Bilingual Family Support Advocate (Spanish/English)

SHELTER, Inc.; Arlington Heights (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Shelter, Inc. in Illinois is hiring a Bilingual Family Support Specialist to maintain long-term contact with families, conduct home visits, and assess needs. You will screen families prenatally or after birth, guide parents, and connect them with community resources to support positive home environments.

The role requires fluency in English and Spanish, strong communication, and flexibility. A driver’s license and ability to lift 40 lbs are part of the requirements, and CPR/First Aid

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or associate degree in early childhood education, social work, or closely related field from an accredited school required; master's degree in social work or similar field and experience is desired.
• Infant mental health endorsement preferred.
• Experience in working with or providing services to children and families.
• Ability to establish trusting relationships.
• Acceptance of individual differences.
• Experience and humility to work with culturally diverse families.
• Knowledge of infant and child development.
• Willingness to engage in building reflective capacity (self-awareness, supervision).
• Fluency in both English and Spanish required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Basic familiarity with Microsoft Windows and Office.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Must have Illinois driver's license, automobile, and insurance proof.
• Must become CPR, Infant CPR, and First Aid certified within six months.
• Must pass medical and TB tests and be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 per CDC.

Responsibilities

• Conduct home visitations and adjust visits as child ages up to five years.
• Screen parents prenatally or post-birth to determine service eligibility.
• Provide long-term supportive and educational services to participating families.
• Assist parents in improving skills for a positive home environment.
• Help families solve problems and advocate for themselves and children.
• Collaborate with families to set and achieve personal goals.
• Support access to medical homes, immunizations, and well-child visits.
• Conduct social-emotional and developmental screenings and refer to Early Intervention as needed.
• Provide parent–child activities to support development and stimulation.
• Address developmental deficits through targeted activities.
• Maintain updated family demographics, assessments, and reports in Visit Tracker.
• Meet documentation timelines and produce monthly activity reports.
• Report schedule changes to supervisor and participate in supervision.

Skills

Bilingual Spanish/English

Communication skills

Trust-building

Cultural competency

Family services experience

Flexible hours

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or social work

Associate degree in related field

Master's degree in social work (desired)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Shelter, Inc. in Illinois is hiring a Bilingual Family Support Specialist to maintain long-term contact with families, conduct home visits, and assess needs. You will screen families prenatally or after birth, guide parents, and connect them with community resources to support positive home environments.

The role requires fluency in English and Spanish, strong communication, and flexibility. A driver’s license and ability to lift 40 lbs are part of the requirements, and CPR/First Aid