Family Support Worker

About the Role

The Family Support Worker assists parents in connecting to school and community resources to stabilize family life and enhance their child's educational success. This includes helping parents make educational decisions, understand district operations, and access programs and resources.

Responsibilities

• Receive Enrollment Residency Questionnaire forms from schools and shelters and enter them in HEMS (Homeless Education Management System).
• Assist with initial contacts to parents/guardians who qualify for services.
• Assist with documentation and requesting nutrition services and transportation for families.
• Assist with documentation from shelters on students being served and enter in HEMS.
• Assist with the Parent Education Program (PEP) activities and parent meetings.
• Work with shelters and transitional housing staff to provide services to families residing in shelters.
• Provide parents/guardians with educational resources and information regarding school district resources.
• Assist parents with parent/teacher conferences and provide transportation if needed.
• Encourage parent involvement.
• Provide documentation in HEMS on services provided to families.
• Coordinate with schools' social workers and staff to assist students in transition with services, supplies, and resources.
• Assist with distribution of parent rights folders, backpacks, supplies, hygiene products, uniforms, and resources.
• Network with community agencies to provide appropriate referrals for housing, healthcare, and other services.
• Work with community partners and organizations that provide services and resources to families.
• Advocate for and expedite services for families in transition.
• Maintain documentation and records on all services provided to children and youth.
• Perform other duties assigned by the McKinney-Vento Program Specialist or supervisor.

Requirements

• Ability to drive to various locations to meet with parents.
• Must be able to work five days a week for the assigned number of hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Flexible work schedule may be required.
• Must be able to handle stress.
• Ability to use SMART boards, iPads, and basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machines.
• Limited travel between schools and central offices may be required.

Skills

• Ability to maintain a friendly, caring, and professional manner supportive of parents, students, staff, and the community.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with individuals inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a supervisor when discretion is needed.
• Ability to perform as an effective team player.
• Strong planning, organization, decision-making, and prioritization skills.
• Professional manner, positive attitude, and ability to use good judgment in decision-making.
• High degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to conform to professional dress and appearance standards.
• Knowledge of the organization’s mission, purpose, goals, and the role of every employee in achieving them.
• Ability to handle diverse populations with tact and diplomacy.
• Understanding and responsiveness to customer needs while maintaining a positive attitude.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred.
• Associate’s Degree or some college preferred in Social Services or a related area.
• Knowledge of community partnerships and resources that benefit homeless students and families is preferred.

This position is non-exempt under the FLSA.