Family Services Specialist

Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo•Cambria, CA

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, orients parents, refers families to community resources and social services, 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. Applicants must be fluent in two or more languages, including at least one that supports program and community needs. After applying, applicants should email unofficial transcripts or a copy of their degree to [email protected]. Depending on the department, 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 and have at least three years of driving experience. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable laws. The position has two qualification levels. Level II requires an associate degree in a specified or related field and one year of client casework or case management experience; a bachelor’s degree is preferred. Level III requires a bachelor’s degree in a specified or related field and one year of client casework or case management experience.

Requirements

Fluency in two or more languages, including at least one language that supports the needs of the program and community.
Level II: Associate degree in Child Development, Social Science, Psychology, Human Development, Liberal Studies, or a related field, plus one year of client casework or case management experience.
Level III: Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Social Science, Psychology, Human Development, Liberal Studies, or a related field, plus one year of client casework or case management experience.
Depending on the department, a valid California driver’s license, current DMV driving record, and proof of insurance may be required for job-related travel.
For positions where driving is an essential job function, candidates must be at least 21 years old and have at least three years of driving experience.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree is preferred for Level II.
Experience in child recruitment, eligibility verification, parent orientation, community resource referrals, and maintaining children’s health records.

Responsibilities

Recruit and enroll children into the program.
Follow program policies and requirements concerning 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 help ensure services are beneficial and effective.
Discuss the importance of coordinating health, social, and educational services for children’s learning and family well-being.
Help families find 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 signing in attendees.
Encourage parents to participate 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.