Family Worker (Dual Sites - Nia Family Center and the Taylor Center for New Experiences)

Chicago Commons•Chicago, IL

21h•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for the Family Engagement portion of the Head Start Program Performance Standards at the school level including (but not limited to) parent partnerships, community partnerships, and the creation and follow-up of family goals. The Family Worker will be responsible for the coordination of family engagement meetings and training as well as working closely with the staff of the Family Hub to bring parents/guardians into our schools and increase their involvement. Additionally, the Family Worker will be responsible for meeting the needs of all diverse learners. This includes paperwork, monitoring of IEPs and IFSPs, data entry, scheduling and facilitating family review meetings. The Family Worker will also be responsible for providing direct and indirect supportive services in medical health, dental health, and social services. This role will also assist the ERSEA Manager with the recruitment of students into our schools and is responsible for the enrollment of eligible children. This position must be available to work some evenings and weekends. This position will support both the Nia Family Center and the Taylor Center for New Experiences.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social services or related field
Hold a Gateways Family Specialist Credential Level 5.
Bilingual in Spanish preferred
Must have excellent communication and customer service skills
Must be able to work with a diverse clientele
Must be able to maintain confidentiality
Must display strong leadership skills
Must be able to share ideas and information effectively
Must have the ability to work under stress in a fast-paced environment
Must be a flexible team player able to adapt to any situations
Must be able to serve as an advocate for children and families
Ability to read, write and speak in English.
Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus
Ability to use word processing software
Availability to work some evenings and weekends
The candidate must also have experience with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Masters preferred
Ability to meet full enrollment requirements set by program funders including recruitment efforts
Increase family engagement participants to meet individual needs
Ability to maintain recordkeeping as required by program funders

Responsibilities

Establishes relationships and trust with all families
Work with families in completing “Family Assessments” and in setting realistic goals. Monitors these goals on an ongoing basis through personal contact (no less than three times per year).
Maintain compliance with family goals, family partnership agreements, diverse learners, and parent engagement activities.
Conduct the recruitment of children and families (including 10% of children identified as diverse learners).
Complete intake and registration of new students.
Enter all case notes into the computer database weekly.
Participate in in-home visits and parent/teacher conferences.
Be responsible for Diverse Learner Tracking and oversee the efforts for serving families of children considered diverse learners – including, but not limited to, referrals, observations, required documentation, and interdisciplinary team meetings.
Participate in and track all student transitions.
Assist in planning, participation, assessment and documentation of all Family Engagement Activities and Family Hub activities.
Develop and maintain annual partnerships with community organizations to provide resources and referrals to families to meet identified needs.
Attends community events to recruit families and develop community partnerships
Assist with maintaining Community Resource Directory.
Meet regularly with Center Directors to collaborate between center needs and family worker resources including the coverage and school events.
Contribute to teams including Center Leadership Teams, Family Worker Teams, and larger teams that span across Chicago Commons.
Follow up (as needed) with Program Information Report (PIR) monitoring.
Other duties as assigned.