Family Support Specialist

Allegheny Intermediate Unit•Homestead, PA

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Family Support Specialist is responsible for leading and supervising Family Advocates while ensuring compliance with all Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) requirements. This role supports the comprehensive development of children and families by promoting family engagement, strengthening family well-being, and fostering positive outcomes through relationship-based practices. The Family Support Specialist also plays a key role in promoting inclusive family participation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Education, or a related field required
Minimum of 3 years of experience in family services, early childhood, or community based programming.
Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151 and NSOR Clearances required prior to an offer (Must be dated within 1 year of hire date).
School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Prior supervisory experience preferred.
Experience with ERSEA processes and compliance requirements strongly preferred.
Strong knowledge of family engagement principles and strength-based practices.
Understanding of Head Start Performance Standards.
Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, and develop staff.
Strong organizational, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices.

Responsibilities

Provide direct supervision, coaching, and evaluation of Family Advocates to ensure high-quality service delivery.
Conduct regular team meetings, case reviews, and reflective supervision sessions.
Support staff in developing effective family engagement strategies aligned with program standards.
Monitor staff performance and implement improvement plans as needed.
Ensure full compliance with ERSEA requirements, including eligibility determination, recruitment strategies, selection criteria, enrollment targets, and attendance monitoring.
Oversee verification and documentation of eligibility in accordance with federal, state, and program guidelines.
Monitor enrollment data and attendance trends; implement strategies to maintain full enrollment and reduce chronic absenteeism.
Collaborate with program leadership to develop and execute recruitment plans targeting underserved populations.
Conduct internal audits of ERSEA processes and records to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Guide Family Advocates in partnering with families to set and achieve individualized family goals.
Support the planning and implementation of monthly Local Parent Meetings for the purpose of family engagement and shared governance.
Support families in accessing community resources, including health, mental health, education, housing, and employment services.
Promote family self-sufficiency, resilience, and overall well-being through strength-based approaches.
Address complex family needs and provide consultation on challenging cases.
Ensure accurate and timely documentation of family services, ERSEA activities, and outcomes in designated data systems.
Analyze data to inform program improvements and report on key performance indicators.
Prepare reports and documentation for internal review, audits, and monitoring visits.
Collaborate with education, health, and disability service teams to support comprehensive services for children and families.
Partner with community agencies to strengthen referral networks and resource availability.
Participate in program planning, continuous quality improvement efforts, and compliance reviews.