Family Support Specialist

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska•Winnebago, NE

17h

About The Position

Educare Winnebago is a collaborative partnership among the Winnebago Tribal Council, Winnebago Head Start, Early Head Start/Child Care Partnership, and Winnebago Public Schools. Its mission is to promote school readiness by supporting the social and cognitive development of children ages 0 to 5 through evidence-based education, health, nutrition, social, and other services for enrolled children and their families. The Family Support Specialist assists with recruiting and enrolling students and monitoring attendance. Working with teaching and administrative staff, the specialist develops and implements family engagement opportunities that support family well-being, positive parent-child relationships, family members as lifelong educators and learners, transitions between developmental programs, community connections, and family advocacy and leadership. The specialist also supports families facing crises that may affect a child's participation or the family's basic needs. The position conducts family needs assessments and partners with families on individualized goals and action steps. It coordinates referrals and services, supports families of children with disabilities or developmental and behavioral concerns, and helps families through transitions from infant and toddler programs to preschool and kindergarten. The specialist maintains accurate, confidential records; supports recruitment, enrollment, eligibility documentation, parent orientations, and attendance follow-up; and assists with family engagement events and materials.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in human services, social work, family services, early childhood education, counseling, psychology, or a related field.
At least two years of relevant professional experience working directly with families or in family support, case management, social services, family advocacy, or community-based programs, including experience serving culturally and/or socioeconomically diverse populations.
Successfully complete all required background checks, including the DHHS Child Care Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Check, Nebraska State Patrol Criminal History Check, National Sex Offender Registry Check, and any additional required screenings.
Complete an annual physical examination and tuberculin test.
Obtain CPR and first aid certification within 90 days of hire and maintain valid certifications throughout employment.
Have a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Winnebago Tribe’s insurance.
Attend training courses and department meetings as required or directed by the Family Support Manager.
Complete training on Head Start Program Performance Standards, program policies, and family engagement practices.
Within 18 months of hire, obtain at minimum a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field if necessary.
Participate in an educational or professional development plan when required to meet position qualifications.
Establish and maintain positive, respectful, and professional relationships with families from diverse backgrounds.
Use sound judgment, problem-solving, and critical thinking when addressing family needs and workplace situations.
Work independently, demonstrate initiative, manage assigned responsibilities, and follow through with minimal supervision.
Read, write, speak, and understand English; communicate clearly and professionally in writing and verbally with families, coworkers, supervisors, and community partners.
Comply with applicable child abuse and violent felony declaration and criminal-record-check requirements, including 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31 and PL 101-630 and PL 101-637.
Complete the pre-employment criminal history record check required by Nebraska child care licensing standards.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, family services, counseling, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate the Winnebago Tribe’s core mission, vision, and values.
Engage with peers, families, and children in a manner sensitive to the experiences, needs, and strengths of low-income and diverse populations and individuals with disabilities.
Conduct Family Needs Assessments to identify family strengths, needs, resources, and barriers, and update assessments when circumstances change.
Collaborate with families to develop and review individualized goals through the Family Partnership Agreement process, including action steps, progress monitoring, and follow-up.
Support and advocate for families of children with disabilities, developmental delays, or behavioral concerns in collaboration with families, teaching staff, and appropriate service providers.
Assist in planning, coordinating, and facilitating family engagement activities, educational opportunities, and events that respond to families’ identified interests and needs.
Work with the Health and Safety Coordinator and/or teaching staff to follow up on health care needs and coordinate services for children and families.
Provide information and guidance for children and families during transitions from the Infant and Toddler program to Preschool and from Preschool to Kindergarten.
Conduct regular classroom check-ins to build relationships, maintain communication, and identify family needs or concerns.
Refer and link children and families to community services identified through assessments, partnership agreements, or other needs.
Support families experiencing crises by identifying immediate needs, connecting them with resources, and notifying appropriate staff when necessary.
Advocate for and empower families to access community services, resources, and support systems while encouraging independence and self-advocacy.
Assist families in initiating and maintaining eligibility for childcare development block grants and/or private-pay agreements.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of family contacts, services, referrals, follow-ups, and outcomes in ChildPlus and other required records.
Maintain organized, accurate, and confidential electronic and physical family records in accordance with program policies and documentation requirements.
Recruit and enroll eligible children and families to maintain full enrollment and serve families most in need according to federal guidelines.
Complete, collect, review, and maintain applications, eligibility and enrollment records, releases, and supporting documentation in accordance with program procedures.
Assist with parent orientations covering program services, policies, attendance expectations, and available resources.
Monitor and follow up on attendance concerns, including excessive tardiness and absences, to identify and address barriers.
Disseminate the annual parent survey and assist families with completing it.
Assist the Family Support Manager with reviewing and updating parent handbook information and other family materials as requested.
Attend required training courses and department meetings, complete required program training, and participate in professional development as required.