Family Outreach Worker

YWCA; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

YWCA of Metropolitan St. Louis seeks a Family Outreach Worker to recruit eligible families with children ages 0–5 for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs. The role emphasizes community engagement, enrollment coordination, and ensuring health data is accurately recorded in ChildPlus.

The position requires building trust with families, navigating health resources, and maintaining compliant records while promoting program access and community partnerships.

Qualifications

• Typing speed of at least 20 words per minute.
• Basic math skills for daily record keeping and reporting.
• Demonstrated problem solving and effective communication (verbal and written).
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to relate to diverse families.

Responsibilities

• Recruit eligible families for Head Start/Early Head Start programs through community outreach events.
• Coordinate enrollment activities and ensure timely completion of applications.
• Maintain accurate record keeping and ensure health information is entered into ChildPlus.
• Identify healthcare options and resources for families and facilitate access to services.
• Conduct door-to-door outreach in surrounding communities as needed.

Skills

Typing 20 wpm

Basic math

Problem solving

Verbal communication

Written communication

Time management

Multitasking

Interpersonal skills

Education

Four-year degree

Job description

Description

About YWCA

YWCA of Metropolitan St. Louis (YWCA) has been serving the community for more than 120 years, providing essential, wraparound services that support women and families throughout their time in our programs. Each year, YWCA serves approximately 10,000 women and their families, offering a multitude of services. YWCA is the largest provider of direct Head Start services in Missouri, operating 8 centers and 11 partner sites, and we are proud to hold the National Program of Excellence accreditation from the National Head Start Association.

Why Work With Us?

• Meaningful Work - Every role at YWCA helps create positive change in the community.
• Supportive Environment - Join a team that values collaboration and mutual respect.
• Professional Development - Opportunities for training and career growth.
• Work-Life Balance - Flexible scheduling and generous paid time off.
• Competitive Benefits - Health, dental, vision coverage, retirement plans, and wellness programs.
• Community Impact - Be part of programs that make a real difference for women, children, and families.

Our Signature Programs

• Early Childhood Education & Childcare - Providing safe, nurturing environments for children to learn and grow.
• Family Support Services - Helping families access resources and build stability.
• Health & Wellness Initiatives - Promoting physical and mental well-being through community programs.
• Advocacy & Outreach - Connecting individuals to opportunities and support systems that improve quality of life.

Purpose

To coordinate ongoing community outreach to ensure recruitment and enrollment of eligible families with children ages 0-5 in the Head Start/Early Head Start program.

Formal Policy-Setting Responsibilities

Make suggestions or recommendations to supervisor regarding the recruitment and outreach opportunities that may or may not be accepted at a higher level.

Routine Decision-Making

Participating in events in the community to recruit age and income eligible families for Head Start/Early Head Start; conduct follow-up with children on the waitlist; monitor daily attendance; review family files to ensure the accuracy and integrity of information and that proof of birth and income are scanned into ChildPlus; ensure that health information is scanned into ChildPlus upon receipt.

Formal Supervisory Responsibility

N/A

Description

• Ensure that funded enrollment is met on the 1st day of the Program Year through the recruitment and completion of applications of eligible families with children ages 0-5 into the Head Start/Early Head Start program. Ensure that vacancies are filled within 30 days and a viable waitlist is maintained in compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Establish, maintain and monitor record keeping, providing accurate and timely information regarding children and families are in compliance with Head Start regulations.
• Ensure that all required health information is obtained and entered into ChildPlus in accordance with the Operating Plan.
• Establish, maintain and monitor record keeping, providing accurate and timely information of children's ChildPlus Applications to ensure compliance of YWCA Policies and Procedures and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Assist with identifying healthcare (medical & dental homes), making them aware of opportunities within the Head Start/Early Head Start Program (i.e. volunteering, parent committees and Policy Council).

To perform this job satisfactorily, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability, and environmental conditions required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Required Knowledge

Build a rapport and network with new and established contacts in the community with social service agencies from which to recruit families with age and income eligible children. Possess knowledge of family values, beliefs, traditions, cultural influences, make-up and circumstances. Utilize appropriate verbal and non-verbal messages and listening skills.

Required Skills or Abilities

The ability to type at least 20 words per minute; possess basic math skills; the ability to problem solve and effectively communicate both verbally and written while providing quality customer service; ability to multi-task, manage time and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines; ability to relate well and coordinate with people from diverse backgrounds.

Formal Education

Hold a minimum of a four (4) year degree. Possess experience in marketing, sales, community outreach and working with at risk population.

Unusual Working Conditions, If Any

Family Outreach Worker at times will go into surrounding communities of low-income families and conduct door-to-door recruitment that may expose him/her to hazardous conditions associated within those neighborhoods.

YWCA of Metro St. Louis is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind as defined by applicable federal, state, and local laws.