Family Support Specialist

Winnebago Tribe•Winnebago, NE

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Support Specialist assists with recruiting, enrolling, and monitoring attendance for Educare students. In partnership with teaching and administrative staff, the specialist develops and implements family engagement opportunities that support family well-being, positive parent-child relationships, and family members’ roles as lifelong educators, learners, advocates, and community leaders. The specialist helps families navigate transitions between developmental programs and responds to crises or basic needs that may affect a child’s participation. The role includes assessing family strengths and needs, collaborating with families on individualized goals, coordinating referrals and services, supporting families of children with disabilities or developmental concerns, and maintaining accurate, confidential records. The specialist also contributes to enrollment and eligibility processes, family orientations, attendance follow-up, and family engagement activities. Work may take place at Educare, in family homes, or at another mutually agreed-upon location. Educare Winnebago is a partnership of the Winnebago Tribal Council, Winnebago Head Start, Early Head Start/CC Partnership, and Winnebago Public Schools. Its mission is to promote school readiness for children ages 0 to 5 through evidence-based education, health, nutrition, social, and other services for enrolled children and families.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in human services, social work, family services, early childhood education, counseling, psychology, or a related field.
At least two years of relevant professional experience working directly with families or in family support, case management, social services, family advocacy, or community-based programs, including experience serving culturally and/or socioeconomically diverse populations.
Successfully complete required background checks, including the DHHS Child Care Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Check, Nebraska State Patrol Criminal History Check, National Sex Offender Registry Check, and any additional screenings required by applicable regulations.
Complete an annual physical examination and tuberculin test.
Obtain CPR and first aid certification within 90 days of hire and maintain valid certifications throughout employment.
Have a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Winnebago Tribe’s insurance.
Attend required training courses and department meetings and complete training on Head Start Program Performance Standards, program policies, and family engagement practices.
Within 18 months of hire, obtain at minimum a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field if necessary.
Participate in an educational or professional development plan when required to meet position qualifications.
Establish and maintain positive, respectful, and professional relationships with families from diverse backgrounds.
Use sound judgment, problem-solving, and critical thinking when addressing family needs and workplace situations.
Work independently, demonstrate initiative, manage assigned responsibilities, and follow through with minimal supervision.
Read, write, speak, and understand English effectively, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
Comply with applicable child-abuse and violent-felony declaration requirements and criminal-record checks under 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31, PL 101-630, PL 101-637, and Nebraska child care licensing standards.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, family services, counseling, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate the Winnebago Tribe’s core mission, vision, and values.
Engage with peers, families, and children in a manner sensitive to the experiences, needs, and strengths of low-income and diverse populations and individuals with disabilities.
Conduct Family Needs Assessments and update them as family circumstances change.
Collaborate with families to develop and review individualized goals through the Family Partnership Agreement process, including action steps, progress monitoring, and follow-up.
Support and advocate for families of children with disabilities, developmental delays, or behavioral concerns in collaboration with families, teaching staff, and service providers.
Assist in planning, coordinating, and facilitating family engagement activities, educational opportunities, and events.
Work with the Health and Safety Coordinator and/or teaching staff to follow up on health care needs and coordinate services for children and families.
Provide information and guidance during transitions from the Infant and Toddler program to Preschool and from Preschool to Kindergarten.
Conduct regular classroom check-ins to build relationships, maintain communication, and identify family needs or concerns.
Refer and connect children and families with needed community services.
Support families experiencing crises by identifying immediate needs, connecting them with resources, and notifying appropriate staff when necessary.
Advocate for and empower families to access community services, resources, and support systems while encouraging independence and self-advocacy.
Assist families in initiating and maintaining eligibility for childcare development block grants and/or private pay agreements.
Maintain accurate, timely, organized, and confidential records of family contacts, services, referrals, follow-ups, and outcomes in ChildPlus and other required systems.
Recruit and enroll eligible children and families, maintain full enrollment, and serve families most in need according to federal guidelines.
Complete, collect, review, and maintain application, eligibility, enrollment, release, and supporting documentation for management review and approval.
Assist with parent orientations about program services, policies, attendance expectations, and available resources.
Monitor and follow up on attendance concerns, including excessive tardiness and absences, to identify and address barriers.
Disseminate and assist families with completing the annual parent survey.
Assist the Family Support Manager with reviewing and updating parent handbook information and other family materials.
Attend required training courses and department meetings, complete required program training, and participate in professional development as required.