Family Support Specialist

Overview

Job Title:
Family Support Specialist
Location:
South Shore
Supervisor:
Parent Family Community Engagement Supervisor

Welcome to Family Focus, where we're on a mission to empower families and their children across Chicagoland! Through our comprehensive range of holistic family support services, including center-based and home-based services, emergency assistance, prevention initiatives, early childhood education, after-school programs, and more. At Family Focus, we believe in the power of community support to unlock the full potential of our neighborhoods.

With 11 centers already making a difference, we are expanding our reach and are excited to grow our team as we serve more families.

Are you ready to make a difference? We want you to be a part of our journey!

The Family Support Specialist-Recruiter (FSS-R) provides services to families to improve their lives based on their specific goals. Social services include an evaluation of the families’ strengths and needs, assisting with supportive programs (such as SNAP, TANF, or affordable housing, etc.), and providing referrals to education and job placement programs that assist families in need. The FSS assists families with understanding and implementing the Family Partnership Agreement to encourage and promote their overall development, including achievement of self-sufficiency and positive developmental outcomes for their children.

The FSS will conduct recruitment efforts for the Early Childhood Programs to ensure families with children birth to five, as well as pregnant women, are informed about Family Focus’ Early Childhood Programs.

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work or human services from an accredited school.
• A Gateways Family Specialist Credential Level 5 (required).
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in Head Start/Early Head Start, which includes direct service. Knowledge and experience in the philosophy and practices of Head Start/Early Head Start early childhood education, and experience teaching/working with children ages birth to five.
• Enroll all EHS/HS, PI/PFA, and CCAP families in the center: family goals, family assessments, and health history information into the funder systems at enrollment.
• Assist families with completing the CCAP application process. Schedule visits to IL Action for Children to review, follow-up, and process ongoing CCAP applications and their status. Process all IAFC re-determination submissions for families at the center.
• Maintains a flexible schedule to establish a relationship with parents that are enrolled at both centers.
• Monitors and updates all HS parent involvement and social service activity, track and document in funder systems.
• Have education or experience in collaborating with parents in the education of their field.
• Knowledge of COPA and Child Plus system (preferred)
• Knowledge of PAT curriculum.
• Experience establishing and developing relationships with social service agencies to create partnerships for referrals and recruitment.

Mon–Fri 8 am – 5 pm

This is a full-time exempt position.

Discover all the benefits we offer to support your well-being and professional growth here: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Family Focus is an Equal Opportunity Employer

.