Early Head Start Family Specialist

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (This list is not exhaustive, additional duties will be reviewed during orientation)

As part of the Family Services Team, the EHS Family Service Specialist will recruit, enroll, and register eligible families for the Early Head Start center-based and Family Childcare program options; and maintain family support throughout the program, successfully transitioning them to preschool.

• Recruit, enroll, and maintain registration for student population.

• Assist families in accessing high-quality health, mental health, nutrition, parental engagement, and social services for their children and families.

• Build partnerships with families to assist them in identifying their own goals, strengths, needed services and support systems and in developing strategies and timetables for achieving their own goals.

• Conduct three (3) visits per family per program year and document results.

• Maintain narrative and statistical records on individual contacts with children and families, including enrollment records, child/family development and progress, referrals, and other family information.

• Work with families and appropriate agencies to promote the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families referred to or involved with a child welfare agency.

• Assist families with the process of transition into the preschool program.

• Attend meetings, trainings, and appropriate professional development activities as assigned.

• Work some non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends as assigned.

Requirements

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements: The successful candidate will possess the following:

• Intermediate or advanced proficiency in a variety of office suite software including word processing, spreadsheet, and database software

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate through electronic means

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary family service

• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction

• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute to team goals and tasks

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with persons of various social, cultural, economic and educational backgrounds

• Family Development Credential (FDC) or equivalent required

• Associate Degree (concentrated in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling, or related field) preferred

• Previous work experience in a related field preferred

• Prior documented work or volunteer experience in an Early Head Start or Head Start program preferred

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development