Family Specialist

About the role

Our Mission is to provide support services that improve the community and encourage self-reliance. Core Values: Innovation, Wisdom, Integrity, Leadership, Learning. Responsible for family and community partnership services within the Child Services Section. Incumbent provides case management services to families; coordinates parent involvement activities, assists with recruitment, and conducts enrollment activities.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for early childhood education through ensuring quality services to children, families, and the community – be a liaison for the corporation and program within the community
• Establish mutually respectful partnerships with families to enhance the quality of their lives and their communities
• Support families’ efforts to reach their goals
• Work closely with management staff to provide for the needs of children and families in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards
• Utilize, monitor, and maintain program database to accurately track child and family information
• Recruit children and families to participate in program options and enroll children - adhering to program guidelines
• Offer children and families opportunities to be involved in group events, family literacy services, policy groups and educational activities based on interest and need
• Assist with the provision of referrals and information to clients while supporting families in accessing other community resources and providing crisis assistance
• Respond competently to the diverse cultures, traditions, lifestyles, languages, and values of each family
• Monitor children’s health status, including physical health, dental health, mental health, and nutritional intake
• Encourage parent and community volunteerism and participate in other activities to generate in-kind
• Provide coverage in classrooms and centers as needed
• Travel to other sites within our service area
• Submit timely, neat, and accurate reports with appropriate data
• Attend all assigned training and meetings. Comply with company, state, and federal regulations

Requirements

• Degree in a related field or Family Development Credential within 18 months of hire
• Ability to satisfactorily perform duties
• Effective oral and written communication
• Spanish speaking ability a plus
• Write reports and business correspondence; ability to effectively present information
• Cooperate successfully as a member of a team
• Good organizational skills, with sensitivity to details
• Proficient with computer operations, preferably MS Office
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle with required liability insurance for business-related travel
• Ability to work at various sites under different supervisors
• Ensure efficient operations and present a professional image in conduct, attitude and attire
• Philosophically compatible with the mission of PACE and familiar with the agency’s strategic plan goals
• Free from Child Abuse and Neglect
• Annual TB test
• National fingerprint check every three years
• State criminal history and sex offender check every five years
• Pre-employment drug test & physical examination certification
• Physical examination recertification every four years
• Requires sitting, standing, stooping, bending and reaching with manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, copy machines, telephone and other office equipment
• May require moving or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Must physically be able to intervene in the event of an emergency
• Requires normal range of hearing and vision
• Must be able to handle diverse work problems on a daily basis