Family Service Specialist 1 PY

Community Action Wayne Medina•Wooster, OH

51d

About The Position

JOB SUMMARY: The Family Service Specialist (FSSP) is responsible for supporting families in the identification and attainment of their family and individual goals and objectives. The FSSP serves as a connection between community resources and families. In partnership with teachers, caregivers, and other center-based staff, the FSSP assists the family in meeting programmatic requirements and engages the families throughout the Head Start/Early Head Start program(s). ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: Establish and maintain positive, ongoing relationships with families, developing strength-based assessments that identify family goals, strengths, resources, and support networks. Assist in implementing an approved, evidence-based parenting curriculum as required by Head Start Program Performance Standards. Support families in transitions to other programs, schools, and communities. Coordinate and facilitate parent meetings and family engagement activities. Complete Family Assessments with assigned families during required home visits and make appropriate referrals to community resources. Maintain regular contact with families through home visits, phone calls, center visits, and other means to stay informed of family needs and interests. Maintain accurate and timely records by entering and updating child and family information in the agency’s computerized database. Prepare, monitor, and submit required reports by established deadlines. Research and maintain up-to-date information on community resources; visit agencies that support Head Start families and foster positive working relationships. Assist families in obtaining required documentation and verifications per Head Start and Federal/State regulations. Help families schedule necessary appointments and, when appropriate, provide transportation to meetings or appointments. Participate in site team meetings to discuss classroom issues and family needs. Conduct Parent-Teacher Registration Visits within assigned timeframes. Take a lead role in promoting parent involvement and in mobilizing non-federal match funds. Collaborate with Enrollment Specialist(s) to plan and implement recruitment activities throughout the year, ensuring full enrollment and consistent attendance. Assist in classrooms as needed, meeting the physical requirements of the role, including remaining in a stationary position for extended periods and the ability to move and lift up to fifty (50) pounds. Comply with all job safety requirements and applicable OSHA standards related to essential functions. Perform other job-related duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

Associate degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or related field. A combination of education and experience may be considered.
One to three years of experience in social work, human or family services, counseling, or a related field. Head Start experience preferred.
Must possess a valid State of Ohio driver’s license and remain insurable in accordance with the Agency’s vehicle insurance policy.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Experience in effective customer service, with the ability to represent the organization in a friendly, customer-focused, and professional manner.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with an array of people from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to communicate effectively with staff and the general public using empathy, courtesy, and good judgment to provide clear explanations of program policies and procedures.
Adhere to established process protocols in a timely manner while working in a noisy environment.
Effectively work under pressure with the ability to remain calm and de-escalate tense situations when necessary.
Strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of initiatives concurrently; able to succeed in a changing environment with the ability to anticipate future needs.
Successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills that support and enable sound decision-making.
Professional and resourceful style; able to work independently and as a team player, take initiative, and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
Personal qualities of integrity, humility, positive attitude, self-direction, and passion for the mission of CAW/M.
Ability to operate standard office equipment, including but not limited to a personal computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and printer.

Nice To Haves

Head Start experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain positive, ongoing relationships with families, developing strength-based assessments that identify family goals, strengths, resources, and support networks.
Assist in implementing an approved, evidence-based parenting curriculum as required by Head Start Program Performance Standards.
Support families in transitions to other programs, schools, and communities.
Coordinate and facilitate parent meetings and family engagement activities.
Complete Family Assessments with assigned families during required home visits and make appropriate referrals to community resources.
Maintain regular contact with families through home visits, phone calls, center visits, and other means to stay informed of family needs and interests.
Maintain accurate and timely records by entering and updating child and family information in the agency’s computerized database.
Prepare, monitor, and submit required reports by established deadlines.
Research and maintain up-to-date information on community resources; visit agencies that support Head Start families and foster positive working relationships.
Assist families in obtaining required documentation and verifications per Head Start and Federal/State regulations.
Help families schedule necessary appointments and, when appropriate, provide transportation to meetings or appointments.
Participate in site team meetings to discuss classroom issues and family needs.
Conduct Parent-Teacher Registration Visits within assigned timeframes.
Take a lead role in promoting parent involvement and in mobilizing non-federal match funds.
Collaborate with Enrollment Specialist(s) to plan and implement recruitment activities throughout the year, ensuring full enrollment and consistent attendance.
Assist in classrooms as needed, meeting the physical requirements of the role, including remaining in a stationary position for extended periods and the ability to move and lift up to fifty (50) pounds.
Comply with all job safety requirements and applicable OSHA standards related to essential functions.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned or required.