Family Support Specialist

Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties; Hutto (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Wellness resources

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Opportunities for Williamson & Burnet Counties is seeking a Family Support Specialist to bridge families with Head Start resources. You will support well-being, encourage parental involvement, and coordinate connections to education, nutrition, health, and community supports.

Work collaboratively with Center Directors and staff to ensure integrated services, maintain confidential files, and participate in ongoing staff trainings and monthly meetings.

Qualifications

• Ability to learn and implement Head Start Performance Standards and licensing requirements.
• Knowledge of child development for children aged 0–5 years.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Recruit eligible families and assist with the application process.
• Establish partnerships with parents to create a welcoming program environment.
• Accompany teachers on home visits or educational visits as needed.
• Coordinate opportunities for parent engagement in learning activities.
• Provide information and referrals to health, dental, and emergency resources.
• Maintain confidential progress reports and client files.
• Plan and facilitate monthly parent meetings and community meetings.

Skills

Head Start standards

Regulatory compliance

Child development knowledge

Independent & team work

Job description

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts

"To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world" -Dr. Seuss.

Why work for us?

• No Nights or Weekends
• 15 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Education (Upon Approval)
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 403(b) plus employer match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Chipper-Assistance in Student Loan Forgiveness and Lower Payments

Opportunities serves thousands of people annually in Williamson & Burnet Counties. Working cooperatively with other agencies, we are an advocate for those who might not otherwise have a voice in the community. We are dedicated to providing services to help those in need achieve a better, more productive life.

Our Mission:

To empower children, families, and seniors to achieve and maintain independence by partnering with area organizations to provide education, nutrition, and community support.

Our Vision:

A healthy, educated community in which all people live independently and with dignity.

Position Summary:

The Family Support Specialist serves as the link between families and community resources for children and families who qualify for Head Start and is responsible for supporting family well-being and encouraging parent involvement. The position works as part of a comprehensive team and reports to the Family Support and Engagement Coordinator. Family Support Specialists will serve as Center Director in the Center Director's absence.

Position Summary:

The Family Support Specialist serves as the link between families and community resources for children and families who qualify for Head Start and is responsible for supporting family well-being and encouraging parent involvement. The position works as part of a comprehensive team and reports to the Family Support and Engagement Coordinator. Family Support Specialists will serve as Center Director in the Center Director's absence.

Essential Job Duties:

• Recruit eligible families or prenatal clients and assist with the application process.
• Establish partnerships with parents and other significant family members to create a welcoming program environment that incorporates the unique cultural, ethnic, and linguistic background of families in the program and the community.
• Accompany teachers on home visits or homebound educational visits.
• Support children's learning and development by coordinating opportunities for parents to engage in activities with their children at the center level and home.
• Assist parents with children's health needs by connecting them with resources for medical, dental, and emotional wellness.
• Provide information and referrals for emergency assistance and crisis intervention.
• Collaborate with teachers to provide parents opportunities to engage in their child's learning.
• Conduct strengths-based assessments with parents to assist them in identifying their family strengths and needs.
• Encourage parents to identify and pursue individual and family goals by providing information and resources to aid success.
• Act as an advocate for the family while also teaching and supporting parents to advocate for themselves.
• Present parenting education by using an evidence-based curriculum.
• Provide transportation, if necessary, for families who need assistance to access resources or medical appointments.
• Works collaboratively with the rest of Early Head Start/Head Start staff and service areas to include Education, Professional Development, ERSEA, Health and Disabilities, Emotional Wellness, and Nutrition to ensure delivery of integrated services.
• Complete progress reports and regular documentation. Maintain files with strict client confidentiality objectively and professionally.
• Plan, facilitate, and encourage parents to be involved in regular parent meetings, informational meetings with community speakers, and Parent Cafes.
• Provide training and information to parents on life skills (finances, nutrition, health, child development, and parenting.
• Provide guidance to parents with parent fundraising activities and Highlight Head Start events.
• Represent Head Start and create partnerships for referrals by attending area agency and other community meetings.
• Complete Family Credentialing process as required by Head Start Performance Standards.
• Maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and community referral sources.
• Participate in professional development opportunities by attending monthly center and Family Advocate meetings, in-service training, and community seminars.
• Educate parents on the importance of in-kind, collect data and record in-kind into database for monthly reports.
• Collaborate with Center Directors to plan monthly parent meetings
• Participate in and attend monthly parent meetings.
• All employees are expected to adhere to OWBC ethics expectations
• Must be able to cooperate and work effectively with others
• Must be diplomatic, honest, and fair
• Regular and punctual attendance is an essential function of the position
• Perform other duties as assigned or as they become apparent
• Assist and be responsible for leading and monitoring the center in the absence of the Center Director

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to learn and implement Head Start Performance Standards and state and local licensing requirements.
• Ability to ensure compliance with regulatory agency requirements and policies.
• Knowledge of child development of children 0-5 years old.
• Ability to perform duties independently and to function well as a team member.