Family Support Worker

Family Support Worker

Would you like to make a difference with the work that you do? We offer the right candidate an opportunity to be part of an organization that focuses on empowering individuals to improve their quality of life.

All of us at Ozark Opportunities, Inc. believe in treating all individuals with dignity, respect, and understanding. As the Family Support Worker, exhibiting empathy and compassion is a must as you will be the first-contact potential Head Start children and families experience, for education application and enrollment in the Head Start and ABC programs.

The Family Support Worker is responsible for thorough and accurate collection of data associated with Enrollment, Recruitment, Selection, Attendance, and Health components for Head Start program compliance. In this role you will use knowledge of the principles of family engagement and family success road map to encourage interactions, providing support to vulnerable families. This position is employed 10.5 months out of the year, with furlough during June and July (Unemployment benefits offered and encouraged). Family Support Workers are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect. Data entry into appropriate tracking databases. This role consists of 60% travel that is required for classrooms as assigned, meetings, and trainings.

We expect qualified candidates to have:

• HS Diploma/GED required, Associates degree is preferred
• Active and unhindered Driver's License.
• Successfully pass Criminal Background and Child Maltreatment check.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail.
• Positive attitude when faced with difficulties.
• Must have within 18 months of hire at a minimum a credential or certification in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling, or a related field if a Bachelor's Degree is not held

Roles & Responsibilities

• Receives and reviews eligibility documentation for accuracy and compliance, coordinating with Family Services Supervisor for vacancies for program admission.
• Responsible for application and documentation data entry with monitoring of waiting lists.
• Assist parents/guardians with obtaining health insurance and primary health care providers if needed.
• Obtain proper documentation from parents/guardians regarding children's medical appointments, follow up with referrals, and enter into appropriate tracking database(s).
• Assist with classroom attendance monitoring, coordinating with teaching staff for attendance plans.
• Receive and assess screenings from internal and external sources for children and families.
• Collaborate with Supervisors and Teachers for parent/guardian involvement and participation in obtaining services for their child.
• Establish working relationships with clients as a representative of the Agency.
• Establish and maintain partnerships throughout immediate and surrounding communities for recruitment and referral coordination.
• Assist low-income families in establishing short and long-term goals directed toward obtaining the skills and resources needed to attain self-reliance utilizing strengths-based criteria, documenting each interaction.
• Coordinate and facilitate client care through assessments, evaluations, addressing emergent/urgent needs through the collection of necessary documentation, and referral to community services for assistance.
• Act as an agent for the Program for the identification and determination of community strengths, needs, and resources upon request.
• Assist with ongoing recruitment to obtain full-funded enrollment for the Child Development program.
• Assist with data collection for surveys of target areas to prepare Community Needs Assessment.
• On rare occasions, may accompany child and parent/guardian to obtain services.
• Provide support to classroom teachers as directed by the Family Services Supervisor, this includes giving staff breaks as assigned.
• May be asked to substitute for Teaching Staff in classroom on an as-needed basis.

Physical Requirements: Occasional lifting (able to lift up to 50lbs.) and moving of general office equipment, furniture, and project materials. Long periods of sitting, reading, keyboarding alternating with long periods of standing.

Frequent driving within the 6-county service area with occasional out-of-area functions/training.

Why Join Our Team?

• Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
• Work alongside a dedicated, mission-driven team.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Help create positive, inclusive learning environments where every child can succeed.
• Great Total Rewards Package:
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (eligible after 60-day waiting period)
• Company Paid Basic Life Insurance (eligible after 60-day waiting period)
• Company Paid AirEvac Family Membership (eligible after 90-day waiting period)
• Accrual of paid sick leave (eligible after 90-day waiting period)
• Participation in the 403b retirement plan (eligible after 3 month waiting period)