Family Services Specialist

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the family partnerships area for the center in accordance with the Head Start Act, Head Start Performance Standards, and best practices in family services.
• Implement the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework (PFCE) in building relationships with families that support family well-being, strong parent-child relationships, and ongoing learning and development of parents and children.
• Respect and respond appropriately to the culture, language, values, and family structures of each family served.
• Support families’ learning in safety, health, mental health, financial stability, life goals, and aspirations. Assist parents and families to advance their own learning interests through education, training, and /or other experiences that support their parenting, career, and life goals.
• Enhance parent-child relationships and support parents’ role as the first and lifelong educators of their children. Work with teachers to assist parents and families to observe, guide, promote, and participate in the everyday learning of children at home, school, and in their communities.
• Offer expert guidance to teachers in managing challenging behaviors, including utilizing ABC data analysis to comprehend behavioral functions. Maintain vigilant oversight of children's behaviors, collecting valuable data for comprehensive functional behavior assessments and behavior support plans. Keep meticulous and up-to-date records in our approved child and family information database, taking on the role of guardian for mental health information.
• Attend IEP/IFSP eligibility meetings, offering interpretation as needed, and participating in evaluations by outside agencies as requested by parents. Collaborate in the development of Individual Education Plans/Individual Family Service Plans (IEPs/IFSPs) in partnership with local school districts and early intervention agencies. Perform classroom observations, closely aligned with teachers, to ensure lesson plans are in harmony with IEP/IFSP objectives and ensure timely screening and assessment for disabilities.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with parents, actively involving them in the special education journey and encouraging their participation. Collaboration with community partners is vital to support children with disabilities and mental health needs. Conduct home visits for children with special needs, providing parents with essential information about their rights in the special education process, gathering their input for evaluations and mental health services, and guiding them on home activities.
• Manage mental health assessments and coordinate professional visits for children. Work closely with Family Service Specialists to deliver mental health services to children and families. Ensure seamless transitions for children with special needs as they move between educational programs is essential.
• Contribute your expertise to training teaching staff and parents on topics related to mental wellness, child development, and working with children who have disabilities. Stay updated on developments in the early childhood disabilities field and actively support the implementation of the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field is strongly preferred. A Family Development Credential must be obtained within 12 months of hire.
• Bilingual Proficiency: Being proficient in both English and Spanish is an advantage.
• Physical Capabilities: Comfort with extended periods of sitting or standing, the ability to lift to 50 lbs., and a readiness to perform various activities associated with caring for young children, including stooping, bending, and crawling. You may also be visiting families in agricultural settings.