Family Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world" -Dr. Seuss.

Why work for us?

No Nights or Weekends

15 Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Paid Education (Upon Approval)

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

403(b) plus employer match

Employee Assistance Program

Chipper-Assistance in Student Loan Forgiveness and Lower Payments

Who We Serve :

Opportunities serves thousands of people annually in Williamson & Burnet Counties. Working cooperatively with other agencies, we are an advocate for those who might not otherwise have a voice in the community. We are dedicated to providing services to help those in need achieve a better, more productive life.

Our Mission :

To empower children, families, and seniors to achieve and maintain independence by partnering with area organizations to provide education, nutrition, and community support.

Our Vision :

A healthy, educated community in which all people live independently and with dignity.

Position Summary :

The Family Support Specialist serves as the link between families and community resources for children and families who qualify for Head Start and is responsible for supporting family well-being and encouraging parent involvement. The position works as part of a comprehensive team and reports to the Family Support and Engagement Coordinator. Family Support Specialist will serve as Center Director in the Center Directors absence.

Position Summary :

The Family Support Specialist serves as the link between families and community resources for children and families who qualify for Head Start and is responsible for supporting family well-being and encouraging parent involvement. The position works as part of a comprehensive team and reports to the Family Support and Engagement Coordinator. Family Support Specialists will serve as Center Director in the Center Directors absence.

Essential Job Duties :

• Recruit eligible families or prenatal clients and assist with the application process.
• Establish partnerships with parents and other significant family members to create a welcoming program environment that incorporates the unique cultural, ethnic, and linguistic background of families in the program and the community.
• Accompany teachers on home visits or homebound educational visits.
• Support childrens learning and development by coordinating opportunities for parents to engage in activities with their children at the center level and home.
• Assist parents with childrens health needs by connecting them with resources for medical, dental, and emotional wellness.
• Provide information and referrals for emergency assistance and crisis intervention.
• Collaborate with teachers to provide parents opportunities to engage in their childs learning.
• Conduct strengths-based assessments with parents to assist them in identifying their family strengths and needs.
• Encourage parents to identify and pursue individual and family goals by providing information and resources to aid success.
• Act as an advocate for the family while also teaching and supporting parents to advocate for themselves.
• Present parenting education by using an evidence-based curriculum.
• Provide transportation, if necessary, for families who need assistance to access resources or medical appointments.
• Works collaboratively with the rest of Early Head Start / Head Start staff and service areas to include Education, Professional Development, ERSEA, Health and Disabilities, Emotional Wellness, and Nutrition to ensure delivery of integrated services.
• Complete progress reports and regular documentation. Maintain files with strict client confidentiality objectively and professionally.
• Plan, facilitate, and encourage parents to be involved in regular parent meetings, informational meetings with community speakers, and Parent Cafes.
• Provide training and information to parents on life skills (finances, nutrition, health, child development, and parenting.
• Provide guidance to parents with parent fundraising activities and Highlight Head Start events.

Represent Head Start and create partnerships for referrals by attending area agency and other community meetings.

Complete Family Credentialing process as required by Head Start Performance Standards.

Maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and community referral sources.

Participate in professional development opportunities by attending monthly center and Family Advocate meetings, in-service training, and community seminars.

Educate parents on the importance of in-kind, collect data and record in-kind into database for monthly reports.

Collaborate with Center Directors to plan monthly parent meetings

Participate in and attend monthly parent meetings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Minimum Qualifications :

Education and Training :

Demonstrated experience in social work or community service preferred.

A minimum of 2 years of a relevant college degree or related experience is required.

Preferred :

Bachelors degree in social work or related field

Bilingual

Licenses / Certifications :

Valid Texas drivers license.

Obtain and keep current Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification

Mental / Physical Tasks (F= Frequent, O=Occasional, R=Rarely) :

F Standing- required when making copies, meeting people, moving from work area to work area

F Handling- reports, vehicles, laptop, keys

F Hearing / Talking / Listening -communicate with employees and others, answer the telephone, participate in meetings, give presentations

F Fine Dexterity-operate computer, calculator, to write, mouse, projector tools

F Sitting-performing work at a desk, while reading, writing, in meetings, driving, riding in a vehicle to sites and meetings

O Kneeling / Crouching / Crawling -plug in equipment, when connecting PC components, plugging in cords, open lower desk drawers

F Walking-from vehicle to site, area to area, to copier

F Bending / Twisting to reach files, reports, handle paper, reach drawers

F Grasping / Holding-holding binders, phones, tablet, work resources

F Balancing standing, reaching, driving

F Lifting / Carrying-report binders, paper, laptop, supplies up to 45 lbs.

F Vision-to drive and assist individuals in medical need

F Pushing / Pulling open / close file / copier drawers, open & close doors, rolltop carriers

F Foot Controls driving

F Driving scheduled & unscheduled trips to and from meetings and sites

F Reaching-to answer phone, reach files, reports, plug in laptop

Working Conditions :

We are an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.