Family Engagement Specialist

About the role

To promote family engagement in all aspects of the program and provide family support services according to Head Start Performance Standards, program goals, and other funding source rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Complete child enrollment with each assigned family within required timeframe.
• Identify individual health and education needs (e.g., asthma, diabetes, behavioral) that require individualized service plans.
• Coordinate with parents, site team, program staff, and community partners to develop, document, and communicate individual plans; update as needed.
• Conduct two home visits per year with assigned families in their home environment to support safety, health, financial stability, life goals, and aspirations; provide additional visits or contacts as needed.
• Maintain regular communication with all assigned families and classroom teams to provide information based on family’s individual needs.
• Provide culturally responsive services, including information in understandable formats for individuals with low literacy and communication in the family’s primary language using translated materials or qualified bilingual staff.
• Promote parent leadership and volunteerism.
• Engage parents in site parent committees and recruit and support Policy Council representatives.
• Facilitate planning and implementation of parent meetings and activity days with site teams and parent leaders.
• Support site-based and program-wide parenting education classes and activities.

Requirements

• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to present and relate to diverse client populations.
• Professional appearance, presentation, and demeanor at all times.

Qualifications

• Four years of paid experience and/or training plus an Associate Degree or Certificate in a related field; OR
• Bachelor’s degree plus two years’ experience in a field directly related to the position.
• Previous experience with non-profit fundraising and/or community action is a plus.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organization and time management skills.