POSITION SUMMARY

The Family Services Specialist provides ongoing support to eligible families enrolled in DLEC programs. Key responsibilities include assisting families in achieving their identified goals, making referrals for services, providing resources, and monitoring case files.
The role may also involve community outreach to support DLEC recruitment efforts, facilitating the enrollment process, and tracking family status and enrollment changes for our center-based and home visiting programs. This will require working at various DLEC site locations, including Yesler Terrace Center, Beacon Hill Center, Sand Point Center, and the EHS/Admin Office. Additionally, the position involves travel throughout King County for outreach activities.
This is a fully on-site position.

SKILLS, COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE

• A.A. or B.A. in Social Work, Sociology or related field; or, at a minimum, obtain a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field within 18 months of hire.
• Bilingual in a language spoken by DLEC parents; Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish or African language preferred.
• Prior experience in providing family support services or related fields.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and daily access to a personal, legally licensed vehicle with proof of current automobile insurance or access to reliable source of transportation.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as required.
• Computer proficiency and knowledge of basic office equipment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledgeable about community resources available to low income and English as a second language adults.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

All staff must comply with state vaccination guidelines, including MMR, and provide a negative TB test (within the last 12 months) or an x-ray, as well as a pre-employment physical. Medical or religious exemptions may be requested, and if approved, weekly testing will be required.
Employment or volunteer service at Denise Louie Education Center is conditioned on a criminal background check as required by child care licensing and Head Start Performance Standards. The 60 categories of criminal convictions or pending charges disqualifying a person from having access to children in child care are in WAC 388-330-040.
Certain positions require degrees, coursework, or other certifications. You will be asked to provide proof of your stated education prior to hire.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Establish and maintain working relationships with community agencies for referrals and resources for potential children and their families.
• Implement policies, procedures and work plans for recruitment, application, enrollment, placement, and orientation.
• Assist with applications for eligibility, file monitoring, registration, placement, attendance review, and all corresponding follow-up.
• Withdraw children/families from the program as necessary according to procedures, relaying information to the appropriate staff and filling vacancies as per Head Start Performance Standards.
• Accurately maintain a database with record of family communication, referrals, follow-ups, and progress on family partnership agreements.
• Prepare and supply reports to the supervisor on contact and celebrations; parent successes and challenges.
• Assist with health and dental screenings; coordinate with the classroom team on sending screening information to parents & referrals as needed; document in the database management system.
• Establish a family partnership agreement with each Head Start family within the first 90 days of the child’s first day of school, and monitor progress.
• Provide on-going support and assistance for parents/families, including referrals for services, follow-up & documentation in the database, and education on DLEC programs.
• Facilitate Kindergarten registration to ensure each child is registered for public school.
• Complete regular family assessment surveys.
• Remind/encourage parent participation on Policy Council, HSAC, and other engagement opportunities.
• Attend Parent, Family & Community Engagement (PFCE) meetings, training and events as required.
• Collaborate with the education team to host parent training and engagement events (i.e.: HCI, kindergarten, health, nutrition and safety, parenting).
• Coordinate with Enrollment Coordinator, Program Assistant and Finance to conduct voucher follow-up and payment of co-pays.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify/attend meetings/conferences etc. that relate to job and professional development.
• Provide translation, verbal and written as needed on forms, parent handbook, etc.
• Assist (when needed) in the disability referral by completing forms, providing translation, attending evaluations and IEP meetings.
• Assist with updating and maintenance of PFCE resource files.
  Note: The job duties listed here are not intended to be an exhaustive list. Incumbent may be required to perform other duties in order to meet the needs of DLEC.