What are the responsibilities and job description for the Family Support Specialist position at The Lighthouse Early Learning and Development Center?
Company Overview
The Lighthouse Early Learning and Development Center is dedicated to providing high-quality child care for children aged 4 weeks to 5 years old. We are committed to fostering a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment that promotes growth and development for every child and family we serve.
Job Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and energetic Family Support Specialist to join our team. In this vital role, you will work directly with families, children, early learning educators, and community partners to promote child welfare, provide crisis intervention, and support high-risk populations. Your efforts will help strengthen families, ensure safety, and connect families with essential services in a culturally sensitive manner.
Duties
- Able to work any shift between the hours 6:45am - 6:15pm
- Aids in the recruitment and enrollment of children and families in the appropriate programs based on their eligibility
- Collect and maintain accurate child and family records including health data, enrollment information, assessments, goal sheets, and any referrals
- Schedules and conducts enrollment conferences and quarterly check in conferences
- Assist families in navigating child welfare systems, including child protective services and family law matters
- Provide crisis intervention and crisis management support to children and families experiencing urgent needs or high-stress situations
- Collaborate with teaching staff, social services, behavioral health providers, and community organizations to coordinate comprehensive family support plans
- Maintain clear client communication through multiple platforms including phone, our messaging system, emails, and in person
- Conducts family meetings and events
- Attend community outreach events, including dates on weekends
- Support children with disabilities or behavioral health challenges by implementing appropriate childcare strategies and behavioral management techniques
- Conduct home visits or community outreach to assess family needs and provide resource referrals
- Document all interactions accurately and maintain organized case files
- Attend monthly staff meetings and activities, including some mornings and some evenings
Qualifications
- Experience working with children, families, or high-risk populations in social services or child welfare settings
- Knowledge of child protective services protocols, child & family services, and family law procedures
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with diverse communities; bilingual abilities are a plus
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for documentation and reporting purposes
- Ability to manage conflict calmly and effectively while demonstrating cultural sensitivity
- Credential or certification in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling OR Associate or higher in a related field with 30 job-related credits OR Family Development Certificate from the Washington State Community Action Partnership OR Social Services Competency Based Training (SSCBT) Certificate of Completion from Portland State University OR Family Service Credential from the Portage Project OR Family Support Core or Studies Certificate from Edmonds Community College
Working Conditions
- Lift and hold children.
- Lift and move educational materials and equipment up to 40 pounds.
- Stand, stoop, kneel, bend, and work with children on the floor for extended periods of time.
- Follow universal precautions when caring for the hygiene needs, including diapering, of children.
REQUIREMENTS
- Initial health examination, including screening for TB.
- Obtain a First Aid and Infant/Child CPR card within 90 days of hiring and keep current.
- Complete Background Check through MERIT and fingerprinting.
- Obtain a Food Handler’s Permit within 90 days of hiring and keep current.
Join us at The Lighthouse Early Learning and Development Center where your dedication will make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. We offer a supportive environment that values your skills in social work, communication, and family services as you help build stronger communities through compassionate care.
Pay: From $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Loan forgiveness
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $24