Family Services Specialist Req #2873

University of North Texas at Dallas; California; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Texas at Dallas seeks a Family Services Specialist to recruit and enroll children, verify eligibility, orient parents, and connect families with local resources. You will coordinate with center staff to meet timelines, support health records, and maintain detailed case files.

Ideal candidates hold an AA/AS or BA/BS in related fields with experience in casework, referrals, and health record maintenance, and may require driving on occasion.

Qualifications

• AA/AS degree in relevant field plus 1 year of client casework/case management experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred for Level II; BA/BS for Level III with 1 year of related experience.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and enroll children into the program.
• Orient parents to comprehensive services including Health, Nutrition, Education, Disabilities, Mental Health, Parent Engagement, and ERSEA.
• Link Migrant and Seasonal Head Start families with referral systems and community services.
• Maintain accurate documentation of services to families and children.
• Transport parents and/or children to meetings and service appointments when necessary.

Education

AA/AS Degree in Child Development, Social Science, Psychology, Human Development, Liberal Studies, or related field

BA/BS Degree in Child Development, Social Science, Psychology, Human Development, Liberal Studies, or related field

Job description

Under the supervision of the Area Manager/Center Supervisor and working in collaboration with the Family Child Care Coordinator the Family Services Specialist is responsible for recruitment of children, verification of eligibility, parent orientation, referral of parents to community resources and local social services agencies and updating children’s health records. Maintains child/family files and reference records and engages in mutually respectful, positive, goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote positive child and family outcomes. Works closely with the Content experts and Area Managers/Center Supervisors to assure timelines are met. Supports CAPSLO’s mission and vision by creating inclusive and equitable environments for all eligible families to participate in the program.

What we are looking for in the ideal candidate:

• Level II: Has an AA/AS Degree in Child Development, Social Science, Psychology, Human Development, Liberal Studies, or related field + 1 year of client casework/case management experience. Bachelor’s Degree is preferred
• Level III: Has a BA/BS Degree in Child Development, Social Science, Psychology, Human Development, Liberal Studies, or related field + 1 year of client casework/case management experience.
• Experience in child recruitment, eligibility verification, parent orientation, community resource referrals, and maintaining children’s health records.
• Depending on the department assigned, a valid California driver's license, a current DMV driving record, and proof of insurance may be required to fulfill job-related travel. For positions where driving is an essential function of the job, candidates must be at least 21 years of age and have a minimum of three (3) years of driving experience. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable laws.

As a Family Services Specialist you will:

• Recruit and enroll children into the program.
• Understand and adhere to program policies, confidentiality, privacy, and ethical practices.
• Orient parents to comprehensive services including Health, Nutrition, Education, Disabilities, Mental Health, Parent Engagement, and ERSEA.
• Support Migrant and Seasonal Head Start families, linking them with referral systems and community services.
• Serve as a liaison for referrals, ensuring services are beneficial and effective.
• Discuss the importance of coordinating health, social, and educational services for children's learning and family well-being.
• Assist families in finding health and dental care, encouraging involvement in the healthcare system.
• Participate in special health screenings and maintain accurate health records.
• Know local social services and community resources, including health, mental health, nutrition, parenting, financial literacy, education, enrichment, recreation, job training, and employment.
• Plan monthly local parent committee meetings with the Family Child Coordinator, providing support and encouragement.
• Support Parent Meetings by scheduling guest speakers, preparing agendas, and signing in attendees.
• Encourage parent participation in program and community events.
• Attend and participate in community collaborations.
• Maintain accurate documentation of services to families and children.
• Maintain knowledge of database programs (e.g., ChildPlus).
• Complete reports and follow-up as requested by Content experts and Area Manager/Center Supervisor.
• Transport parents and/or children to meetings, health and other service appointments, when necessary.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.