Family Support Specialist

North Coast Opportunities, Inc.•Ukiah, CA

9d•$20 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Provide comprehensive support to families enrolled in the Head Start Child Development Program (HSCDP). Ensure full compliance with Head Start Performance Standards across family partnerships, parent education, health, nutrition, mental health and disability services. Monitor progress and ensure all required deadlines and timelines are met.

Requirements

A High School Diploma or equivalent/comparable certificate.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
For work-related driving, must have a valid California driver’s license, a verifiable good driving record, and access to a vehicle with insurance that covers the employee as a driver OR reliable transportation with proof of automobile insurance.
Employment is contingent on completion of a pre-employment health screening, meeting TB test and regulatory immunization requirements, and receipt by the program of a Criminal Record Clearance confirming eligibility to work in a Head Start Program and licensed childcare facility.
Principles and practices of interpersonal communications.
Computer operations as it relates to the duties of the position; position requires demonstrated proficiency in the use of word processing, email, and spreadsheet programs and the internet.
Current standard office practices, procedures, and equipment.
Communicate effectively and appropriately in spoken and written English.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions accurately.
Interact with others in a culturally responsive and emotionally appropriate manner.
Maintain cooperative, professional working relationships with staff, children, and families.
Work effectively both independently and as a collaborative team member.
Follow established guidelines for handling confidential information and documents.
Organize, prioritize, and manage duties with minimal supervision to meet established deadlines.
Meet deadlines related to required monitoring and reporting documents.
Maintain a flexible schedule to attend work-related events and professional development activities as needed.
Acquire and maintain required and ongoing professional training.
Motivate, engage with, and work effectively with children, parents, and adults from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (Spanish/English) Pay Differential Available
Intern- Must obtain certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or related field within 18 months of being hired.
Associate – Meets the minimum qualifications of a certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or related field.
Working with individuals or families with low-income households (preferred)
Group facilitation skills and experience (preferred).
Local community resources related to children and families
Basic Child Development/Early Childhood Education (preferred)
Head Start Performance Standards (preferred)
bilingual ability (English/Spanish) preferred.
The ability to travel during the day and/or night, sometimes long distance

Responsibilities

Responsible for the health and safety of children enrolled at the site while under our care.
Maintain accurate documentation and complete all required paperwork within established timelines.
Work with site staff to track the attendance, absences, and health requirements to coordinate services to families in accordance with program procedures.
Assist with HSCDP enrollment paperwork and support enrolled families by assessing their strengths and needs, developing goals and making appropriate referrals.
Support families in completing required health screening and services.
Serve as a liaison between community resources and families, make referrals, and provide follow-up.
Conduct home visits as needed and document all communication with families.
Participate in team, case management, and child study meetings to coordinate services and provide families with information on assessments, screenings, disabilities and mental health.
Deliver parenting education services and provide families with health, dental, nutrition and other relevant information in both individual and group settings; participate in related training sessions.
Encourage and facilitate parent involvement as classroom volunteers and other program activities.
Assist in facilitating parent meetings and supporting the election and training of parent committee officers.
Actively coordinate and participate in ongoing community outreach and recruitment efforts.
Maintain an active and compliant waitlist.
Assist in the classroom, when needed, including covering teaching staff breaks.
Responsible for generating, collecting and documenting Non-Federal Share Match.
Attend scheduled meetings, trainings, and conferences as necessary; this may include occasional driving when located off site.
Must complete 15 hours of professional development annually.
Participate in regular reflective supervision sessions and self-assessment to promote ongoing professional development.
For bilingual employees, perform all job duties utilizing dual language ability as necessary to provide optimum support and services for clients and HSCDP staff.
Other duties as assigned or required.
Align work behaviors in conformance with NCOs Purpose, Vision and Values.
Participate in Head Start STRONG workplace culture initiatives.
Report to work on time and obtain approval from supervisor for any changes in work schedule or absences.
Maintain a strict commitment to confidentiality, in accordance with Agency and program policies and procedures.
Follow the NCO Injury Illness and Prevention Plan, as well as all Agency and program safety protocols, procedures, and policies.
Maintain focus on the assigned tasks.
Take pride in creating a positive, efficient work environment.
Treat co-workers and clients with respect.
Represent NCO and its programs to the community in a positive light.
Dress appropriately according to assigned job duties and responsibilities.
Adapt constructively to change.