Family Support Specialist - Early Headstart (64167)

University Settlement Society Of New York • New York, NY

3d

About The Position

University Settlement is seeking a Family Support Specialist for its Early Head Start program. Early Head Start provides comprehensive child development and family support services, and advocacy to low-income pregnant women and families with children under three. The program provides developmentally appropriate care and home visits to families in the Lower East Side and Brooklyn.

The specialist supports children, families, teachers, and program partners through trauma-informed resources and referrals, family needs assessments and goal setting, parent engagement, classroom support, and accurate recordkeeping. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., for 35 hours per week.

University Settlement describes its work as partnering with New Yorkers to build on their strengths and pursue healthy, stable lives. Its programs span early childhood education, mental health and wellness, benefits assistance, adult education, healthy aging, community and recreation, arts, and youth development, with a commitment to civic engagement, equity, and communal action.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
• CDA required if the bachelor’s degree is in an unrelated field; the CDA must be received within 18 months of hire.
• Bilingual English/Mandarin or Cantonese or Spanish language skills required, based on program needs.
• Experience working with children and families.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework and/or training in trauma-informed practice.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with mental health service partners to facilitate referrals for children and families.
• Share trauma-informed perspectives and resources with teachers and staff.
• Support teachers in planning activities for and responding to children experiencing trauma.
• Assess families’ strengths and needs and assist them with goal setting and follow-up.
• Facilitate referrals to address family needs.
• Inform families about upcoming events and workshops and follow up with them.
• Build relationships with families and support the home-school connection.
• Coordinate events that promote parent involvement and engagement.
• Maintain complete, up-to-date child files and other documentation, including health records.
• Facilitate program transitions and ensure children’s files are up to date.
• Participate in individual and group supervision and professional development.
• Identify signs of trauma and respond supportively to mitigate its impact on the family and child.
• Provide classroom support.
• Perform appropriate responsibilities within the scope of the position as assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick, and personal days, along with paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Additional wellness resources.
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts.
• Commuter benefits.
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match of 6% of salary, eligible after one year of service.
• Internal and external training and professional development workshops.
• Tuition assistance.
• Support for pursuing relevant certifications.
• Consistent Monday–Friday schedule and 35-hour workweek.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time