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

Chicago Commons•Chicago, IL

1d•$60,416 - $62,228•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for the Family Engagement portion of the Head Start Program Performance Standards at the school level, including parent partnerships, community partnerships, and the creation and follow-up of family goals. The Family Worker will coordinate family engagement meetings and training, and work closely with the staff of the Family Hub to increase parent/guardian involvement in schools. This role is also responsible for meeting the needs of all diverse learners, including paperwork, monitoring of IEPs and IFSPs, data entry, and scheduling and facilitating family review meetings. Additionally, the Family Worker will provide direct and indirect supportive services in medical health, dental health, and social services. This position will also assist the ERSEA Manager with student recruitment and enrollment of eligible children. The role requires availability to work some evenings and weekends and 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.
Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Ability to work with a diverse clientele.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Strong leadership skills.
Ability to share ideas and information effectively.
Ability to work under stress in a fast-paced environment.
Flexible team player able to adapt to any situations.
Ability to serve as an advocate for children and families.
Ability to read, write and speak in English.
Experience with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Availability to work some evenings and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Masters degree preferred.
Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the Family Engagement portion of the Head Start Program Performance Standards at the school level.
Manage parent partnerships and community partnerships.
Create and follow up on family goals.
Coordinate family engagement meetings and training.
Work closely with the staff of the Family Hub to bring parents/guardians into schools and increase their involvement.
Meet the needs of all diverse learners, including paperwork, monitoring of IEPs and IFSPs, data entry, scheduling and facilitating family review meetings.
Provide direct and indirect supportive services in medical health, dental health, and social services.
Assist the ERSEA Manager with the recruitment of students into schools.
Responsible for the enrollment of eligible children.
Contribute to the development of the agency’s child development philosophy and goals.
Establish relationships and trust with all families.
Work with families in completing “Family Assessments” and in setting realistic goals, monitoring 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.
Attend 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.
Perform other duties as assigned.