Family Support Worker

Metropolitan Family Services • Chicago, IL

6d

About The Position

If asked to describe the culture at Metropolitan Family Services, we could do that in one word. COMMUNITY ! Reflected in both our internal culture as well as through the services we provide, community is at the heart of all we do. Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Are you looking to have an impact on more than just a company’s bottom line? Then we’d love to hear from you! We are currently looking to fill a Family Support Worker role at our HACC Family Center in Chicago.

Requirements

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to set priorities, organize time efficiently, and handle multiple demands.
• Ability to work with diverse constituencies in a professional manner.
• Bachelor’s degree in family services, psychology, sociology, social work, human services, counseling or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Gateways to Opportunity Family Specialist Level 5 credential Chicago locations Only, to be obtained by 2028.
• Satisfactorily pass all relevant screenings and criminal background checks.
• Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle.
• Travel between sites required.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for supporting a team approach to planning and implementing program activities.
• Recruit and enroll children and families into the program, as well as establish and maintain accurate documentation of age and income eligibility for children and pregnant women participating in the program.
• Collaborates with program staff site partners, and supervisor to coordinate services relating to child and family well-being, including Disabilities, Health, Mental Health, Nutrition and Family Partnerships.
• Collaborate with families and program staff to complete an accurate family assessment annually and provide intervention, referrals and assistance for interests, needs and circumstances identified.
• Provide case management services to families and children including assistance and referrals, i.e. emergency services, health/nutrition/dental referrals, disability referrals, and child abuse and neglect referrals, etc. including following up with families to assure that services are received.
• Collaborate with families in identifying and defining family goals as early as possible after enrollment; and ensure that progress review is done per procedure.
• Maintain accurate and current record keeping by uploading all documents into the program electronic database.
• Adhere to follow up procedures for tracking activities in all Service areas, i.e.: health, mental health, nutrition, disabilities, and family and community partnerships.
• Collaborate with all families and local health agencies to ensure that all children are linked to a medical and dental home for an ongoing source of continuous service.
• Ensure that all mandated Physicals, Screenings, and Dental exams are kept up to date.
• Maintain on-going contact with families regarding program services. Document contact on case notes in Child Plus/COPA.
• Document and provide follow up regarding children’s absences, according to the program’s attendance policy. Offer and provide assistance to families with attendance issues.
• Provide immediate referrals, assistance and follow-up for crisis intervention needs.
• Collaborates with teachers to facilitate monthly Parent Committee Meetings. Assists in planning all Family Engagement Activities.
• Responsible for the implementation of the agency’s Planned Language Approach, which is specifically designed to support dual language learners and their families.
• Respond appropriately to cultural diversity and be sensitive to the needs of the families and community served.
• Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings/trainings and monthly supervision.
• Provides active supervision to ensure the safety of children while in the classroom, during transitions, and while on the playground. Ensures that no child shall be left alone or unsupervised.
• Assist in classroom based on classroom needs, if applicable.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Metropolitan Family Services contributions of $2,000 to individual, and $4,000 to family, HSA accounts, pro-rated to your benefits start date.
• FREE General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc services provided to all team members.
• Ascensus 401K plan services with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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