Family Engagement Specialist, Weekdays, Day Shift, The Lourie Center Head Start

Adventist HealthCare•Riverdale, IL

6d•$48,360 - $67,704

About The Position

The Lourie Center Head Start (LCHS), part of Adventist HealthCare, is a federally funded, community-based program serving low-income families, pregnant women, and children from birth to age five. The program also serves children with disabilities, children in foster care, and families experiencing homelessness. The Family Engagement Specialist supports family recruitment, enrollment, engagement, and access to community resources, using family assessment data to help tailor support and goals. The position involves maintaining family and child records, coordinating with program partners and service area managers, and providing resources and ongoing support through early intervention evaluation and eligibility. Driving between locations is required. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position with a typical schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, on the day shift. Holiday requirements follow the school calendar. The role is classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Adventist HealthCare offers medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid short- and long-term disability and basic life insurance; paid time off; an employer retirement contribution and match after one year of eligible employment; voluntary benefits; subsidized childcare at participating centers; tuition reimbursement; and Employee Assistance Program support. The organization strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination before employment and may require proof. Applicants who state they use nicotine or test positive for nicotine or drugs will not be hired, subject to the stated reapplication policy.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
Three years of experience working in multicultural, multi-ethnic communities.
Must obtain the Family Development Credential within 18 months of hire.
Active American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
Valid driver's license and personal vehicle required.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Participate in family recruitment and program enrollment, including coordinating enrollment transition activities.
Use Family Strength Assessment data to identify support needs and help develop individualized plans and goals for families.
Encourage, organize, and oversee family engagement initiatives; promote participation in program activities and seek participant feedback.
Collaborate with Head Start service area managers and Childcare Partner directors to identify family interventions and support needs.
Establish and maintain child records, documentation, and relevant family data in the data management system.
Provide families with resources, training, and ongoing support during early intervention evaluation and eligibility processes.
Identify families needing services and provide community referral resources to increase health, housing, and economic equity.
Participate in meetings, training, and collaborations relevant to the position as identified by leadership.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Drive between locations.

Benefits

Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents, effective on date of hire.
Employer-paid short- and long-term disability, basic life insurance, and AD&D; short-term disability buy-up available.
Paid Time Off.
Employer retirement contribution and match after one year of eligible employment, with a three-year vesting period.
Voluntary flexible spending accounts, legal plans, and life, pet, auto, home, long-term care, and critical illness and accident insurance.
Subsidized childcare at participating childcare centers.
Tuition reimbursement.
Employee Assistance Program support.
Free employee parking.
Work-life balance through nonrotating shifts.
Recognition and rewards for professional expertise.