Job Description for: Family Engagement Specialist
Exemption Status: Full Time, Exempt – Salaried
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Educare West DuPage puts into practice the latest science, research, and evidenced-based strategies to help vulnerable infants, toddlers and preschoolers build the skills they need to arrive at kindergarten safe, healthy, eager to learn, and ready for school.
Educare West DuPage is driven to inspire children to fall in love with learning, exploring and problem-solving. We expect staff to put their early learning knowledge to work nurturing and engaging our infants, toddlers and preschoolers, and to get parents involved in their child’s education.
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the School Director and the direct supervision of the Family Engagement Supervisor, the Family Engagement Specialist will provide support services to families in the Educare’s center based program. In partnership with parents, the Family Engagement Specialist builds mutually trusting relationships, acts as an advocate for families, and provides support services as needed. They assist families in determining their needs and in identifying and developing goals to meet those needs. The Family Engagement Specialist is responsible for parental engagement and involvement, including monthly parent meetings, parent training sessions, and establishing a site based Parent Committee. This position also supports the maintaining of enrollment through outreach and recruitment activities, as well as with intake and eligibility determination of new families enrolling in Educare. The Family Engagement Specialist works closely with the education teams to develop transition plans for children advancing into the 3-5 preschool program as well as those transitioning from the preschool program into kindergarten. The Family Engagement Specialist will be held responsible for implementing all programming requirements in adherence to all performance and outcomes standards as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements.
RESPONSIBLE TO: School Director and Family Engagement Supervisor
SUPERVISOR TO: None
EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Family Studies or a Related Field with a minimum of (18) semester hours in courses specifically in the care and education of children 0-5 years old.
Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Must be able demonstrate the passion, skill, and competence necessary to contribute to each families development.
Must have experience working with disadvantaged populations.
Must be able to travel within the community (i.e., parents’ homes, community agencies, may require climbing stairs, etc.).
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
Educare West DuPage is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Exemption Status: Full Time, Exempt – Salaried
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Educare West DuPage puts into practice the latest science, research, and evidenced-based strategies to help vulnerable infants, toddlers and preschoolers build the skills they need to arrive at kindergarten safe, healthy, eager to learn, and ready for school.
Educare West DuPage is driven to inspire children to fall in love with learning, exploring and problem-solving. We expect staff to put their early learning knowledge to work nurturing and engaging our infants, toddlers and preschoolers, and to get parents involved in their child’s education.
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the School Director and the direct supervision of the Family Engagement Supervisor, the Family Engagement Specialist will provide support services to families in the Educare’s center based program. In partnership with parents, the Family Engagement Specialist builds mutually trusting relationships, acts as an advocate for families, and provides support services as needed. They assist families in determining their needs and in identifying and developing goals to meet those needs. The Family Engagement Specialist is responsible for parental engagement and involvement, including monthly parent meetings, parent training sessions, and establishing a site based Parent Committee. This position also supports the maintaining of enrollment through outreach and recruitment activities, as well as with intake and eligibility determination of new families enrolling in Educare. The Family Engagement Specialist works closely with the education teams to develop transition plans for children advancing into the 3-5 preschool program as well as those transitioning from the preschool program into kindergarten. The Family Engagement Specialist will be held responsible for implementing all programming requirements in adherence to all performance and outcomes standards as prescribed by the multiple funding and model requirements.
RESPONSIBLE TO: School Director and Family Engagement Supervisor
SUPERVISOR TO: None
EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Family Studies or a Related Field with a minimum of (18) semester hours in courses specifically in the care and education of children 0-5 years old.
Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Must be able demonstrate the passion, skill, and competence necessary to contribute to each families development.
Must have experience working with disadvantaged populations.
Must be able to travel within the community (i.e., parents’ homes, community agencies, may require climbing stairs, etc.).
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Provides education to families relating to topics such as parenting, effective discipline, supporting children’s development through learning activities at home, supporting children’s education through engagement with the school, budgeting, household management, safety, and other family issues as necessary.
- In partnership with the center parents, plans and facilitates monthly parenting meetings.
- Provides case management services to families in the Head Start program, including direct services to families by assisting them in determining family strengths, needs, and goals.
- Provides crisis intervention as needed and appropriate.
- Models appropriate advocacy skills for parents in working with community agencies, professionals, and schools.
- Maintains a working knowledge of community resources and current trends in social services.
- Provides support for families when needed to access necessary resources.
- Works collaboratively with staff to provide comprehensive, integrated services for children and their families.
- Compiles and maintains family case records of services provided.
- Works collaboratively with families and other community agencies to provide a full system of care to meet the service needs of the family.
- Assesses services the family is receiving and any need for additional services and makes appropriate referrals. Assures that the family is able to access resources and that appropriate follow up is made.
- Coordinates services for families by arranging conferences with specialists, coordinators, and other staff and community agencies.
- Builds liaisons with other community agencies that will ensure cooperation, coordination and information sharing.
- Conducts outreach activities to recruit prospective families.
- Attends meetings, trainings, and individual case staffing.
- Assists with parenting classes and with providing parenting information for individual families as needed.
- Initiates, or assists staff to make, child abuse reports as necessary.
- Maintains a professional attitude, working cooperatively with HS/EHS staff and parents; provides leadership and guidance in treating all children and their families with dignity and respect.
- Maintains confidentiality as required by law and Educare policy.
- Attends community meetings where HS/EHS representation is appropriate.
- Has the ability to work a varied schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Model and/or supervise staff in active supervision of children which requires focused attention and intentional observation of children at all times. Staff positions themselves so that they can observe all of the children: watching, counting, and listening at all times. They also use their knowledge of each child's development and abilities to anticipate what he/she will do, then get involved and redirect them when necessary. This constant vigilance helps children learn safely.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Knowledge of community resources and how to access services for children and families.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Knowledge of standard record keeping including progress notes and maintenance of required documentation.
- Must to able to work with a low income, culturally and linguistically diverse population.
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
- Must provide evidence of reliable, insured transportation available for travel during working hours.
- Driver must provide evidence of a valid driver's license and good driving record.
- Driver must provide evidence of current automobile liability insurance.
Educare West DuPage is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
