Programs and Services, and Executive Director in assessing the community resource needs of the community.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

  • Knowledge of issues impacting clients using a Bio-psychosocial approach to evaluating individuals and family’s needs.
  • Needs Assessment techniques and strategies.
  • Problem solving and conflict-resolution.
  • Ability to identify and access resources for clients in the greater Charlotte community.
  • Ability to collaborate and work with community partners.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Good organizational skills.
  • Ability to use basic computer software programs such as Microsoft word, outlook and data entry and learn use of electronic health record.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Social Services. At least two years of experience providing case management services.

 

Interested applicants should email their resume to rachel.green@jfscharlotte.org.

Finance and Administrative Services Manager

Senior Engagement Manager

Senior Engagement Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

Oversees all JFS senior engagement services, including the supervision and management of personnel, the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs and services, and planning and developing new programs. The Senior Engagement Manager serves as the community representative for JFS in collaborating and planning services for older adults. The Senior Engagement Manager reports to the Director of Programs and Services.

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION:

The Senior Outreach Manager is an exempt full-time position.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervisory

  • Responsible for the orientation, training, supervision, and annual performance evaluation of all senior engagement staff and case manager position.
  •  Ensure staff are providing required documentation for services provided.
  • Monitor staff productivity and work with assigned staff to ensure quality service delivery.
  • Assign and review work load of department staff.
  • Offer professional growth opportunities for professional staff.
  • Promote a collaborative, client-focused, and mission-aligned team culture.

Community Outreach Services

  • Plans and implements programming, educational and socialization groups, and outreach efforts to Senior residents in both senior living facilities and those residing in their own homes.
  • Educates the community on aging issues and resources to establish JFS as the Jewish community’s resource for the aging community.
  • Promotes JFS at various professional and community settings as it relates to senior services.
  • Maintains community contacts and relationships to maximize use of community resources.
  • Represents JFS at organizational or community meetings as it relates to services for seniors.
  • Implements inter-generational programs with the schools and institutions in the Jewish Community.
  • Coordinates and/or implements programs and services that support caregivers.
  • Conducts Jewish cultural programs for seniors who reside in the community or group facilities.
  • Collaborate with community partners in implementing Senior specific programs.
  • Oversees the senior visitation program.
  • Oversees the implementation of programs and services specifically for Holocaust survivors in the Greater Charlotte community.
  • Acts as the representative from JFS in planning community programs for Holocaust survivors living in the Greater Charlotte community.

Admin and Strategic

  • Performs basic administrative tasks such as record keeping, charts managements, and statistics related to performance and productivity of programs and services on a monthly basis.
  • Documents client services in the electronic data base.
  • In collaboration with the Director of Programs and Services and Financial Services Manager, assists in establishing a program budget.
  • Manages the quality improvement structure including data and outcomes for senior and caregiver programs and services.
  • Collaborates and assists the Director of Programs and Services and Executive Director in assessing the needs of seniors in the community.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Programs and Financial Services Manager to develop, manage, and monitor program budgets, including grants specific to senior services and Holocaust survivor programs.

Interdepartmental Collaboration

  • Work closely with internal departments to align efforts in program planning, service delivery, and community engagement.
  • Coordinate with the Community Liaison to match volunteers with senior engagement needs.
  • Collaborate with Marketing to promote senior programs and increase visibility in the community.
  • Ensure that programming aligns with agency-wide goals and integrates crossdepartmental resources effectively.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

  • Management and supervisory skills.
  • Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships and boundaries with client/families, staff and community agencies.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and manage service and program activities.
  • Knowledge of Jewish culture and values.
  • Knowledge of issues impacting older adults.
  • Ability to identify and access resources for Senior Adults in the Greater Charlotte community.
  • Understands service delivery trending in the aging community.
  • Comfort level and ability to speak and present in public.
  • Good organizational skills.
  • Use effective time management skills to complete required job duties.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Ability to use basic computer software programs such as Microsoft word, outlook and data entry.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Social Services. At least five years of experience, three years in a of supervisory position. Experience working with older adults. Specific training in the field of Gerontology a plus.

 

Interested applicants should email their resume to rachel.green@jfscharlotte.org.