Family Support Specialist - Early Headstart/Early Start(SY25/26)

• Accompanies FACE Specialist to Prevention Initiative and Early Head Start meetings and workshops, as needed for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.
• Attends regularly scheduled meetings (e.g. staff, T/TA, Family Support, and Early/Head Start meetings and trainings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.
• Collects and enters all student/family service data into the programs data collection systems within 24 hours (e.g. Child Plus, Visit Tracker and Teaching Strategies GOLD systems, etc.) for the purpose of establishing and/or maintaining accurate student and family records.
• Conducts twice a month Home Visits/Center Visits with families utilizing the Parents As Teachers curriculum for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the Prevention Initiative requirements.
• Creates Family Partnership Agreements with each Early Head Start family . for the purpose of complying with regulatory requirements and/or established guidelines.
• Develops and updates the Community Resource Book, and trains staff and parents on its utilization for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.
• Documents and provides regular follow-up regarding children with excessive absences in the program for the purpose of maintaining program health requirements and adhering to State and Federal requirements.
• Educates staff, parents and volunteers for the purpose of ensuring that they help each other meet the needs of the program.
• Maintains confidential, professional and on-going relationships with families for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information, supporting children’s optimal development and assisting families in achieving their goals.
• Maintains the lending library of toys and reference materials for families for the purpose of providing child development and parenting information.
• Maintains full Prevention Initiative/Early Head Start enrollment for the purpose of ensuring compliance with established federal guidelines.
• Monitors any individual or family problems encountered; utilizes the resources available; and make referrals when necessary for the purpose of complying with established guidelines.
• Networks weekly with community schools, agencies, and institutions for the purpose of building collaborative relationships and recruitment.
• Organizes and develops a variety of programs for parents for the purpose of encouraging engagement based on their interests and concerns.
• Participates in required Professional Development trainings and opportunities for the purpose of continuously developing the knowledge and skills they needed to efficiently and effectively carryout the job duties and responsibilities of an EHS and ES Family Support Specialist.

• Works in the classroom, when needed for the purpose of the efficient and effective operation of the Doorway to Learning Childcare Program.

• Job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility is required.
• Bachelors degree in job-related area.
  • BA degree in Human Services preferred.
• Experience in Head Start program preferred.

Terms Of Employment:

Twelve-month year (July 1 to June 30)

Salary and Benefits:

Salary Range: $22,500-$45,000

Benefits Include:

• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension plan
• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long term disability
• Flexible benefits plan
• Sick days
• Personal days
• Direct deposit
• Employee assistance program