Family Service Specialist

Job Title: Family Service Specialist

Department: Head Start and Early Head Start

Reports to: Family and Community Engagement Specialist

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

OSHA Category: Category 3

Summary: The family service specialist, in collaboration with teachers and management staff, will ensure comprehensive services to families in the Head Start/Early Head Start program as outlined by performance standards and state regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

(1) Recognize parents as their child’s primary teacher and nurturer while implementing intentional strategies to engage parents in their child’s learning and development. Support parent-child relationships, including specific strategies for father engagement;

(2) Develop relationships with parents and structure services to encourage trust. Develop respectful ongoing two-way communication between staff and parents to create welcoming program environments that incorporate the unique cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds of families in the program and community;

(3) Collaborate with families in a family partnership process that identifies needs, interests, strengths, goals, and services and resources that support family well-being, including family safety, health, and economic stability;

(4) Provide parents with opportunities to participate in the program as volunteers including developing skills to become employees;

(5) Conduct home visits with families as needed.

(6) Communicate with managers and teachers to assure all child/family needs are met including health, mental health, educational, and social services identifying any child needing screenings and/or follow-up.

(7) Offering activities that support parent-child relationships and child development including language, dual language, literacy, and bi-literacy development as appropriate;

(8) Providing parents with information about the importance of their child’s regular attendance, and partner with them, as necessary, to promote consistent attendance; monitor average daily attendance and work with centers whose average falls below 85% to make improvements.

(9) Monitor family outcomes to ensure need assessments are being entered and families with identified needs are being addressed.

(10) Follow recruitment plan to ensure classrooms maintain full enrollment. Assist families through the application and enrollment process.

(11) Work closely with community agencies to identify and attain resources for families.

(12) Work in classrooms as scheduled for relationship building with staff and families.

(13) Conduct monthly parent meetings.

(14) Attend trainings as required by the program.

(15) Maintain and submit all required records and reports to manager by determined deadlines.

(16) Data entry/case management for assigned classrooms.

(17) Perform substitute duties as needed.

(17) Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no supervisory duties.

Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Quantity - Completes work in timely manner; works quickly.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work when scheduled and on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, parents, and professionals.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements described are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Excellent computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and data entry. Excellent communication skills and familiar with office equipment. Must have good recall memory, organizational and listening skills.

Education and/or Experience:

High School Diploma or Equivalent.

Minimum: Must obtain Family service credential within 18 months of hire.

Desired: One year work related experience.

Must have valid Driver’s License; Clear Criminal Background and APS/CPS Check.

Food Handlers Card, physical exam every two years, CPR/First Aide Certification, willing to obtain CDA within two years of employment and obtain CDL within one year of employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $12.19 - $15.69 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $12 - $16