Family Support Specialist

About the role

The Family Support Specialist (EHS/ES) meets Early Head Start (EHS) Performance Standards, Prevention Initiative Early Start (ES) Home Visiting requirements, and District 65 expectations. The role ensures full enrollment in EHS and Prevention Initiative programs, provides families with support and referral services, encourages parents to participate in their children's education, and ensures active family participation in EHS policy council, parent committees, family trainings, and ES programming. This position reports to the Family Center Managing Director.

Essential Functions

• Accompanies FACE Specialist to Prevention Initiative and Early Head Start meetings and workshops, as needed.
• Attends regularly scheduled meetings (staff, T/TA, Family Support, Early/Head Start meetings and trainings, etc.).
• Collects and enters all student/family service data into program data collection systems (Child Plus, Visit Tracker, Teaching Strategies GOLD, etc.) within 24 hours.
• Conducts twice-monthly Home Visits/Center Visits with families using the Parents As Teachers curriculum.
• Creates Family Partnership Agreements with each Early Head Start family.
• Develops and updates the Community Resource Book and trains staff and parents on its utilization.
• Documents and provides regular follow-up regarding children with excessive absences.
• Educates staff, parents, and volunteers to help each other meet program needs.
• Maintains confidential, professional, and ongoing relationships with families to support children's development and assist families in achieving goals.
• Maintains the lending library of toys and reference materials for families.
• Maintains full Prevention Initiative/Early Head Start enrollment.
• Monitors family problems, utilizes available resources, and makes referrals when necessary.
• Networks weekly with community schools, agencies, and institutions for recruitment and relationship building.
• Organizes and develops programs for parents based on their interests and concerns.
• Participates in required Professional Development trainings.

Other Functions

• Works in the classroom as needed for the efficient operation of the Doorway to Learning Childcare Program.

Qualifications

• Job-related experience with increasing levels of responsibility required.
• Bachelor's degree in a job-related area.
• BA degree in Human Services preferred.
• Experience in Head Start program preferred.

Pay

Salary Range: $22,500–$45,000

Benefits

• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension plan
• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long term disability
• Flexible benefits plan
• Sick days
• Personal days
• Direct deposit
• Employee assistance program