Family Support Specialist

Concordia Place•Chicago, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Support Specialist collaborates with teaching teams and families to help children have positive learning experiences and achieve the best possible learning outcomes. Social services may include an evaluation of a child's needs, individualized adjustments to curriculum, and referrals to outside programs and resources. The Family Support Specialist supports families and teachers in general through educational workshops. Because of the nature of the relationships this role develops, this person is part of the center leadership. Reports to the Program Director.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required in Family Studies, Social Work, or related field
Illinois Gateways Family Specialist Credential, Level 5
Bilingual English/Spanish
3- 5 years working with children in an early childhood setting or working with children 0-5 who are diverse learners
Knowledge of children’s physical, emotional, and developmental pattern
Sensitivity to the individual and group needs of children and their families
Desire to continue to grow their career in the field of early childhood and social services
Ability to communicate with families and staff effectively
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, and Publisher)
Evidence of emotional maturity and stability

Responsibilities

Support teachers during the ASQ screening process; monitor to ensure they are occurring within 45 days of child’s enrollment
Review ASQ results and assess the developmental progress of children to determine need for services
Discuss results of the ASQ with parents and teachers
Assist families in the process of children receiving an IEP or IFSP referral from Early Intervention or CPS
Coordinate the scheduling and implementation of the Individual Evaluation plan (IEP) and the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) recommendations
Advocate for families in the Early Intervention and CPS referral process; attend meetings with families and teachers, and proactively monitor the process
Create and maintain files for all children of their screenings, evaluations, etc.
Record and maintain case records, including documentation of home visits, parent conferences, and all other documentation for regulatory requirements
Empower teachers by building relationships, showing respect, and collaborating with them to support each other and the families in their classrooms
Review classroom curriculum plans and share strategies to support the plan and adapt the environment when necessary to accommodate children’s needs
Meet with teachers and families to discuss the needs of individual children
Provide teachers with feedback and guidance on working with individual children
Counsel individual families on their children’s social-emotional and physical care needs; make personalized visits to provide social services that support their individualized needs and goals
In collaboration with the Assistant Director of Family Support, create and execute an annual training calendar for families, with opportunities for engagement and education; similarly, create and execute training for teachers on relevant topics, such as children with special needs, mental health screenings and assessment techniques, and classroom interventions
Advocate that children receive the appropriate supports from Early Intervention and CPS
Proactively provide outreach, support and resources for families and teachers
Cultivate relationships with families, through ongoing parent engagement efforts
Work with other Concordia Ministries leadership to ensure “a Place of One”
Ensure facility program spaces are outward reflections of “a Place of Excellence”
Support program recruitment and enrollment, including program marketing, open houses and other events for prospective families
In collaboration with the Center administrative team coordinate with marketing and communications to ensure full enrollment
Promote organization through community relationships and online channels (web, social media, etc.)
Present programs to community groups; develop and foster relationships with key community and program leaders and organizations
Coordinate program with other segments of Concordia and with community activities
Performs other duties as necessary and/or assigned by the Assistant Director or Program Director