Family Worker Specialist

Basic Function: Assumes various regular and /or delegated tasks, operating with a high degree of independent judgment. Maintains files, records, statistics and reports used by child development program. Assists with assuring program meets with requirements from all funding sources. Assists in organization of recruitment activities and frequently makes outside contact on related matters.

Reports To: Family Support Director

Principal Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manage a caseload of 32 – 34 families assigned for the child development program
• Maintain strict confidentiality in all matters brought forth to the Head Start Director’s office and Child Development Programs
• Work directly with families daily.
• Provide Case Management services to families which includes but not limited to assessment of family strengths and needs, goal setting, planning, and providing referrals to community and agency resources.
• Participate in the Community Assessment and Self-Assessment Process.
• Maintain tracking and data entry for COPA daily for assigned caseload.
• Bridge families from Early Head Start to Head Start programs and services.
• Conduct enrollment/re-enrollment with families and enter into database.
• Maintain documentation of all site monitoring visits for review and families and children’s files.
• Provide office assistance as needed including, but not limited to, filing, answering phones, typing, creating spreadsheets and record keeping.
• Attend staff meetings and training as directed by supervisor and maintain written meeting minutes.
• Assist with facilitating the process of gathering monthly and annual program information reports and assure accuracy of the content of such reporting.
• Be responsible in assisting with facilitating projects such as, but not limited to, Family Engagement Activities.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with other team members, other Agency resources and outside services in addressing client needs.
• Adhere to the Agency’s policies and procedures at all times, including the Head Start Performance Standards and the Department of Children and Family Services’ childcare standards.
• Maintain professional appearance, conduct and positive relationships with staff, employees, community, visitors and families.
• Work cooperatively with other agencies, entities and individuals to engender support for the Head Start program.
• Treat children, parents, fellow employees and the general public with courtesy and respect.
• Coordinate, develop and implement a system for outreach and publicity for the recruitment, screening and enrollment of eligible families.
•  Responsible for assisting with services for family engagement, mental health/disability and nutrition.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements:

• Position requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work, General Human Development & Family Studies, Early Childhood or related field.
• An Illinois Gateways Family Specialist Credential Level 3 -5 is required.
• Minimum two years of experience working in a social work, education or child welfare environment is required. 
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a licensed and insured vehicle daily.
• Bilingual preferred 

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person

Knowledge, Skills and Ability 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively work with internal staff and external partners.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Experience of working with individuals with disabilities.
• Computer skills (MS Office- Word and Excel)
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions and standard accepted practices.

Mental/Physical Demands:

Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Work may require prolonged concentration using a computer in analyzing and manipulating data. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Environmental Conditions:

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are performed in either an office or classroom environment. No unusual or adverse working conditions exist.

This description documents the general contents and requirements of the job.  It is not to be construed as an exhausted statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.  The principal duties and responsibilities shown are all essential job functions except for those indicated with an asterisk (*).  The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.