Family Specialist

Innovative Network of Knowledge•Monroe, LA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

It's a great feeling to work for a company that does so much good for others around the world! This role involves determining, verifying, and documenting eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA) of program participants. It also includes participating in recruitment efforts to inform families about available Head Start services, especially for children with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, and assisting them with the application process. The specialist will ensure compliance with selection criteria and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), maintain funded enrollment levels, and monitor and address child attendance through direct contact with parents and intensive case management. Collaboration with families in their preferred language is key to engaging them in a partnership process to identify needs, interests, strengths, goals, and services that support family well-being, including safety, health, and economic stability. The role requires meeting with families to establish Family Service Plans (FSP), review progress, evaluate goals, and provide resource referrals. Coordination with community referrals to maximize resources and avoid duplication is also a responsibility. Initial training on eligibility determinations must be completed within 90 days of hire, along with subsequent professional development. The specialist will coordinate the program to ensure 100% enrollment, compliance with eligibility criteria, and adherence to agency, state, and federal standards. Scheduling regular meetings and home visits, ensuring child records are complete and organized with case notes documented within 24 hours, and preparing/submitting required reports by deadlines are also critical. Other responsibilities include coordinating with teachers and resources for parent family and community engagement (PFCE) strategies, identifying and promoting opportunities for parent participation in development and Head Start programs, and participating in family and community engagement activities. The role may also involve supporting grant applications, budgets, and reports, and performing other assigned duties.

Requirements

Certificate or credential in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or related field, OR High school diploma and acquire a family services certificate obtained within 18 months of employment.
Experience working with diverse families in low-income communities.
Background in evidence-based strategies to strengthen outcomes for children and families.
Knowledge of applicable state and federal Head Start regulations, performance standards and guidelines.
Strong written communication skills to document child files with reports and case notes.
Strong oral communication skills to communicate with families in their preferred language (or through an interpreter) to develop relationships with parents and structure services that encourage trust and respectful, ongoing two-way communication.
Ability to incorporate the unique cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds of families in the program and community.
Sound judgment in the protection of confidential information.
Ability to organize and prioritize duties and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, holidays, and weekends.
Ability to work independently.
Possess a valid driver’s license.
Complete and pass health examination.
Confirm work eligibility status.
Successfully pass driving history check.
Clear criminal background check.
Required to lift up to 60 pounds.
Required to stand, sit on the floor, bend, squat, kneel, lift children, and engage with children.
Exposure to communicable diseases, and other hazards such as cigarette smoke, pets, at risk neighborhoods, etc.
Travel up to 50% by car, bus, airplane, or train may also be required associated with attendance at conferences, meetings and other duties carried out at distant locations in and out of state and in some cases where some overnight travel may be required.
Some evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for events such as home visits, parent teacher conferences, Parent Committee meetings, community, and social events such as field trips.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in social work
Bilingual (Spanish)
Three (3) years of case management experience.

Responsibilities

Determine, verify, and document eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA) of program participants in accordance with agency and federal policy, protocols, and regulations.
Participate in recruitment efforts designed to actively inform families with eligible children in the service area specifically children with disabilities and other vulnerable or disproportionately impacted children of available Head Start services and assist them with the application process.
Comply with established selection criteria and ensure program compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Ensure assigned program maintains its funded enrollment level, including filling slots within 30 days of vacancy.
Monitor and address attendance for each assigned child, to include direct contact with parents and intensive case management.
Collaborate with families in the families’ preferred language (or through an interpreter) to engage them in a family partnership process that identifies needs, interests, strengths, goals, and services and resources that support family well-being, including family safety, health, and economic stability.
Meet with families to establish Family Service Plans (FSP) and review individual progress, evaluate/revise goals, and provide resource referrals based on the urgency and intensity of identified needs and goals.
Coordinate new and existing community referrals to maximize resources and avoid duplication of effort or services.
Complete initial training on eligibility determinations within 90 days hire and subsequent professional development training as indicated by program management.
Coordinate program to ensure 100% enrollment, compliance with eligibility criteria, and adherence to agency, state, and federal standards.
Schedule a regular meeting and home visit schedule of sufficient and consistent frequency to ensure a partnership between program staff and families in a timely and effective manner.
Ensure child records are complete, current, and organized, including documentation of case notes within 24 hours of meeting/home visit.
Prepare and submit required reports prior to deadlines.
Coordinate with teachers, families, and other resource support to share information and ensure coordinated parent family and community engagement (PFCE) strategies for children and families in the classroom, at home, and in the community.
Identify and promote opportunities for parents to participate in parenting and professional skills development, including opportunities to participate in the Head Start program as volunteers or employees.
Participate in the development and implementation of family and community engagement activities and special events.
Support development of community and self-assessments, grant applications, budgets, and required reports in accordance with INK and Office of Head Start timelines and criteria for composition.
Perform other job duties as assigned.