Family Support Speciaist

Kent Youth & Family Services is currently accepting applications for full-time, school calendar Family Support positions in the Early Learning Program. This position is responsible for providing comprehensive child/family support services to children 3 to 5 years and their families; provide support, training, and case management to assist parents in meeting their family’s needs; enhance parents’ role as the primary influence on their child’s education and development; support parents in increasing their economic stability; determine eligibility and enroll families in the program completing centralized intake responsibilities; enlist parental involvement in child educational programs; work with parents in identifying and achieving goals; and facilitate positive parent, school, and student relationships.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Recruit, select, and enroll eligible low income families based upon State and Federal Performance Standards to ensure compliance with mandated regulations and maintain full enrollment throughout the year.
• Facilitate orientation meetings with parents to inform them of the program opportunities, their rights and responsibilities, while encouraging their participation in the Early Learning program.
• Assist parents in identifying their families’ strengths and needs, setting family goals, and developing an action plan to remove barriers their child’s success in school.
• Act as an advocate for parents providing appropriate referrals for services through developing partnerships with community service providers and emergency assistance or intervention.
• Provide health screenings, immunization verifications, and outside agency referrals developing individualized health, nutrition, and family support plans that comply with program requirements.
• Plan and facilitate parent engagement opportunities while encouraging participation in leadership groups, family meetings, volunteering, and PS-ESD opportunities including Policy Council.
• Conduct a minimum of three (3) parent visits with each family with at least two in the families’ homes to build relationships, provide referrals, family support, and to create SMART family goals.
• Support parent engagement to plan and implement monthly parent education opportunities including parenting skills, child development, and health & social service advocacy.
• Maintain accurate written and computerized reports in a confidential manner.
• Participate as an active team member in interdisciplinary planning for children and families.
• Report suspected incidents to appropriate parties to maintain student’s personal health and safety, while adhering to agency program policies.
• Conduct formal or informal training opportunities to increase the parents knowledge of developmental stages and how to support their child’s kindergarten readiness and skill development.
• Assist other personnel as may be required to ensure an efficient and effective work environment.
• Fill in as a Bus Monitor, assisting children with getting on and off the bus and performing emergency procedures, when necessary.
• Support the needs of the children and classroom, stepping in for/with the teachers when necessary.