Family Specialist (Foundations for Learning)

Family Specialist - Foundations For Learning

You are a caring, hard-working individual who thrives in a team environment and is committed to excellence. You have experience in a school setting and are comfortable interacting with children, families and staff, as well as managing administrative responsibilities.

The Dimock Center is a federally qualified community health center that heals and uplifts individuals, families and communities. Our vision is to redefine the model of a healthy community by creating equitable access to comprehensive health care and education. We promote a culture of respect, excellence, equal opportunity, and commitment to our employees and the communities we serve.

Our Child and Family Services programs offer quality care, education and support to young children and their families. The Foundations for Learning Program provides comprehensive education and family support services to children birth through age five, and their families. Offering high-quality services to promote the success of children and to meet the needs of families that are working, in school, or job-searching.

https://dimock.org/service/child-and-family-services/school-readiness/

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective:
This Family Specialist position in our school supports families in achieving equitable access to all program services. They serve as the first point of contact for prospective families and are responsible for providing administrative support, maintaining accurate program records in compliance with regulatory bodies, and collaborating with program administrators to foster an environment that supports positive community relationships and full engagement of families. They serve as a resource, assisting families in connecting with supports that helps all families reach their full potential.

Essential Functions

1. Complete enrollment/re-enrollment paperwork for families entering the program, including developmental screenings.
2. Partner with families to support children’s learning and respond to all family concerns and feedback with sensitivity and respect
3. Refer families to community well-being resources as needed and follow-up on the effectiveness of referrals
4. Collaborate with Education Manager and content area specialists to facilitate family communications, Parent Orientation, Parent Meetings, educational activities, and community events that are responsive to family needs
5. Supports teachers with parent/teacher conferences and home visits upon request
6. Work collaboratively with content area specialists to promote coordinated, comprehensive services delivery around supporting families with disabilities
7. Work with content area specialists to ensure parent engagement and leadership opportunities are offered, encouraged, and documented
8. Support internal and external transitions between programs as well as preparing and supporting transitions to Kindergarten
9. Partner with ERSEA Specialist to implement recruitment and retention activities that support full program enrollment,
10. Collect required documentation to determine subsidy eligibility and reassessments
11. Ensure case records are up-to-date, accurate and complete at all times into program data management systems (e.g. GoEngage.com, CCFA, etc.)
12. Prepare reports and assist with program file audits to ensure compliance with licensing and funding sources (e.g. EEC, OHS, NAEYC, CACFP)
13. Maintain current knowledge of and compliance with Department of Early Education and Care Financial Assistance Policies, including monitoring attendance and maintaining data management systems (e.g. KinderWait, CCFA)
14. Participate in staffing schedule as needed to ensure classrooms are within designated caregiver-child ratios at all times
15. Attend staff meetings and classroom meetings
16. Recognize and report suspected physical and sexual abuse to the appropriate authorities as required by law.
17. Always maintain confidentiality
18. Other duties as assigned

Competencies

1. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written & verbal)
2. Practices open, regular and respectful communication with families using a variety of methods including in-person, electronic communication, phone calls, notes and flyers
3. Utilizes a strengths-based approach to support families to identify options and resources to address crises, advocate for themselves and their child, and take active steps to lead to resolution
4. Maintains strong relationships across C&FS divisions and identify new opportunities to work together to mutual benefit and the benefit of the community.
5. Establishes and maintains an environment of cooperation and respect in accordance with NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
6. Incorporates The Pyramid Model for Promoting Social Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children into routines, interactions, and activities
7. Interacts respectfully with children, families, and colleagues using strength-based, trauma-informed, and relationship-based practices
8. Always maintains the highest degree of professionalism, including, but not limited to adherence to dress code, Child & Family code of conduct, and consistency of care through regular attendance and punctuality
9. Knowledge of Family Systems and Early Childhood Development
10. Proficient computer skills
11. Bilingual skills: English/Spanish, English/Cape Verdean or Haitian Creole a plus
12. Takes responsibility for delivery of services as part of team effort in unit/department.
13. Takes initiative in making suggestions for improvement of services.
14. Meets deadlines without causing undue disruption.
15. Utilizes human resources, time, and supplies efficiently.
16. Incorporates organization mission, goals, and policies into daily work to foster an inclusive, supportive, and culturally responsive environment for families
17. Positively represents the Dimock Center in all interactions with visitors, families, colleagues, and community partners

Work Environment

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Monday through Friday, as scheduled between 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Required Education and Experience

1. A credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field or ability to attain within eighteen months of hire required
2. Requires a minimum of two years of experience working with ethnically, linguistically, and/or economically diverse children and families, preferable in a case management capacity population
3. Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field preferred. Social Work degree and/or course work very desirable.

Other Duties
Note this job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of duties that are required of the employee for this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement

The Dimock Center values diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.