Family Services Specialist & Parent Coordinator

at  Hopewell City Public Schools

QUALIFICATIONS

A minimum of a High School Diploma is required for this position, with a preference for candidates who hold a Family Services Credential or a degree in Social Services, Adult Education, or a related field. The ideal candidate will possess a general knowledge of personal computers, particularly in using Microsoft Office to prepare notices, flyers, and reports. They should have some understanding of early child development, psychology, and literacy, as well as familiarity with service providers available to families at risk. Effective oral and written communication skills are essential, along with the ability to interact and communicate effectively with individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Strong time management and organizational skills, as well as the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, are also required. Additionally, the candidate must either possess or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia, pass a background check, and undergo a yearly physical and tuberculosis test every two years.

DESCRIPTION

The Family Services Specialist & Parent Coordinator performs essential counseling and human services work within the Head Start program. This role involves direct interaction with income-eligible and special needs children and their families to promote maximum child achievement and provide critical family support. Responsibilities include interviewing families, assessing their needs, developing action plans, and connecting them with community services. The role also involves coordinating and attending training sessions, seminars, and Policy Council meetings. The Family Services Specialist is responsible for engaging parents in the Head Start Program and ensuring compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards.

• Perform Family and Community Services Engagement record keeping and clerical duties.
• Assist parents as directed by the Family Services Manager.
• Attend and participate in center meetings and training for parents.
• Develop forms to facilitate Family Services Area record keeping.
• Assist with transitioning children’s records from Head Start to public school.
• Coordinate with other service providers and participate in six-week staffings.
• Conduct home visits, assess family needs, and establish family partnership agreements.
• Create and maintain confidential case records, narratives, service updates, and documentation.
• Recruit families for the program and assist in training parent volunteers.
• Research and secure trainers for parent education meetings.
• Facilitate parent engagement and literacy activities within the home.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions as required.
• Conduct and organize Parenting Curriculum sessions.
• Update and maintain the Annual Parent Engagement Plan.
• Organize and support classroom volunteers.
• Prepare weekly calendars, monthly newsletters, and in-kind contribution reports.
• Coordinate public relations efforts for Head Start activities.
• Provide crisis intervention and emergency support services to families.
• Serve as Policy Council Coordinator, organizing meetings, in-service opportunities, and member support.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.