Family Resource & Early Learning Enrollment Specialist

About the Role

The Family Resource Specialist / EL Enrollment Specialist is the first point of contact for participants seeking resources, support, and programs at the Akin Family Resource Center. This role also leads recruitment and enrollment activities for the Akin Early Learning program, ensuring continuous full enrollment. The position involves a variety of tasks related to the daily operation of the FRC, while adhering to Head Start, ECEAP Program Performance Standards, and Akin policies and procedures. The role has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) and confidential identifiable information (CII) as necessary to perform job duties.

Responsibilities

• Family Resource Center Mobile:
  • Create a warm and welcoming environment for community members.
  • Assist participants in accessing concrete goods and provide information about Akin programs and external resources.
  • Refer participants to Family Navigation for secondary prevention and/or family development activities.
  • Drive the FRC Mobile to transport food, supplies, and equipment to distribution sites.
  • Load, unload, and set up food and equipment at mobile pantry locations, ensuring compliance with food safety protocols.
  • Receive, unpack, and record food deliveries; manage inventory.
  • Keep the FRC Manager updated on resource needs.
  • Assist with additional FRC programming and data entry.
  • Refer participants to other Akin programs and external resources as needed.
  • Perform light clerical work to support FRC operations.
• Early Learning Recruitment & Enrollment:
  • Design and implement recruitment plans and actively participate in recruiting children and families.
  • Attend networking meetings and events to promote Akin Early Learning programs.
  • Support families in applying for admission to Early Learning programs.
  • Determine, verify, and document eligibility for Head Start/ECEAP programs.
  • Complete enrollments, ensuring continuous full enrollment.
  • Provide resources, referrals, and emergency assistance during the enrollment process.
  • Maintain confidential records for children and families.
  • Provide on-the-job technical support for new staff and volunteers.
• General:
  • Attend required trainings and participate in team meetings and activities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to advance Akin’s mission, vision, and values.

Qualifications

• AA, credential, or certificate in social work, human services, family services, or related field.
• Minimum of three years’ experience working with low-income families.
• Access to a reliable, insured vehicle for work-related travel.
• Proof of physical exam within the past 12 months (updated every three years).
• One-step Mantoux TB skin test or proof of negative test within the past 12 months.
• Proof of MMR vaccine or positive MMR titer.
• Completion of Akin and DCYF criminal history background check, including MERIT registry and fingerprinting.
• Valid driver's license with no more than three violations in the past three years.

Required Within 30 Days of Hire

• CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification.
• HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogen training.
• Food Handler's Permit.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Hindi, Oromo, Pashto, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, or Urdu (as needed).
• Lived experience.

Working Environment

This job is performed in the Family Resource Center, families' homes, an Akin office environment, FRC Mobile, and personal vehicle. The role involves moderate noise levels, typical office lighting and temperatures, and moderate to frequent interruptions. Home environments may include pets, residual smoke, pests, and typical household hazards. Travel for enrollment visits is regular, and work is often done off-site between home visits. The position is 100% in-person and requires occasional evening and weekend work.

Physical Demands

The role requires standing, sitting, talking, hearing, and using hands and fingers for computer and phone operation. Occasional reaching, stooping, and kneeling are needed. Specific vision abilities include close vision due to computer work. The ability to sit on the floor, crouch, or kneel during home visits is required. Frequent sitting in a car and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds and pushing/pulling up to 30 pounds are also necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Benefits

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental, retirement benefits, and paid time off.

Pay

The target starting pay for this position is $21.321 - $25.056 per hour, typically within the first half of these ranges. Actual offers are based on individual qualifications and do not consider pay history. The range allows for growth during tenure in the position.