Family Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Family Support Specialist has a broad knowledge of the programs and services offered by Community Resources for Children and the field of early childhood education. This position is responsible for helping parents, caregivers, child care providers and community members navigate our organization and for providing clients with accurate information about our programs, community resources and other required information. The Family Support Specialist also delivers family education programs and case management. 

The Family Support Specialist provides assistance to active and prospective CRC families. The Specialist partners with other team members to maintain the Childcare Eligibility List (CEL) and supports families with enrollment forms and provides child care and community referrals based on individual needs. The Specialist maintains a regular presence in the Toy Library and Early Learning Center to meet with clients and support the Administrative Coordinator. Through coaching, education, and resource navigation, this position plays a critical role in strengthening the quality of early learning experiences for families. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Understand and support the mission and goals of Community Resources for Children (CRC) 
• Stay informed regarding CRC’s programs and services, providing general information and applying knowledge of eligibility criteria and target audience to refer clients as appropriate 
• Collaborate with other responsible parties to maintain the Centralized Eligibility List (CEL) applications and family enrollment statuses in database. Communicate with families to verify information and update CEL applications 
• Collaborate with other responsible parties to coordinate Family Support Program outreach and events for families throughout the year such as holiday gift drive and special distributions
• Complete intake assessments and provide warm referrals to clients to community partners/resources as needed
• Administer Ages and Stages Questionnaire screening and develop individualized support plans to assist children’s development as needed
• Provide individual and group support as well as needs assessments to families participating in the Alternative Payment Program and Early Learning Programs
• Collaborate with the Provider Support Services Team and Family Support Program to plan and facilitate child development, parent support, community-building, and early learning trainings and education, while providing case management and support to families
• Maintain required databases, data and documentation; analyze data and prepare information for reporting 
• Participate in trainings including but not limited to; Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Motivational Interviewing, Parents as Teachers, Alternative Payment Program Essentials, Triple P
• Maintain a secure and organized workspace in accordance with CRC policies and best practices to ensure client confidentiality
• Demonstrate flexibility in work schedule to ensure client/program needs are met  
• Attend and participate in all required meetings, conferences and training relating to service delivery and professional development      
• Conduct outreach and participate in events to promote programs and agency as needed
• Maintain a regular presence in the Toy Library and Early Learning Center to meet with clients, engage with programs, and support the Administrative Coordinator, including serving as backup during absences and assisting with front-desk responsibilities.
• Provide receptionist coverage and front desk and agency phone line support during periods of high volume, increased activity, or as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education, Experience and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in child development, human services, social work or similar subject preferred
• Minimum of two years’ work experience in community-based organizations or related field 
• High level of proficiency in computer skills, including skills in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Contact Management Systems)
• Livescan fingerprinting and Department of Justice background clearance, to be completed upon hiring
• Reliable transportation, valid California driver’s license and insurance
• Bi-lingual Spanish preferred  

Skills/Competencies

• Ability to work independently and to collaborate with others
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to listen and respond appropriately to clients’ needs to make competent referrals
• Excellent customer service orientation, including the ability to navigate difficult conversations with families and providers with sensitivity and empathy 
• Demonstrate inclusive mindset and cultural competency when working and communicating with individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds and/or who have disabilities
• Attention to detail and ability to process complex information and documentation 
• Accuracy and thoroughness in handling and inputting data
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time appropriately while juggling multiple deadlines
• Willingness to adapt to new regulations and processes, accept supervision and apply feedback to learn and improve performance
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends 

Physical Job Description

• Typical office environment, no unusual exposures 
• Equipment usage includes computer, tablet, telephone, copy machine, projector and shredder
• Essential Physical Tasks: Must be able to sit and type on a computer keyboard, communicate with clients by telephone, drive a car to travel to meetings or appointments and lift and carry up to 30 pounds.

NOTICE: This description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.