Family Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Tuition assistance

"To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world" -Dr. Seuss.

Why work for us?

• No Nights or Weekends
• 15Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Education (Upon Approval)
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance
• 403(b) plus employer match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Chipper-Assistance in Student Loan Forgiveness and Lower Payments 

Who We Serve:
Opportunities serves thousands of people annually in Williamson & Burnet Counties. Working cooperatively with other agencies, we are an advocate for those who might not otherwise have a voice in the community. We are dedicated to providing services to help those in need achieve a better, more productive life.

Our Mission:
To empower children, families, and seniors to achieve and maintain independence by partnering with area organizations to provide education, nutrition, and community support.

Our Vision:
A healthy, educated community in which all people live independently and with dignity.

Position Summary:
The Family Support Specialist responsible for providing assistance with curriculum and program planning for Head Start. The position reports to the Center Director and operates under close supervision with little latitude for the use of independent judgment, discretion and initiative.

Position Summary:
The Family Support Specialist serves as the link between families and community resources for children and families who qualify for Head Start and is responsible for supporting family well-being and encouraging parent involvement. The position works as part of a comprehensive team and reports to the Family and Community Engagement Coordinator. Family Support Specialists will serve as Center Director in the Center Director’s absence.

Essential Job Duties: 

• Recruit eligible families or prenatal clients and assist with the application process.
• Establish partnerships with parents and other significant family members to create a welcoming program environment that incorporates the unique cultural, ethnic, and linguistic background of families in the program and the community. 
• Accompany teachers on home visits or homebound educational visits. 
• Support children’s learning and development by coordinating opportunities for parents to engage in activities with their children at the center level and home.
• Assist parents with children’s health needs by connecting them with resources for medical, dental, and emotional wellness.
• Provide information and referrals for emergency assistance and crisis intervention.
• Collaborate with teachers to provide parents opportunities to engage in their child’s learning. 
• Conduct strengths-based assessments with parents to assist them in identifying their family strengths and needs.
• Encourage parents to identify and pursue individual and family goals by providing information and resources to aid success. 
• Act as an advocate for the family while also teaching and supporting parents to advocate for themselves. 
• Present parenting education by using an evidence-based curriculum.
• Provide transportation, if necessary, for families who need assistance to access resources or medical appointments.
• Works collaboratively with the rest of Early Head Start/Head Start staff and service areas to include Education, Professional Development, ERSEA, Health and Disabilities, Emotional Wellness, and Nutrition to ensure delivery of integrated services.
• Complete progress reports and regular documentation. Maintain files with strict client confidentiality objectively and professionally.
• Plan, facilitate, and encourage parents to be involved in regular parent meetings, informational meetings with community speakers, and Parent Cafes.
• Provide training and information to parents on life skills (finances, nutrition, health, child development, and parenting.
• Provide guidance to parents with parent fundraising activities and Highlight Head Start events. 
• Represent Head Start and create partnerships for referrals by attending area agency and other community meetings. 
• Complete Family Credentialing process as required by Head Start Performance Standards.
• Maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and community referral sources.
• Participate in professional development opportunities by attending monthly center and Family Advocate meetings, in-service training, and community seminars.
• Educate parents on the importance of in-kind, collect data and record in-kind into database for monthly reports.
• Collaborate with Center Directors to plan monthly parent meetings
• Participate in and attend monthly parent meetings. 
• All employees are expected to adhere to OWBC ethics expectations
• Must be able to cooperate and work effectively with others
• Must be diplomatic, honest, and fair
• Regular and punctual attendance is an essential function of the position
• Perform other duties as assigned or as they become apparent
• Assist and be responsible for leading and monitoring the center in the absence of the Center Director

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to learn and implement Head Start Performance Standards and state and local licensing requirements.
• Ability to ensure compliance with regulatory agency requirements and policies.
• Knowledge of child development of children 0-5 years old.
• Ability to perform duties independently and to function well as a team member.
• Ability to lead group sessions.
• Ability to work with and communicate with diverse families and professionals.
• Ability to operate various word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
• Ability to communicate tactfully and relate in a manner that demonstrates professional ethics, respect, and sensitivity with parents, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and utilize effective time management techniques and organizational skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Ability to carry out multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel to partner sites throughout Williamson and Burnet counties.
• Ability to ensure compliance with regulatory agency requirements and policies.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Training:

• Demonstrated experience in social work or community service preferred. 
• A minimum of 2 years of a relevant college degree or related experience is required.
• Preferred:
• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field
• Bilingual

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Obtain and keep current Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification  

Mental / Physical Tasks (F= Frequent, O=Occasional, R=Rarely):

• F Standing- required when making copies, meeting people, moving from work area to work area
• F Handling- reports, vehicles, laptop, keys
• F Hearing/Talking/Listening -communicate with employees and others, answer the telephone, participate in meetings, give presentations
• F Fine Dexterity-operate computer, calculator, to write, mouse, projector tools
• F Sitting-performing work at a desk, while reading, writing, in meetings, driving, riding in a vehicle to sites and meetings
• O Kneeling/Crouching/Crawling -plug in equipment, when connecting PC components, plugging in cords, open lower desk drawers
• F Walking-from vehicle to site, area to area, to copier
• F Bending/Twisting – to reach files, reports, handle paper, reach drawers
• F Grasping/Holding-holding binders, phones, tablet, work resources
• F Balancing – standing, reaching, driving
• F Lifting/Carrying-report binders, paper, laptop, supplies up to 45 lbs.
• F Vision-to drive and assist individuals in medical need
• F Pushing/Pulling – open/close file/copier drawers, open & close doors, rolltop carriers
• F Foot Controls – driving
• F Driving –scheduled & unscheduled trips to and from meetings and sites
• F Reaching-to answer phone, reach files, reports, plug in laptop

Working Conditions:

• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.