Family Specialist

Join to apply for the Family Specialist role at Innovative Network of Knowledge
.

It’s a great feeling to work for a company that does so much good for others around the world!

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

Required:

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

Preferred:
Bachelor's degree in social work, bilingual (Spanish), and three (3) years of case management experience.

• Determine, verify, and document eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA) of program participants in accordance with agency and federal policy, protocols, and regulations. (HSPPS 1302.12)
• Participate in recruitment efforts to inform families with eligible children, specifically children with disabilities and other vulnerable or disproportionately impacted children, in the service area of Head Start services and assist them with the application process. (HSPPS 1302.13)
• Comply with established selection criteria and ensure program compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). (HSPPS 1302.14)
• Ensure assigned program maintains its funded enrollment level, including filling slots within 30 days of vacancy. (HSPPS 1302.15)
• Monitor and address attendance for each assigned child, to include direct contact with parents and intensive case management. (HSPPS 1302.16)
• Collaborate with families in the families’ preferred language (or through an interpreter) to engage them in a family partnership process that identifies needs, interests, strengths, goals, and services and resources that support family well‑being, including family safety, health, and economic stability. (HSPPS 1302.50, 1302.51)
• Meet with families to establish Family Service Plans (FSP) and review individual progress, evaluate/revise goals, and provide resource referrals based on the urgency and intensity of identified needs and goals. (HSPPS 1302.52, 1302.53)
• Coordinate new and existing community referrals to maximize resources and avoid duplication of effort or services. (HSPPS 1302.52, 1302.53)
• Complete initial training on eligibility determinations within 90 days of hire and subsequent professional development training as indicated by program management.
• Coordinate program to ensure 100% enrollment, compliance with eligibility criteria, and adherence to agency, state, and federal standards.
• Schedule a regular meeting and home visit schedule of sufficient and consistent frequency to ensure a partnership between program staff and families in a timely and effective manner.
• Ensure child records are complete, current, and organized, including documentation of case notes within 24 hours of meeting/home visit.
• Prepare and submit required reports prior to deadlines.

• Coordinate with teachers, families, and other resource support to share information and ensure coordinated parent family and community engagement (PFCE) strategies for children and families in the classroom, at home, and in the community.
• Identify and 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.
• Participate in the development and implementation of family and community engagement activities and special events.
• 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.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of applicable state and federal Head Start regulations, performance standards and guidelines.
• Strong written communication skills to document child files with reports and case notes.
• Strong oral communication skills to communicate with families in their preferred language (or through an interpreter)…