Family Support Specialist

Position: FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Meet Head Start and DCFS Licensing Attach education to interview

Reports to:

Family Services Team Leader Class Code: 4431

Pay grade: 6 AFHN FLSA:
Non-exempt

Hourly Wage: $23.05

NATURE OF WORK

Serves the public and families of Head Start/Early Head start children in a variety of operations of various outreach and services within the Head Start division which targets low income, underserved population with children under the age of 5. Works with families for enrollment, conducting and assisting with ongoing consultations to inform clients of available services and resources within the community.

Is able to develop an open and trusting relationship with families in order to assist the family in reaching outcomes leading to self-sufficiency. Advocates, refers, and follows up with services in collaboration with appropriate head start staff to aid in public awareness and recruitment activities for the Head Start/ Early Head Start program.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Work involves responsibility for performing a variety of intake, case management, data entry, family needs assessments, referrals, outreach, research, public information, advocacy and other tasks. Work is characterized by consistent contact with clients, other public agencies, community organizations, and the public. Work is performed independently within a structured framework of applicable policies, procedures, rules, and regulations related to the area of assignment.

Work requires competency in English as needed to perform essential job functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (These essential duties are only illustrative.)

Maintains reasonable and predictable attendance.

Maintains confidentiality of information regarding children and families

Performs intake interviews, collects appropriate documentation to determine eligibility for program participation and makes inspections to verify information, as required.

Recruits and screens for eligibility

Attends meetings, trainings, and conferences; provides public information relative to program activities in response to citizen inquiries; meets with community and organization representatives, as necessary.

May serve as technical resource person to a community group or related organization.

Ensures the completion of Family Assessments and Partnership Agreements that address the family's social service needs and goals.

Consults and collaborates with supervisors, coordinators, and other service area staff to ensure timely screening processing and tracking family and child information such as health records.

Consents for screening and evaluation, enrollment requirements, attendance and other documentation as required.

Maintains accurate, up to date documentation of all contacts and information about families and children reflecting appropriate case management skills, particularly related to referral and advocacy. Follows-up on appropriate forms and ensures their confidentiality.

Collaborates and responds to Head Start Site Coordinator and PACE Coordinator to ensure smooth site operations and teamwork.

Relates program philosophy, activities, training and goals to families ensuring they are fully integrated into each Head Start or Early Head Site.

Maintains a working knowledge, establishes linkages and develops contacts with appropriate community agencies and resources to aid in assistance of families for family services as needed.

Maintains family, child, and staff confidentiality and follows policy and procedures for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect, mental health concern, etc.

Transports families to and from other referral services in the community as necessary.

Participates in and implements information received during orientation, training, annual program reviews and meetings as required by supervisor.

Demonstrates the ability and initiative to identify potential problems and their solutions and inform Family Services Team Leader, Head Start Site Coordinator, and PACE Coordinator, if applicable.

Prepares reports as required regarding, but not limited to family's progress, recruitment and enrollment.

Plans and facilitates parent events, training activities, and parent support groups.

Assists with classroom coverage…