Family Support Specialist - Early Headstart

UNIVERSITY SETTLEMENT SOCIETY OF NEW YORK • New York, NY

5d • $41,000 - $51,000 • Onsite

About The Position

University Settlement is hiring a Family Support Specialist for its Early Head Start program. Early Head Start provides comprehensive child development and family support services, advocacy, developmentally appropriate care, and home visits for low-income pregnant women and families with children under three in the Lower East Side and Brooklyn. The specialist supports families and children, helps strengthen connections between families and the program, and works with teachers and mental health service partners to respond to family needs and trauma.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Work 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 family strengths and needs, and assist families 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 parent involvement and engagement events.
• 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 families and children.
• Provide classroom support.
• Perform other 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 and additional wellness resources.
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts and commuter benefits.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 6% employer match, eligible after one year of service.
• Internal and external training and professional development workshops.
• Tuition assistance and support for pursuing relevant certifications.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level