Family Support Specialist

Benefits Health insurance Paid time off Wellness resources Closes: 11/16/2026 Family Support Specialist Reports to: Family Support Supervisor Salary (Grade): Negotiable Status: Reg., Full-time (Non-Exempt) Location: 317 Frenchman St., Winnebago, Nebraska 68071 Educare Winnebago is a collaborative partnership between the Winnebago Tribal Council, Winnebago Head Start, Early Head Start/CC Partnership, and the Winnebago Public Schools. The mission of Educare is to promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children ages 0 to 5 through the provision of evidence-based education, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and their families. Job Purpose & Position Overview The Family Support Specialist will assist in the recruitment, enrollment, and monitoring of attendance of Educare students. He/she will team with teaching and administrative staff to develop and implement family engagement opportunities to enhance family well-being, promote positive parent-child relationships, and support family members as lifelong educators, engage family members as learners, inform families during the transition of their children from one developmental program to another, connect family members to peers and their community and promote family members abilities to advocate and serve as leaders in their community. The Family Support Specialist will also assist families as needed to address crisis events that may impact a child’s regular participation in the program and/or relate to basic family needs Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities Demonstrates the Winnebago Tribe's core mission, vision, and values. Family Support Opportunities Engages with peers, family members and children in a manner sensitive to the experiences, needs, and strengths of low-income and diverse populations and individuals with disabilities. Conduct Family Needs Assessments to identify family strengths, needs, resources, and barriers, and update assessments as family circumstances change. Collaborate with families to develop and review individualized goals through the Family Partnership Agreement process, including action steps, progress monitoring, and ongoing follow-up. Meetings may take place at Educare, in the family's home, or at another mutually agreed-upon location. Support and advocate for families of children with disabilities, developmental delays, or behavioral concerns by collaborating with families, teaching staff, and appropriate service providers to address individual needs and support transitions. Assist in planning, coordinating, and facilitating family engagement activities, educational opportunities, and events that respond to identified family interests and needs. Assist the Family Support Manager in coordinating and facilitating family engagement activities, educational opportunities, and events that respond to identified family interests and needs. Interdisciplinary Tasks Responsibilities Participate in interdisciplinary work with the Health and Safety Coordinator and/or Teaching Staff to do the following: Follow up on the health care needs of children and families. Coordinate the delivery of services to the family and/or child in response to the needs identified by the family. Provide information and guidance to assist the child and family as the child transitions from the Infant and Toddler program to the Preschool Program and form the Preschool Program to Kindergarten. Conduct regular classroom check-ins to build relationships with children and teaching staff, maintain communication, and identify family needs or concerns. Case Management Refer and link children and families to needed community services as identified during the Family Needs Assessment, Family Partnership Agreement process and as needed. Provide appropriate support to families experiencing crisis or challenging circumstances, including identifying immediate needs, connecting families with resources, and notifying appropriate staff when necessary. Advocate for and empower families to have access to community services, resources, and support systems while encouraging family independence and self-advocacy. Assist families initiating and maintaining eligibility for childcare development block grants and/or a private pay agreement. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of family contacts, services, referrals, follow-ups, and outcomes in ChildPlus and other required records. Maintains organized, accurate, and confidential electronic and physical family records in accordance with program policies and documentation requirements. ERSEA Recruit and enroll eligible children and families for the purpose of providing comprehensive services while maintaining full enrollment and serving families most in need of services according to federal guidelines. Complete, collect, review, and maintain accurate application, eligibility, enrollment, releases, and required supporting documentation in accordance with program procedures for management review and approval. Assist in conducting parent orientations to ensure families understand program services, policies, attendance expectations, and available resources. Monitor and follow up with attendance concerns including excessive tardiness/absentee issues in order to identify and address barriers. Disseminate and assist families in completing the annual parent survey. Other Assist the Family Support Manager with reviewing and updating parent handbook information and other family materials as requested. Duties listed are only an illustration of various types of work performed. Omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment. Required Qualifications/Skills Associate’s degree in human services, social work, family services, early childhood education, counseling, psychology or a related field required. Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, family services, counseling or a related field preferred. Two years of relevant professional experience working directly with families or serving in a professional capacity related to family support, case management, social services, family advocacy, or community-based programs, including experience serving culturally and/or socioeconomically diverse populations required. Must successfully complete and pass all required background checks, including the DHHS Child Care Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Check, Nebraska State Patrol Criminal History Check, National Sex Offender Registry Check, and any additional screenings required by applicable federal, state, or program regulations Must have a physical examination and tuberculin test annually. Must obtain a CPR and first aid certification within 90 days of hire and maintain valid certifications throughout employment. Must have a valid Driver’s License and be insurable under the Winnebago Tribe’s insurance Training Requirements Must attend all training courses and department meetings as required and/or directed by the Family Support Manger. Must complete training on Head Start Program Performance Standards, program policies, and family engagement practices. Within 18 months of hire receive at a minimum, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field if necessary. Must participate in an educational or professional development plan when required to meet position qualifications. Physical Requirements Normal to light office work which includes the ability to lift up to 10 lbs. Regularly required to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time and use hands to operate computer keyboard, phone, and various office equipment. While performing daily duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Mental Requirements Ability to establish and maintain positive, respectful, and professional relationships with families from diverse backgrounds. Ability to exercise sound judgment, problem-solving, and critical thinking when addressing family needs and workplace situations. Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, manage assigned responsibilities, and follow through on tasks with minimal supervision. Language Requirements Ability to effectively read, write, speak, and understand English. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with families, coworkers, supervisors, and community partners. Certificates, Licenses & Registrations All applicants will comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31, C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and to comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check. Nebraska Childcare Standards 3-006.03A Criminal History Record Checks In accordance with the Nebraska child care licensing standards, all staff members and volunteers, must complete a pre-employment criminal history record check. The check must be conducted through the Nebraska State Patrol. As provided by Federal Law, all qualified Native American applicants shall receive preference over Non-Native American applicants. In the absence of qualified Native American applicants, consideration will be given to all other applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. #J-18808-Ljbffr