Lead Family Specialist

Qualifications

Required:

• Certificate or credential in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or related field.
• OR High school diploma and acquire a family services certificate obtained within 18 months of employment.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work.
• Bilingual (Spanish).
• Three years of case management experience.

Work Experience

Required:

• Experience working with diverse families in low-income communities.
• Background in evidence-based strategies to strengthen outcomes for children and families.

Responsibilities

• Establish systems for program eligibility of Head Start program participants (e.g., determination, verification, documentation) in accordance with agency and federal policy, protocols, and regulations (HSPPS1302.12).
• Guide recruitment efforts to actively inform families with eligible children in the service area—specifically children with disabilities and other vulnerable or disproportionately impacted children—of available Head Start services and assist them with the application process (HSPPS1302.13).
• Comply with selection criteria (annually) and ensure program compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (HSPPS1302.14).
• Monitor systems for tracking child attendance and consult on mitigating absenteeism (e.g., Attendance Action Plan) (HSPPS1302.16).
• Collaborate with program staff to develop and implement family engagement strategies, specifically fatherhood engagement initiatives, including individual activities and special events (HSPPS1302.50, 1302.51).
• Collaborate with program staff on strategies for family service planning, including the identification and development of community partnerships (HSPPS1302.52, 1302.53).
• Support completion of minimum training requirements as specified in state and federal standards through the development and delivery of training and technical assistance (HSPPS1302.92).
• Complete initial training on eligibility determinations within 90 days of hire and subsequent professional development training as indicated by program management.
• Monitor program enrollment to ensure it reaches 100%, complies with eligibility criteria, and adheres to agency, state, and federal standards.
• Provide oversight of physical and electronic child records to ensure files are complete, current, organized, and compliant with Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Prepare and submit required reports (e.g., weekly enrollment status and attendance reports, monthly waitlist reports, annual audit report) prior to deadlines.
• Monitor, evaluate, and revise policy, protocol, and systems for eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA) tracking and reporting.
• Support development of community and self-assessments, grant applications, budgets, and required reports in accordance with INK and Office of Head Start timelines and criteria for composition.
• Supervise Family Specialists as appropriate.
• Promote opportunities for parents to participate in parenting and professional skills development, including opportunities to participate in the Head Start program as volunteers or employees.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership skills through professional presence and reinforcement of agency mission, vision, and culture to encourage passion, engagement, and accountability among staff.
• Strong “people acumen” and knowledge of human resources policy requirements and personnel management strategies.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal Head Start regulations, performance standards, and guidelines.
• Strong written communication skills to compose and disseminate policy, protocol, training, reports, and other program documentation.
• Strong oral communication skills to communicate with team members in a manner that encourages trust and respectful, ongoing two-way communication.
• Ability to incorporate the unique cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds of families in the program and community.
• Sound judgment in the protection of confidential information.
• Ability to organize and prioritize duties and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Ability to work independently.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Complete and pass health examination.
• Confirm work eligibility status.
• Successfully pass driving history check.
• Clear criminal background check.
• Required to lift up to 60 pounds.
• Required to stand, sit on the floor, bend, squat, kneel, lift children, and engage with children.
• Exposure to communicable diseases, and other hazards such as cigarette smoke, pets, at-risk neighborhoods, etc.
• Travel up to 50% by car, bus, airplane, or train may be required for attendance at conferences, meetings, and other duties carried out at distant locations in and out of state, including overnight travel.
• Some evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for events such as home visits, parent-teacher conferences, Parent Committee meetings, community, and social events such as field trips.
• Required to hold and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Additional Information

INK requires all employees to receive an annual Influenza vaccination or obtain an approved exemption as a medical or religious accommodation, as per U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations. Proof of vaccination or exemption is a condition of employment.