Family Support Specialist

Job Description

Position Summary:


The Family Support Specialist is responsible for leading and supervising Family Advocates while ensuring compliance with all Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) requirements. This role supports the comprehensive development of children and families by promoting family engagement, strengthening family well-being, and fostering positive outcomes through relationship-based practices. The Family Support Specialist also plays a key role in promoting inclusive family participation.

Duties and Responsibilities:


Supervision and Leadership

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and evaluation of Family Advocates to ensure high-quality service delivery.


• Conduct regular team meetings, case reviews, and reflective supervision sessions.

• Support staff in developing effective family engagement strategies aligned with program standards.

• Monitor staff performance and implement improvement plans as needed.

ERSEA Oversight and Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with ERSEA requirements, including eligibility determination, recruitment strategies, selection criteria, enrollment targets, and attendance monitoring.

• Oversee verification and documentation of eligibility in accordance with federal, state, and program guidelines.

• Monitor enrollment data and attendance trends; implement strategies to maintain full enrollment and reduce chronic absenteeism.

• Collaborate with program leadership to develop and execute recruitment plans targeting underserved populations.


• Conduct internal audits of ERSEA processes and records to ensure accuracy and compliance.


Family Engagement and Support


• Guide Family Advocates in partnering with families to set and achieve individualized family goals.


• Support the planning and implementation of monthly Local Parent Meetings for the purpose of family engagement and shared governance


• Support families in accessing community resources, including health, mental health, education, housing, and employment services.

• Promote family self-sufficiency, resilience, and overall well-being through strength-based approaches

. • Address complex family needs and provide consultation on challenging cases.


Data Management and Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of family services, ERSEA activities, and outcomes in designated data systems.


• Analyze data to inform program improvements and report on key performance indicators.


• Prepare reports and documentation for internal review, audits, and monitoring visits.

Collaboration and Program Support

• Collaborate with education, health, and disability service teams to support comprehensive services for children and families.


• Partner with community agencies to strengthen referral networks and resource availability.

• Participate in program planning, continuous quality improvement efforts, and compliance reviews.

Qualifications:

Education: •


Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.


Experience: • Minimum of 3 years of experience in family services, early childhood, or community based programming.


• Prior supervisory experience preferred.

• Experience with ERSEA processes and compliance requirements strongly preferred.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:


• Strong knowledge of family engagement principles and strength-based practices.

• Understanding of Head Start Performance Standards.


• Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, and develop staff.

• Strong organizational, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.


• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices.


Additional Requirements:

• Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151 and NSOR Clearances required prior to an offer (Must be dated within 1 year of hire date).


• School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.


Working Conditions:


This position may involve standing, walking, and active engagement throughout the day. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


• Ability to travel to program sites and community locations.

• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required.


• Sitting for extended period of time


• Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling 35 pounds


• Ability to kneel, crouch, bend and reach to retrieve and handle teaching materials and supplies

• Moving fingers and hands in a repetitive manner

• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly when communicating with limited English speaking customers


• Hearing clearly


• Adequate vision to perform duties.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned

Disclaimer: The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position.


Reports To: Supervisor Family Services


Department: Early Childhood Education Position


Schedule: 260-day


Salary: Act 93 Grade 13


Benefits: Act 93


To Apply: Create an on-line application and upload a cover letter, resume, clearances, PDE Teaching Certificate (if applicable) and transcripts at the AIU Career Site

Please send any questions to: View email address on click.appcast.io

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, handicap, or limited English proficiency in its educational programs, services, facilities, activities or employment practices as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, Section 204 Regulations of the 1984 Carl D. Perkins Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other applicable federal or state statute