Family Services Specialist
About The Position
Under the supervision of the Area Manager/Center Supervisor and in collaboration with the Family Child Care Coordinator, the Family Services Specialist recruits children, verifies eligibility, conducts parent orientations, refers parents to community resources and social service agencies, and updates children’s health records. The role maintains child and family files and reference records, and builds mutually respectful, positive, goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote positive outcomes. The specialist works with Content experts and Area Managers/Center Supervisors to meet timelines and supports CAPSLO’s mission and vision by creating inclusive and equitable environments for eligible families. The position supports Migrant and Seasonal Head Start families, connects families with community services, coordinates referrals, assists families in accessing health and dental care, participates in health screenings, and maintains accurate records and service documentation. The specialist also supports parent meetings and committees, encourages participation in program and community events, attends community collaborations, maintains knowledge of database programs such as ChildPlus, and completes requested reports and follow-up. Transporting parents and/or children to meetings or service appointments may be necessary. Duties may change with or without notice.
Requirements
- Fluency in two or more languages, including at least one language that supports the needs of the program and community.
- Level II: Associate of Arts/Associate of Science degree in Child Development, Social Science, Psychology, Human Development, Liberal Studies, or a related field, plus one year of client casework/case management experience.
- Level III: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development, Social Science, Psychology, Human Development, Liberal Studies, or a related field, plus one year of client casework/case management experience.
- Experience in child recruitment, eligibility verification, parent orientation, community resource referrals, and maintaining children’s health records.
- Depending on department assignment, a valid California driver’s license, current DMV driving record, and proof of insurance may be required for job-related travel. Where driving is an essential job function, candidates must be at least 21 years old and have at least three years of driving experience.
- Applicants must email unofficial transcripts or a copy of their degree after submitting an application.
Nice To Haves
- A bachelor’s degree is preferred for Level II candidates.
Responsibilities
- Recruit and enroll children into the program.
- Understand and follow program policies, confidentiality, privacy, and ethical practices.
- Orient parents to comprehensive services, including Health, Nutrition, Education, Disabilities, Mental Health, Parent Engagement, and ERSEA.
- Support Migrant and Seasonal Head Start families by connecting them with referral systems and community services.
- Serve as a liaison for referrals and ensure services are beneficial and effective.
- Discuss the importance of coordinating health, social, and educational services for children’s learning and family well-being.
- Assist families in finding health and dental care and encourage their involvement in the healthcare system.
- Participate in special health screenings and maintain accurate health records.
- Maintain knowledge of local social services and community resources, including health, mental health, nutrition, parenting, financial literacy, education, enrichment, recreation, job training, and employment.
- Plan monthly local parent committee meetings with the Family Child Coordinator and provide support and encouragement.
- Support parent meetings by scheduling guest speakers, preparing agendas, and recording attendee sign-ins.
- Encourage parent participation in program and community events.
- Attend and participate in community collaborations.
- Maintain accurate documentation of services provided to families and children.
- Maintain knowledge of database programs such as ChildPlus.
- Complete reports and follow-up as requested by Content experts and the Area Manager/Center Supervisor.
- Transport parents and/or children to meetings, health appointments, and other service appointments when necessary.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
