Family Engagement & Learning Specialist

Children's Place Association; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,500 - 49,500; Full time

Job summary

Children's Place Association in Chicago, IL is seeking a Family Support Specialist (Center Based) to coordinate parental engagement, support families, and assist with enrollment for the Early Learning Center.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Social Work or related field, bilingual English/Spanish preferred, and experience with Head Start programs; the position is full-time, exempt, with a starting salary around $45,000.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Illinois Gateways Family Specialist credential (Level 4 or higher) required within 18 months of hire.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with young children and families in an early childhood field required; 5 years preferred.
• Experience working with persons living with chronic illness and families living in poverty preferred.
• Knowledge of Head Start/Early Head Start performance standards preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) written and verbal communication skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates parental engagement and involvement in the program, including monthly parent meetings, parent training sessions and Parent Council activities; provides information about the program and helps remove barriers to involvement.
• Supports teachers and staff in working with families living with chronic illness and poverty, mentoring staff in empathy and understanding.
• Leads with a strengths-based approach to family support and creates family-centered service plans.
• Identifies high-risk families and provides stability support services.
• Keeps attendance concerns and contact plans; develops strategies to improve attendance.
• Recruits and supports ELC parent representatives for Head Start councils; participates in monthly meetings.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Illinois Gateways Family Specialist credential (Level 4+) within 18 months

Job description

Children's Place Association in Chicago, IL is seeking a Family Support Specialist (Center Based) to coordinate parental engagement, support families, and assist with enrollment for the Early Learning Center.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Social Work or related field, bilingual English/Spanish preferred, and experience with Head Start programs; the position is full-time, exempt, with a starting salary around $45,000.