Family Support Specialist

Head Start Family Support Specialist

The Head Start Family Support Specialist, under general supervision, provides consistent and multi-faceted support to the children and families being served through the Head Start program. This position works with families to develop and achieve Family Partnership Goals, often serving as a resource in this process. The Head Start Family Support Specialist provides families with a front line contact to address any issues or concerns that may arise relating to the education of an enrolled child.

This position is heavily rooted in social services and requires detailed knowledge of community resources available to those being served in Head Start.

Essential duties and responsibilities include: assisting in ensuring maximum enrollment for the Head Start program and the creation and maintenance of a waitlist by actively recruiting families within the community; assisting families throughout the enrollment process (completing paperwork, obtaining documents, scheduling needed physical and dental exams among other possibilities), in some cases meeting with families off site or in their homes to complete their application packet;

working with families, on an individual basis, to encourage, motivate and assist them in improving the conditions and quality of life; assisting families in developing ways to break down barriers keeping them from becoming active and engaged members of their community; assisting families in carrying out health and social service recommendations or referrals, in some cases attending appointments with families;

maintaining an accurate, up to date family service record on each assigned Head Start child; serving as a liaison between the Head Start family and Head Start Center the child is attending; promoting and assisting in providing parent engagement in all facets of the Head Start Program; facilitating home visits as needed; participating in the transition process for children exiting the Head Start program and entering the K-12 school district;

providing training for volunteers, and at times, Policy Council and/or Parent Committee members; attending meetings and completing all required training; serving on various committees, task forces or other countywide work groups, as directed; performing such other tasks as may from time to time be assigned by the supervisor. Regular predictable attendance is required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Alternative requirements that may be appropriate and acceptable to the Board of Education may be considered. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or experience:
Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work or Early Childhood required. Experience working in a Head Start program is preferred. Comprehensive experience and an excellent knowledge of the Federal Head Start Program, policies, procedures, rules and regulations related to Head Start including Performance Standards, Grant and Service Plans. Knowledge of early childhood programs, related services (i.e., health, dental/oral health, mental health, human services, etc.)

and financing. Experience working with low-income and high risk families. Excellent interpersonal skills. An understanding of the needs of and demands faced by Head Start families. A genuine empathy for and understanding of families with young children. Excellent records management skills and practices. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Excellent organizational, leadership and interpersonal skills. Experience working as part of a team.

Knowledge of administrative practices and procedures, including filing and business letter writing. Excellent data management and assessment skills.

Certificates, licenses, registrations:
Current valid driver's license and reliable transportation is necessary to ensure completion of duties required.

Language skills:
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with other departments, agencies and individuals. Ability to read, analyze and interpret periodicals and professional journals. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of educators, customers, and the general public. Ability to express self clearly, both orally and in writing.

Technical skills:
Demonstrated proficiency in the use of a personal computer (PC) or MAC in a networked environment to utilize the Internet and other electronic communications mechanisms such as email, conferencing, bulletin boards, etc. Excellent knowledge of productivity applications such as Microsoft Office (word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation software) and other technology to support efficient and effective office operation is…