Family Services Worker

Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County•Stamford, CT

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Services Worker is responsible for family and community engagement services for the School Readiness Program, including recruiting and enrolling Stamford families, maintaining enrollment, determining family fees and income eligibility, and assisting with child care assistance applications. The role supports families through referrals, follow-up, crisis intervention, and coordination with school staff and outside service providers. It also involves observing children in classrooms and supporting teachers with behavior-related needs. The worker maintains family and student records and databases, prepares attendance, statistical, and CACFP reports, and coordinates case conferences and meetings. The position includes parent and staff orientations, community education, collaboration with the Board of Education and local agencies, and participation in supervision and professional development. The role is based in Stamford, Connecticut, reports to the Director of Program Services, and has a schedule of Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with a one-hour lunch.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or associate degree in Human Services or Social Work.
Two years of related experience.
Computer literacy.

Responsibilities

Recruit and enroll families residing in Stamford and maintain program enrollment.
Set School Readiness fees using State Department of Education fee scales; send weekly fee changes to the Fiscal Office and reassess family fees and proof of residence every six months.
Determine income eligibility and maintain a database for the current school year.
Assist families with Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) applications and work with the Program DSS Eligibility Specialist on an ongoing basis.
Refer families to services such as basic needs support, parenting services, and family counseling, and follow up to ensure their needs are met.
Provide crisis intervention and refer families to emergency services, including for domestic violence, suspected child abuse or neglect, and homelessness; report suspected child abuse or neglect and violence in the home.
Meet with teachers, coordinators, parents, and children as needed; document parent meetings and all family contacts.
Coordinate with Cluster and Instructional Coordinators, notify them about children entering or leaving the program, and collaborate with service providers to prevent duplication of services.
Observe children in classrooms and assist teachers in addressing children’s behavioral issues.
Collaborate with outside agencies, including Child Guidance, Family Centers, and DSS, and plan activities to meet family needs.
Set up the current school-year database and enter student information into Microsoft Access; work with the Board of Education on its Star Base database program.
Participate in bi-weekly multi-specialty team and component meetings, monthly All Agency Social Service Meetings, monthly social service meetings with DC/CC FSW, and individual and group supervision.
Schedule and facilitate weekly Case Conferences and monthly Case Management/Review Meetings.
Help update the Community Resource Guide and educate parents on how to use it.
Plan and participate in staff and parent orientations, Kindergarten Night, Open House for prospective families, and HUSKY night for uninsured families.
Help parents find child care during the Holiday Break and work with the Board of Education on kindergarten registration and summer school for children without pre-K experience.
Maintain confidentiality and high standards of record keeping; translate correspondence for families when possible.
Participate in agency activities, including monthly agency-wide lunch meetings, parent involvement activities, and the annual meeting.
Collect monthly attendance, prepare monthly statistics and CACFP reports for School Readiness and the Board of Education, and compile yearly statistics for The United Way.
Participate in group and individual supervision and staff development, and pursue state and EDC regional training opportunities.
Train current and new teaching staff on family service issues.
Provide community education about School Readiness Program services and represent the program in local collaborative projects addressing unmet community service needs.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.