The Family Support Specialist is responsible for the overall case management of all services provided to families enrolled in the Early Head Start Partnership Program. Working knowledge and skill in relationship-based engagement with families and implementing the Head Start Performance Standards is required.
Implement recruitment efforts for the local partner centers, including recruitment of children with disabilities.
Establish and maintain accurate age and income eligibility documentation for children and pregnant women participating in the program.
Collaborate with families to complete an accurate Family Assessment annually and provide intervention, referrals, and assistance for identified interests, needs, and circumstances.
Provide on-site case management services to families and children, including assistance and referrals, such as emergency services, health/nutrition/dental referrals, education/ mental health/disability referrals, and child abuse and neglect referrals.
Collaborate with families in person to access community services that meet their needs, circumstances, and interests, including following up with parents to ensure that services are received.
Assist families in identifying and defining goals as early as possible after enrollment and ensure that progress reviews are conducted per procedure.
Adhere to follow-up procedures for tracking activities in all Early Head Start Service areas, i.e., medical, dental, mental health, CACFP/nutrition, disabilities, eligibility, and family & community partnerships.
Follow the established contents of files and the grantee database to maintain accurate and current recordkeeping in the family file.
Collaborate with all families and local health agencies to ensure all children are linked to medical and dental services.
Provide immediate referrals, assistance, and follow-up for crisis intervention needs.
Share developmental information from the family file to support relationships with families and participate in all staff-parent conferences/home visits.
Participate at the local parent/policy committee meetings to offer technical assistance to parents on community resources and programs. Maintain ongoing contact with families and childcare partners regarding program services. Document contact on case notes in family files and databases.
Document and provide follow-up regarding children’s absences from the program, including daily and consecutive absences with follow-up and home visits as needed.
Offer and assist families with attendance issues.
Develop and update the Community Resources Book with the Managers and Directors.
Train staff and parents on utilizing the Community Resources Book in collaboration with the managers.
Recruited and assisted with the coordination of local Health Services Advisory Committee members and meetings for all partners.
Attend and participate in staffing children in collaboration with LIC, mental health providers, and/or medical agencies.
Participate in the collection of data for the community assessment.
Ensure the implementation of individual health care plans, if applicable.
Monitor database reports per established procedures.
Assist in the provision of family activities.
Assist in the provision of various parent workshops.
Participate in the monitoring system designed for the CCR&R Early/Head Start Partnership Program, ensuring follow-up on all issues found during technical assistance/monitoring visits.
Respond appropriately to cultural diversity and be sensitive to the needs of the families and community served.
Attend regularly scheduled meetings, Grantee service meetings/trainings, and service and In-Service Training.
Must demonstrate belief in the CCR&R mission and vision in all verbal and written communication.
Meet all timelines and reporting requirements.
Receive and maintain training annually.
Ensures that the usage of agency technology, equipment, and time are utilized for agency business
Performs other duties as may be assigned.
A bachelor’s degree is preferred in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field. All degrees must come from a regionally accredited institution with a U.S. Department of Education app oval. At a minimum and/or within eighteen months of hire, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field.
Three to five years of related experience, including data entry experience.
Knowledge of the local community, resources, and the child welfare system.
Must have extensive knowledge of various computer programs and office functions, including communications, data processing, record keeping, and Microsoft Office.
Working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
Ability to establish and maintain case notes.
Ability to establish relationships with families and children from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to handle administrative duties, along with being self-directed.
Possess organizational skills and time management skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Basic knowledge of computers.
Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive team member.
Pass DCFS background check and drug testing.
Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally.
Ability to use good judgment and work under pressure.
Ability to adapt to change.
May be required to travel locally and attend occasional evening and weekend meetings.
May be required to carry, lift, or move equipment, materials, or supplies weighing up to 40 lbs.
