Family Support Specialist (Temporary)

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago•Addison, IL

just now•$50,000 - $54,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Family Support Specialist will be responsible for recruiting and managing a home visiting caseload for the Strong Families Program, which serves at-risk families (Birth to 17). The Family Support Specialist will work in collaboration with a team to meet the needs of the families they serve through family screenings and assessments, resource connections, group connection events, conducting outreach events, and meet program deliverables. This position is temporary, grant-funded and time-limited, with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2026. Temporary status is not eligible for benefits. Should funding become available, there may be an option for the position to continue.

Requirements

Knowledge in early childhood development; working with high needs families and children
Highly developed presentation skills, including listening and reflection
Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with cultural competence for working with diverse cultural backgrounds
Ability to climb stairs and ambulate in and out of locations in all weather
Candidate must have a valid driver’s license, dependable vehicle, and up-to-date insurance
Ability to travel within the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago service area as needed
Must provide evidence of reliable and insured transportation
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds
Current knowledge of the field of Early Childhood and of issues relevant to the position is required, supported by twenty (20) hours of professional development annually.
Must complete and pass a background check from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) & fingerprinting

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is preferred, with a preference for coursework in Early Childhood Development, Family Studies, Human Services or a related field
Previous home visiting experience is preferred
Bilingual Spanish-English preferred

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload, ensuring client understanding of, and promoting the development of healthy attachments and positive relationships between parents and their children
Conduct Weekly Home Visits
Implement curriculum chosen evidence-based program model, and research-based curriculum with fidelity.
Develop and implement home visit plans, group meeting agendas, and lesson plans, as applicable.
Maintain up-to-date documentation and management of data systems and physical files
Assess all families for intake, provide appropriate referrals, and review parenting needs
Maintain all required and appropriate records, data, reports, and statistics of member caseload
Develop home-based service plans with members that identify and address their own and their children’s needs
Develop educational material, presentations, flyers, and creative content
Demonstrate a working knowledge of community resources and effectively support families in accessing services such as preschool, childcare, housing, public assistance, healthcare, and legal support.
Maintain client confidentiality at all times
Assist with community outreach to solicit program involvement and promote program expansion
Present on a variety of topics related to child development at schools and other local agencies
Present on a variety of topics related to child development for parents and students
Participate in all required training sessions as designated by Strong Families and YWCA program guidelines
Contribute to a collaborative, high-trust team environment in a participatory, positive manner
Maintain a working knowledge of trends and best practices within the area of home visitation services.
Support the Youth and Family Potential Team
Opportunities for supervising volunteer mentors may be available
Attend special events and programs as needed.
Other duties outside of the responsibilities of the position may be assigned, whether for a project, special needs task or other assignment.