Family Engagement Specialist

Child Development Specialist (Family Engagement)

Job Summary

The Family Engagement Specialist comes alongside center-based families to provide strengths based support, resources, advocacy, and intervention in accordance with state and program guidelines. The Family Engagement Specialist is responsible for assisting families in the coordination of education and social emotional supports. The Family Engagement Specialist collaborates with staff and community partners to provide comprehensive services, assists in the planning and implementation of family events, parent meetings and trainings. The Family Engagement Specialist maintains appropriate records and data in accordance with program guidelines.

Essential Duties:

• Provides direct family support to center-based families.
• Collaborates with Director in the coordination and implementation of family events, parent meetings and trainings.
• Communicates, both orally and in writing as needed, to assist parents and staff with resources and services for the purpose of providing accurate information for the program.
• Meets with parents, childcare staff and other appropriate community/agency personnel for the purpose of processing referrals, educational/social emotional assessments that may be needed and other resources.
• Collaborate with internal departments and community organizations to provide opportunities for families to meet their goals.
• Maintain documentation in accordance with program guidelines including current files for resources and referrals.
• Work in tandem with center staff to ensure comprehensive, wrap-around services for families to include child development services and social services.
• Actively participate in staff meetings and monthly reflective supervision meetings with direct supervisor
• Participates in various community groups, meetings, trainings, events (e.g. projects, in services, workshops) for the purpose of receiving and/or providing information to parents, agencies, and the community.
• Responds to requests for information and assistance (e.g. referrals about choosing quality child care, community resources, parenting, and other family topics) for the purpose of program operation.

Report to: Program Director

Qualifications/Skills

• 2 years combined experience with early childhood services preferred: classroom/social work
• Knowledge of child development regulations Title 5 and Title 22 desirable.
• Experience with providing community resources and parenting classes/programs preferred. Ability to interact positively with program participants, agency representatives, and the community at-large.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret information to case plan appropriate resources and interventions.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree required in child development, education, social services, or a related field.
• Bilingual in Spanish
• Valid CA Driver's License and proof of Automobile Insurance

Physical & Mental Demands:

• Ability to lift/carry at least 30 pounds.
• Ability to perform tasks that require bending/stooping.
• Ability to perform under high pressure/problem solving situations.
• Ability to cope with a fast-changing work environment.
• Contribute to the organization culture of the department with a positive attitude and professional demeanor.
• Ability to multi-task and stay focused with many interruptions.
• Ability to deal with many different personalities.