Family Support Specialist Intern-II

North Coast Opportunities, Inc.•Clearlake, CA

3d•$20 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Support Specialist Intern provides comprehensive support to families enrolled in the Head Start Child Development Program (HSCDP) and helps ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards for family partnerships, parent education, health, nutrition, mental health, and disability services. The role monitors family-service progress and required deadlines, supports family enrollment and goal-setting, connects families with community resources, and participates in outreach, parent engagement, and program activities. The position also supports child health and safety, maintains accurate records, assists in classrooms when needed, and generates and documents Non-Federal Share Match. The employee attends meetings and training, completes 15 hours of professional development annually, and participates in reflective supervision and self-assessment. Bilingual employees use their Spanish and English language abilities as needed to support clients and HSCDP staff.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent/comparable certificate.
For the Intern level, obtain certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field within 18 months of hire.
At least 15 hours of Child Health and Safety training and current Infant and Child CPR/First Aid certification, or completion of these requirements within 3 months of hire; the employee is responsible for maintaining and renewing certification.
At least 18 years of age.
For work-related driving, a valid California driver’s license, verifiable good driving record, and access to a vehicle insured to cover the employee as a driver, or reliable transportation with proof of automobile insurance.
Employment is contingent on completing a pre-employment health screening, meeting TB test and regulatory immunization requirements, and receiving Criminal Record Clearance confirming eligibility to work in a Head Start Program and licensed childcare facility.
Knowledge of interpersonal communication principles and practices, local community resources related to children and families, computer operations, and standard office practices, procedures, and equipment.
Demonstrated proficiency using word processing, email, spreadsheet programs, and the internet.
Ability to train and facilitate small to medium-sized adult groups; communicate effectively in spoken and written English; follow oral and written instructions; and interact in a culturally responsive and emotionally appropriate manner.
Ability to maintain professional working relationships, work independently and collaboratively, handle confidential information, organize and prioritize duties, meet deadlines, maintain a flexible schedule, and acquire required training.
Ability to motivate and work effectively with children, parents, and adults from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals or families in low-income households.
Group facilitation skills and experience.
Knowledge of basic child development or early childhood education.
Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
Bilingual ability in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Help ensure the health and safety of children enrolled at the site while they are in the program’s care.
Maintain accurate documentation and complete required paperwork within established timelines.
Work with site staff to track attendance, absences, and health requirements and coordinate family services.
Assist with enrollment paperwork; assess family strengths and needs; develop goals; and make appropriate referrals.
Support families in completing required health screenings and services.
Connect families with community resources, make referrals, and follow up.
Conduct home visits as needed and document communications with families.
Participate in team, case management, and child study meetings to coordinate services and share information about assessments, screenings, disabilities, and mental health.
Deliver parenting education and provide health, dental, nutrition, and other relevant information in individual and group settings.
Encourage and facilitate parent involvement as classroom volunteers and in other program activities.
Assist with parent meetings and support the election and training of parent committee officers.
Coordinate and participate in community outreach and recruitment efforts and maintain an active, compliant waitlist.
Assist in the classroom when needed, including covering teaching staff breaks.
Generate, collect, and document Non-Federal Share Match.
Attend scheduled meetings, trainings, and conferences; occasionally drive when activities are off site.
Complete 15 hours of professional development annually and participate in regular reflective supervision and self-assessment.
For bilingual employees, use dual-language ability as needed to support clients and HSCDP staff.
Follow confidentiality, safety, attendance, workplace conduct, and other Agency and program policies.
Perform other duties as assigned or required.