Head Start Family Support Specialist

Position Summary

Family Support Specialist – Jefferson County Head Start. The Family Support Specialist engages families in Jefferson County Head Start using a trauma‑informed, strengths‑based, multi‑generational approach. The role collaborates with the Head Start Division, Human Services Department, and community agencies to provide specialized case management services that promote self‑sufficiency and help families achieve school readiness by advocating for their children prior to entry into K‑12 education.

• Build positive relationships with families on case load, performing in‑depth case management that honors family voice and culture.
• Utilize motivational interviewing to complete a standardized family assessment tool, determine strengths and support needs, and develop SMART goals with families.
• Perform regular outreach including home visits and ongoing needs assessments to establish a resource and network system with multiple agencies.
• Coordinate additional support services through individualized case plans, assist families in creating stability, and refer to community partners.
• Maintain communication with service providers associated with each family and collaborate with program areas via a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach.
• Ensure that necessary services are in place for children and families, entering accurate data into the data management system and documenting progress toward family goals.
• Track and monitor child’s daily attendance and support families to meet attendance goals in alignment with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Determine family eligibility for Head Start per HSPPS and internal policies, completing thorough enrollments for selected families.
• Support ongoing recruitment of eligible families and family engagement activities, including Policy Council, Parent Committees, and classroom events.

• Certification or credential in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or related field within 18 months of hire.
• CPR/First Aid/ADE Certified by State of Colorado preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in sociology, social work, or related field, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Experience in case management, crisis coordination, and family engagement skills.
• Ability to read, speak, and write in Spanish fluently.
• Strong communication, organizational, and computer skills.
• Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), childcare licensing regulations, and federal, state, and local regulations.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Hiring Range (Stretch rate of pay): $21.81 – $22.79 per hour. Regular hourly range: $26.62 – $27.82. Position lasts 1704 hours per year (ten‑month stretch). Annual salary paid over 26 bi‑weekly periods. Bilingual differential: $3,000 annual for fluent Spanish speakers. Benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance, paid time off, holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and more.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Submit an online employment application by 11:59 PM on the posted cut‑off date. Candidates may submit a resume and cover letter. Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications; selected applicants will be contacted directly by the hiring team.