Family Services Specialist
: Job Details :

Under the supervision of the Family & Community Partnership Manager, the Family Services Specialist position requires working knowledge of relevant community resources, a compassionate approach to working with children and families, and the ability to effectively interface with families of diverse economic, social, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Engagement

• Partner with MNC Bayview Family Resource Center to bridge families to resources, including presenting resources available during monthly campus parent meetings and FRC events, collaborating with special events, and referring families to FRC and/or Early Education services.
• Conduct outreach activities and recruit families to ensure full enrollment (100%) and a minimum of a 20% waiting list, including widespread community outreach and canvassing with community agencies, residents, businesses, and areas where families congregate.
• Speak before neighborhood groups to establish communication and rapport between community members and the agency, publicizing supportive services available.
• Participate in agency-sponsored community resource fairs and other recruitment events as requested by Supervisor.
• Actively participate in community groups to assist in resolving emerging community issues concerning housing, immigration, education, and violence prevention, with supervisor approval.
• Ensure the integration of all programmatic funded strategies under the direction of the direct supervisor.

Compliance with Federal, State & City Regulations

• Conduct interviews with families to verify age, income, and residence eligibility according to Head Start Federal Guidelines, California Department of Education (CDE), and Preschool for All (PFA).
• Complete accurate documentation of required enrollment, eligibility, and need status for infant, toddler, or preschool according to CDE Funding Terms and Conditions.
• Provide documentation and support to families in obtaining necessary verification of eligibility and need.
• Complete all required reports for enrollment and attendance within required deadlines.
• Support families in completing paperwork and documentation requirements for Head Start enrollment and CDE documentation (CD9600, CD9600A, CDE #1, and Notice of Action Form) and provide follow-up.
• Recertify families for CDE program annually or as eligibility and need status change.
• Understand and implement policies and procedures contained in Funding Terms and Conditions for each CDE Contract regarding eligibility and need documentation, as well as the CDE Coordinated Compliance Review Training Guide and program policies and procedures.
• Complete outreach and enrollment of families utilizing tuition service option.
• Assist in monitoring child attendance records, analyze data collected, and follow up on irregular attendance, including entering follow-up on absences in Child Plus and all other required attendance procedures.
• Work with center staff to ensure that the minimum 95% attendance rate is achieved.
• Perform computer data entry, filing, note-taking, and other clerical duties as needed.

Health, Nutrition, Mental Health, and Disabilities Requirements

• Provide health and nutrition education for children and parents, including subsequent follow-ups and referrals.
• Aid families with the completion of all medical/dental/nutrition forms, including assisting families with referrals and follow-up in establishing a medical home/dentist.
• Consult with appropriate Health/Nutrition and Mental Health/Disabilities staff regarding related concerns; make appropriate referrals and follow-ups.
• Attend monthly campus Mental Health case consultation meetings to learn about child's needs, share family needs, and discuss strategies to support family wellbeing.

Family Engagement

• Establish trusting, supportive, and professional relationships with families.
• Engage families during drop-off and pick-up times to develop relationships with families and teachers.
• Lead monthly campus case consultation meetings with teachers to exchange information on child/family needs and services being provided.
• Work with the Community, Parent and Health Associate, Center Director, and Family Services Specialist (FSS) to assess families' interests and overall service satisfaction.
• Assist in developing a yearly campus family engagement plan to identify parent training and resources, as identified by parents.
• Assist in coordinating and implementing individual and group campus family orientations.
• Organize and implement monthly campus parent meetings, including agenda preparation, meeting minutes, and logistical needs.
• Coordinate and facilitate trainings and/or support groups, such as Abriendo Puertas, Parent Cafes, and any other groups as identified by supervisor.
• Assist campus staff in maintaining organized and welcoming parent areas by updating parent information and resources.

Family Support Services

• Maintain confidentiality of all child and family records, organize case file documentation, and complete daily family contact/comprehensive notes according to procedures.
• Develop Family Assessments and Individualized Family Partnership Plans (IFPA) to address family strengths and goals, providing regular follow-up and support.
• Provide and document short-term interventions by offering information, referrals, and resources to clients, with appropriate follow-up.
• Complete all required reports, forms, and documentation for family and community partnerships on a timely basis.
• Coordinate family services to meet all Head Start Performance Standards, including the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework (PFCE).

Program Contribution and Other Duties

• Participate in scheduled staff meetings, in-service, and trainings.
• Meet as needed with the Supervisor to report, problem-solve, and plan regarding position responsibilities.

Customer Service

• Provide exceptional customer service.
• Always represent the Company in a professional manner.

Safety

• Maintain personal safety, use personal protection equipment (PPE), and follow Company policies.
• Report all safety issues, accidents, or injuries to your manager as a priority.

Effective Team Member

• Interact positively with team members.
• Facilitate positive change.
• Partner with supervisor when necessary to address department issues or concerns.

POSITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education: Require a Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field, or equivalent experience.

Experience: Required 3+ years' experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Requirements:

• Current Physical Health Screening (every 2 years thereafter)
• Current Immunizations (TB, Influenza, MMR, Pertussis) (must be kept current)
• Clearance Child Abuse Index
• Current CPR & First Aid Certificate (every 2 years thereafter)
• Family Development Credential Certification
• Valid State of California Driver's License (current auto insurance and a clean driving record)
• Meet required professional development hours and attend required trainings (might be evenings or weekends)

Skills and Abilities:

• Independent thinker with excellent customer service skills, professional attitude, personal integrity, maturity, and business judgment.
• Able to multi-task, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; well-organized professional who thrives in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to remain tactful under pressure and present a professional demeanor in a multicultural setting.

Software: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet Explorer.

Decision Making: Set priorities and standards of performance; develop plans by which work can be accomplished.

Tools and Equipment: General office equipment, fax, copier, printer, phone, and computer.

Confidential and Sensitive Information: Maintain the highest level of confidentiality when dealing with client records.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit approximately 80% of the time, walk 10% of the time, and stand 10% of the time. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to type or handle, feel, and operate objects. The employee is required to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. Must be able to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, crawl, and work with children on the floor for extended periods. The employee is frequently required to speak and listen. Specific vision abilities of this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

What we offer

Pay Rate: $33.00 - $35.00 Hourly

Medical – Kaiser and CCHP / Dental – Principal / Vision – Vision Care / Life Insurance - $50,000 / 403b – 3% match / FSA / Pet Care

EAP (Employee Assistance Program) / WADP (Working Advantage Discount Program)

If you are seeking an organization that values, promotes, and develops leadership by delivering culturally sensitive, multi-generational, community-based services that empower families to build strong, healthy, and vibrant neighborhoods with the vision of a strong, healthier, and more vibrant community that respects and celebrates its many rich cultural traditions, please apply.

Please visit our website for additional information on our Company at: www.mncsf.org

We are an equal opportunity employer that welcomes diversity in the workplace with a great company culture. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.