Seeking a collaborative and supportive individual with a passion for improving the lives of children and families for a full-time Family Support Specialist position at our Edgewater Early Learning Center.

At One Hope United, we value team members who are willing to bring new ideas to the table, share best practices with colleagues, and expand our early childhood education services during an exciting period of growth for the organization.

Our childhood development centers and associated programs are staffed by dedicated professionals who strive to prepare children for life-long learning. All of our eligible programs have earned NAEYC accreditation—the mark of quality for early childhood education programs.  Those we serve reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate, and we cater to the individual needs of each child and family in our care.

Job summary

Provides direct in-home supportive services to children and families whether in or out of DCFS system or Foster Care Program. Provides emotional support to families in crises including communicating with the family, establishing trust, and providing motivation and hope that the situation can improve.

Summary of essential job functions

• Work cooperatively with other agencies, caseworkers, and family aid specialists and family support services.
• Report to the Child Abuse Hotline as directed by the Mandated Reporter Act.
• Report any exposure to communicable diseases.
• Testify in court when subpoenaed or as directed by the Supervisor.
• Observe and submit accurate written documentation on the service provided and the functioning of individuals and families as required by specific job or department
• Teach and demonstrate improved methods of housekeeping, home management, budgeting, nutritious meal planning, health, hygiene, and parenting.
• Assess home safety and document all corrections.
• Teach and provide resources to help teach families to utilize community resources, (e.g. medical counseling, applying for housing, energy assistance, WIC, food stamps, social security birth certificates, parent teacher meetings, etc.) as needed.
• Supervise parent/child visitations modeling appropriate parenting techniques during the visit.
• Attend and participate in meetings and training sessions as required by the specific job or department.
• Physical examination is required every two years. Including a TB test to prove free from communicable diseases.
• Provide approved transportation when requested in service plan.
• Submit expense vouchers, renewed driver’s license, and automobile insurance coverage on due date.
• Provide respite to families.
• Help clients to reach goals on service and/or treatment plans.
• Serves as a liaison with collaterals such as DCFS, schools, etc.
• Responsible to be reliable and flexible to the programs in terms of hours worked and submit accurate time sheets. Supervisors should be contacted due to any change in schedule or to approve overtimes hours worked.

Minimum requirements

• Associate’s degree in Social Services, Psychology, Counseling, Child Development or a related field required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of 2 years professional experience working with families.

Skills

1. Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred
2. Ability to maintain confidential information and materials
3. Ability to stay current on developments in early learning field to enhance professional growth
4. Must be able to develop and maintain professional and positive relationships with families, children and colleagues
5. Must be able to work as a team with program leaders, funders and direct service staff
6. Working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and Child Plus Database
7. Knowledge of Child Care (Illinois Department of Human Services) and Head Start Eligibility requirements preferred
8. Have access to a reliable vehicle and meet all agency requirements related to driving record and insurance