Family Specialist

Innovative Network of Knowledge; Monroe (LA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Innovative Network of Knowledge in the United States is seeking a program specialist to manage eligibility determinations, enrollment processes, and family engagement for Head Start services. The role emphasizes collaboration with families in their preferred language and coordination with community resources.

The ideal candidate will have a social services background, experience with low-income families, and a focus on evidence-based strategies to improve outcomes for children and families.

Qualifications

• Certificate or credential in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or related field is required.
• High school diploma plus family services certificate within 18 months of employment is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Determine, verify, and document ERSEA of participants in accordance with policy, protocols, and regulations.
• Participate in recruitment to inform families with eligible children of Head Start services and assist with the application process.
• Comply with selection criteria and IDEA to ensure program compliance.
• Maintain funded enrollment and fill slots within 30 days of vacancy.
• Monitor attendance and perform intensive case management with parents.
• Engage families in their preferred language to develop Family Service Plans and provide resource referrals.
• Coordinate referrals to maximize resources and avoid duplication of services.
• Complete initial eligibility determinations within 90 days of hire and pursue ongoing professional development.
• Coordinate program to ensure 100% enrollment and adherence to standards.

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work

Job description

Academic Req

Required - certificate or credential in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or related field. Or High school diploma and acquire a family services certificate obtained within 18 months of employment.

Work Experience

Required - Experience working with diverse families in low-income communities. Background in evidence-based strategies to strengthen outcomes for children and families.

Prefer: Bachelor's degree in social work, bilingual (Spanish), and three (3) years of case management experience.

Critical Action Items & Measurable Deliverables

• Determine, verify, and document eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA) of program participants in accordance with agency and federal policy, protocols, and regulations. (HSPPS§1302.12)
• Participate in recruitment efforts designed to actively inform families with eligible children in the service area specifically children with disabilities and other vulnerable or disproportionately impacted children of available Head Start services and assist them with the application process. (HSPPS§1302.13)
• Comply with established selection criteria and ensure program compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). (HSPPS §1302.14)
• Ensure assigned program maintains its funded enrollment level, including filling slots within 30 days of vacancy. (HSPPS §1302.15)
• Monitor and address attendance for each assigned child, to include direct contact with parents and intensive case management. (HSPPS §1302.16)
• Collaborate with families in the families' preferred language (or through an interpreter) to engage them in a family partnership process that identifies needs, interests, strengths, goals, and services and resources that support family well-being, including family safety, health, and economic stability. (HSPPS §1302.50, 1302.51)
• Meet with families to establish Family Service Plans (FSP) and review individual progress, evaluate/revise goals, and provide resource referrals based on the urgency and intensity of identified needs and goals. (HSPPS §1302.52, 1302.53)
• Coordinate new and existing community referrals to maximize resources and avoid duplication of effort or services. (HSPPS §1302.52, 1302.53)
• Complete initial training on eligibility determinations within 90 days hire and subsequent professional development training as indicated by program management.
• Coordinate program to ensure 100% enrollment, compliance with eligibility criteria, and adherence to agency, state, and federal standards.
• Schedule a regular meeting and home visit schedule of sufficient and consistent frequency to ensure a partnership between program staff and families in a timely and effective manner.
• Ensure child records are complete, current, and organized, including documentation of case notes within 24 hours of meeting/home visit.
• Prepare and submit required reports prior to deadlines.

Other Responsibilities

• Coordinate with teachers, families, and other resource support to share information and ensure coordinated parent family and community engagement (PFCE) strategies for children and families in the classroom, at home, and in the community.
• Identify and promote opportunities for parents to participate in parenting and professional skills development, including opportunities to participate in the Head Start program as volunteers or employees.
• Participate in the development and implementation of family and community engagement activities and special events.
• Support development of community and self-assessments, grant applications, budgets, and required reports in accordance with INK and Office of Head Start timelines and criteria for composition.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of applicable state and federal Head Start regulations, performance standardsand guidelines.
• Strong written communication skills to document child files with reports and case notes.
• Strong oral communication skills to communicate with families in their preferred language (or through an interpreter) to develop relationships with parents and structure services that encouragetrust and respectful, ongoing two-way communication.
• Ability to incorporate the unique cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds of families in the programand community.
• Sound judgment in the protection of confidential information.
• Ability to organize and prioritize duties and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Ability to work independently.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Complete and pass health examination.
• Confirm work eligibility status.
• Successfully pass driving history check.
• Clear criminal background check.
• Required to lift up to 60 pounds.
• Required to stand, sit on the floor, bend, squat, kneel, lift children, and engage with children.
• Exposure to communicable diseases, and other hazards such as cigarette smoke, pets, at risk neighborhoods, etc.
• Travel up to 50% by car, bus, airplane, or train may also be required associated with attendance at conferences, meetings and other duties carried out at distant locations in and out of state and in some cases where some overnight travel may be required.
• Some evenings and weekend work may occasionally be required for events such as home visits, parent teacher conferences, Parent Committee meetings, community, and social events such as field trips.

Here at INK, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.

If you like to work with people that believe they can make a difference in the world, this is the company for you!

INK is committed to following immunization recommendations produced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). As such, our company policy requires that all employees must receive an annual Influenza vaccination or obtain an approved exemption as a medical or religious accommodation. This is a condition of employment, and all new hires will be responsible for providing proof.

INK is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer. It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of INK, not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

In accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable federal and state laws (e.g., the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity and treat all employees equally regardless of race, religion, national origin, color, sex, or any other classification made unlawful or prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws, such as age, citizenship status, veteran or military status, or disability. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

English (United States)