Family Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Why Join Concordia Place?

Founded in 1981, Concordia Place is a vibrant mission driven organization providing multigenerational programs including early learning, after-school, and teen leadership for Chicago communities. Our centers are located in the Avondale, Ravenswood, North Center and Old Irving Park neighborhoods, with plans to expand into Albany Park. While we are diverse, we are united by our mission to create involved communities where all our neighbors can gather, learn, and grow. Concordia believes everyone deserves opportunity, and that it is best served when it is broadly inclusive.\

Our Guiding Principles

• Faith in Action
• Place of Yes
• A Place for All
• A Place of One
• A Place of Excellence

Overview

The Family Support Specialist collaborates with teaching teams and families to support children’s learning and development through assessment, resources, and individualized services. This role plays a key part in enrollment and retention by guiding prospective families through the enrollment process and fostering strong, ongoing relationships. The position also provides support to families and teachers through engagement, education, and resources, and is part of the center leadership team. Reports to the Program Director.

Dates & Shift Times

This is a full-time position. Full-time hours mean consistently working 5 days a week, Monday through Friday. This position is located at Concordia on Whipple - 3300 N. Whipple St., Chicago, IL 60618.

Responsibilities

Child Assessment, Referral for Services, and Progress Tracking

• Support teachers during the ASQ screening process; monitor to ensure they are occurring within 45 days of child’s enrollment
• Review ASQ results and assess the developmental progress of children to determine need for services
• Discuss results of the ASQ with parents and teachers
• Assist families in the process of children receiving an IEP or IFSP referral from Early Intervention or CPS 
• Coordinate the scheduling and implementation of the Individual Evaluation plan (IEP) and the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) recommendations
• Advocate for families in the Early Intervention and CPS referral process; attend meetings with families and teachers, and proactively monitor the process

Family and Teacher Support

• Build collaborative, respectful relationships with teachers to support children and families 
• Review classroom curriculum plans and provide strategies to support and adapt learning environments 
• Meet with teachers and families to address individual child needs 
• Provide feedback and guidance to teachers on supporting children in their classrooms 
• Counsel families on children’s social-emotional and developmental needs 
• Conduct individualized family support visits and provide community resource referrals 
• In collaboration with leadership, develop and implement an annual family engagement and training calendar 
• Provide training and resources to teachers on topics such as special needs, mental health, and classroom interventions 
• Advocate to ensure children receive appropriate services and supports 
• Proactively provide outreach, support, and resources to families and staff

Recordkeeping and Data Management

• Maintain accurate and complete case records, including home visits, parent conferences, and required regulatory documentation
• Ensure all child files are current and compliant with program and licensing standards
• Track and maintain accurate data related to child attendance and meal participation in accordance with reporting requirements

Excellence in Mission

• Cultivate relationships with families, through ongoing parent engagement efforts
• Work with other Concordia Ministries leadership to ensure “a Place of One”
• Ensure facility program spaces are outward reflections of “a Place of Excellence”

Enrollment, Recruitment, and Family Engagement

• Support program recruitment and enrollment efforts, including marketing initiatives, open houses, and community outreach
• Actively participate in recruitment and marketing efforts, including evening and weekend events as needed
• Support individual family enrollment by providing tours, meeting with prospective families, and assisting with enrollment paperwork, policies, and procedures
• Partner with administrative and marketing teams to support full program enrollment
• Cultivate strong relationships with families through ongoing engagement efforts

Visibility and Community Engagement

• Represent the organization through community partnerships and outreach efforts
• Promote programs through community networks and online platforms
• Develop relationships with community organizations and service providers
• Coordinate program connections with internal teams and community partners

Additional Responsibilities

• Serve as a classroom substitute when needed to ensure continuity of care and program operations
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director or Assistant Director

Experience and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in Family Studies, Social Work, or related field
• Illinois Gateways Family Specialist Credential, Level 5 
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• 3- 5 years working with children in an early childhood setting or working with children 0-5 who are diverse learners
• Knowledge of children’s physical, emotional, and developmental pattern
• Sensitivity to the individual and group needs of children and their families
• Desire to continue to grow their career in the field of early childhood and social services
• Ability to communicate with families and staff effectively
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, and Publisher)
• Evidence of emotional maturity and stability
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. There may be long periods of sitting and computer and phone use; other activities while performing this job may require lifting up to 30-pounds.

Salary, Perks and Benefits

• Salary Range: $55,750 - $58,000 annually

Concordia Place offers a generous compensation and benefits package to employees. Here is an overview of the many perks of working at Concordia Place:

• 403b Retirement Savings Plan (with an Employer Match)
• Vacation Days
• Sick Days
• 1 week paid winter holiday
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Floating Holidays
• Employer paid Short Term Disability
• Employer paid Basic Life & ADD
• Medical insurance with employer contribution
• Voluntary Dental insurance
• Voluntary Vision insurance
• Voluntary Basic Life & ADD
• Voluntary Long-term disability insurance
• Voluntary Aflac plans
• Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral program
• Childcare tuition discount for employees
• Quarterly in-service days and professional development resources for teaching staff