Job Description
Job Description
Family Support Specialist – Bilingual (Spanish)
Summary/Objective:
This position provides individualized, culturally-competent and strengths-based case management to a caseload of 35-40 at-risk families enrolled in Dimock’s Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Assists families in identifying goals for themselves and their children and supports them in reaching those goals. Encourages parents/guardians to be frequent and active participants in the program. Works closely with classroom, content area and management staff to ensure that children and families receive high-quality, comprehensive, integrated Early Head Start/Head Start services.
Essential Functions
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Provide individualized, culturally-competent and strengths-based case management to an assigned caseload of 35-40 families enrolled in Dimock’s Early Head Start and Head Start programs.
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Conduct a minimum of one home visit per year to build relationships with families and further assess strengths and needs.
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Support internal and external transitions by completing enrollments, providing parent orientations and preparing and supporting transitions to kindergarten.
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Provide interpretation support for non-English speaking families. Support in translating documents and information giving to non-English speaking families.
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Keep complete and accurate records of required communication with families regarding student absences.
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Maintain accurate, timely and comprehensive documentation in GoEngage.
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Provide classroom coverage on an occasional basis.
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Participate in program monitoring, review and/or assessment activities as appropriate.
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Recognize and report suspected physical and sexual abuse to the appropriate authorities as required by law.
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Maintain confidentiality at all times and communicate to others the importance of confidentiality.
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Assist in the development and implementation of outreach and recruitment activities designed to reach Early Head Start/Head Start-eligible families most in need of services.
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Actively encourage parents and other family members to participate in workshops, parent meetings, parent committee/Policy Council and other program events.
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Refer families to community resources and follow-up on the effectiveness of referrals.
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Identify and develop community partnerships to provide needed services to families.
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Develop and maintain Individual Family Partnership Agreements with assigned families that support them in reaching family stability and school readiness goals for themselves and their children.
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Schedule and facilitate interdisciplinary meetings as necessary to promote service integration.
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Communicate regularly with assigned families using multiple methods to include, but not limited to in-person, electronic communication, phone calls, notes and flyers. Communication should be in the preferred language of the parent whenever possible.
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Perform other duties as assigned
Competencies
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written & verbal)
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Knowledge of Family Systems and Early Childhood Development
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Proficient computer skills
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Takes responsibility for delivery of services as part of team effort in unit/department.
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Takes initiative in making suggestions for improvement of services.
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Meets deadlines without causing undue disruption.
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Utilizes human resources, time, and supplies efficiently.
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Incorporate organization mission, goals, and policies into daily work to foster an inclusive, supportive, and culturally responsive environment for families.
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Positively represents the Dimock Center in all interactions with visitors, families, colleagues, and community partners.
Work Environment
This position is primarily site based and may involve both indoor and outdoor environments.
Required Education and Experience
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Minimum requirement is a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field. Associates or Bachelor’s degree in the above areas preferred.
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A minimum of three (3) years’ experience providing education or social services to young children and/or families
Physical Demands
Duties may require standing, walking, or sitting for long periods of time. May require lifting. Must be able to work in a both outdoor and indoor spaces.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work/Salary
8:00am-4:00pm Monday to Friday