Family Engagement Specialist

Full-time position located in Sedalia, MO (Pettis County).

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, prescription drug, and vision insurance
• Supplemental and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid time off
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Credit Union benefits
• Gym discounts
• Student Loan Forgiveness

About the Role

The Center for Human Services (CHS) has provided exceptional opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1955. CHS offers programs and services to assist individuals with disabilities, low-income families, at-risk children, and their communities to meet goals and improve quality of life.

The Head Start/Early Head Start Family Engagement Specialist supports the social services system coordinated by Head Start for staff and families with children aged 0-5. This role involves planning and implementing family engagement activities, supporting families in meeting basic needs, and setting goals for personal and family growth. The specialist maintains professional relationships with staff and families and participates in continuous quality improvement activities.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate respect for the capabilities, backgrounds, and cultural differences of families, children, co-workers, and the public using trauma-informed practices.
• Develop and maintain positive, supportive relationships with education staff to support family engagement, relationship-building, and goal-setting using family outcomes assessments.
• Engage family participation through strengths-based supports, including home visits, serving as a resource to low-income families, maintaining regular contact, facilitating parenting curriculum, and identifying barriers.
• Support the Family Engagement process by assisting with home visit preparation, conducting joint home visits, mentoring, coaching, and collaborating with staff.
• Support health outcomes, attendance plans, crisis intervention, and family outcomes through motivational interviewing with parents.
• Plan, facilitate, and attend parent orientations, meetings, education sessions, activities, and family events; encourage parent participation in committees, field trips, Policy Council, and classroom volunteering.
• Develop community relationships by actively participating in community resource planning to establish and foster strong partnerships.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree (AA or AAS) in Family Child Development, Social Work, or a related field, plus two years’ experience providing family-centered services to families of young children. A combination of education and/or experience totaling four years may be considered.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of personal vehicle insurance.
• TB assessment and background screenings required prior to start.

Preferred Experience

• Knowledge of Paycom platform, Childplus, Head Start Performance Standards.
• Previous experience in coaching or mentoring.

Competencies

• Accurate listening and attention to detail
• Positive attitude toward others
• Conceptual and empathetic thinking
• Strong interpersonal skills and self-starting ability
• Proactive and respectful of policies
• Results-oriented with role awareness
• Ability to develop others and gain commitment

Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Strong organizational and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of program, staff, and individuals served
• Respect for the rights of all individuals served

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Travel is required
• Ability to lift 10 pounds at times and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision and ability to adjust focus while using a computer