Head Start Family Development Specialist

Easter Seals Southern California, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Easterseals Southern California transforms lives daily by delivering Head Start and Early Head Start services, including family development and community engagement. The role coordinates programs, strengthens family relationships, and links to community resources, with supervision provided by program leadership.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in social services or related field, state training requirements, and 3–5 years experience working with diverse families of young children.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in social services, family development, mental health, or similar field.
• Must complete California-mandated Child Abuse Reporter Training.
• Pesticide Safety Training (per Healthy Schools Act) prior to beginning work.
• Must possess or obtain credential/certification in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling, or related field within 18 months of tenure, unless grandfathered under Federal regulations.
• Must possess and maintain current pediatric (infant/toddler) CPR and first aid certificate.
• Must possess a food handler’s certificate.

Responsibilities

• Conducts recruitment activities to find eligible families; completes intake and enrollment process.
• Completes assigned paperwork per Title V and Head Start Program performance standard regulations; completes tracking rosters and inputs data in a timely manner.
• Maintains caseload at all times.
• Serves as a role model for family and community involvement activities.
• Coordinates appropriate referrals for family and community development services.
• Coordinates the development, implementation, and ongoing updates of Family Partnership Agreements.
• Creates goals in collaboration with families.
• Mentors and/or assists in the training of Family Support Staff on eligibility and enrollment documentation; Department of Education; Title 22; and Head Start Program performance standards.
• Ensures implementation of Family and Community engagement services in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, policies and procedures.
• Identifies and incorporates resources into the program, information and/or referrals for families in the following areas: mental health, childcare, substance abuse treatment, education, employment training, income support, transportation, pregnancy, health needs, safety, nutrition and other topics as requested by family.
• Coordinates parent education, training and support for pregnant women including prenatal education, breast-feeding information, and other health resources.
• Coordinates completion of family strengths and needs assessments within required timelines.
• Assists management with parent meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Skype)

Regulatory interpretation

Effective communication

Empathy with families

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in social services, family development, mental health, or similar field

California Child Abuse Reporter Training

Pesticide Safety Training (Healthy Schools Act)

Credential/certification in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling, or related field within 18 months

Pediatric CPR and First Aid certificate

Food handler’s certificate

Job description

Easterseals Southern California transforms lives daily by delivering Head Start and Early Head Start services, including family development and community engagement. The role coordinates programs, strengthens family relationships, and links to community resources, with supervision provided by program leadership.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in social services or related field, state training requirements, and 3–5 years experience working with diverse families of young children.