Family Service Specialist
About The Position
The Family Service Specialist manages family services, engagement, and enrollment in an assigned area, ensuring compliance with Head Start Standards and EEC subsidy regulations. The role includes monitoring family-service operations and staff, supporting enrollment and family engagement, and ensuring required records and procedures are followed for Head Start/Early Head Start and childcare. The specialist works with families, staff, community partners, and agency teams to provide support, referrals, advocacy, training, and parent programming. The position also requires compliance with Massachusetts reporting laws concerning abuse and neglect, EEC subsidy regulations, and Head Start Performance Standards. Other associated responsibilities may be assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, or a related field.
- Ability to work with diverse populations.
- Ability to problem-solve independently and within a group.
- Proficiency with computer programs for data entry and analysis.
- Reliable transportation and a valid Massachusetts driver’s license.
Nice To Haves
- Supervisory experience preferred.
- Bilingual ability is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Provide ongoing monitoring and reporting as requested by the Family Service Director; meet with Enrollment and Family Services to assess component needs and plan meetings and workshops.
- Assess classroom records, in paper and electronic form, and review Family Service Coordinators’ progress for assigned classrooms.
- Review electronic reports and ensure assigned staff enter all required information.
- Assist with completion of the PIR.
- Support staff with Parent Committees and family engagement activities; review agendas, attendance, and minutes; and manage Policy Council elections.
- Participate in Policy Council as requested.
- Monitor and support Family Service Coordinators in their job duties.
- Ensure daily attendance is recorded and follow-up on absences is conducted.
- Review Head Start and childcare applications and documentation to confirm that only eligible families are enrolled.
- Maintain supervision records for assigned coordinators.
- Complete yearly evaluations and create professional development plans for Family Service Coordinators.
- Provide coverage for coordinators during absences or vacancies.
- Plan and implement parent curriculum.
- Train new and experienced family service and enrollment staff on a variety of topics.
- Attend required MOC trainings and meetings, as well as staff and community meetings and case conferences.
- Work with parents and staff to form parent groups and area committees.
- Advocate for families and children.
- Provide information about community resources and make necessary referrals.
- Establish and maintain cross-component support and communication.
- Comply with Child Care and Head Start procedures and Massachusetts laws on reporting abuse and neglect.
- Comply with EEC Subsidy Regulations and Head Start Performance Standards.
- Ensure ERSEA (Enrollment, Recruitment, Selection, Eligibility and Attendance) requirements are followed for Head Start/Early Head Start and childcare.
- Monitor the database for child enrollment.
- Perform other associated responsibilities as assigned.
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- 15 paid vacation days.
- 12 paid sick days.
- 13 paid holidays.
- Hybrid work opportunities.
- Student loan forgiveness assistance.
- Tuition remission.
- Pet insurance.
- Employee discounts.
- Professional development opportunities.
- On-demand early pay access.
- Immediate 403(b) employer contribution, 100% vested on day one.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
