Family Support Specialist - Early Headstart (60854)

University Settlement partners with 40,000 New Yorkers in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn every year to build on our collective strengths as we achieve healthy, stable, and remarkable lives. For nearly 140 years, we’ve fought poverty and systemic inequality by building highly effective social services in collaboration with our neighbors. Established in 1886 as the first Settlement House in the United States, we bring the values of that movement into the 21st century by meeting New Yorkers where they live, listening deeply to all perspectives, and creating space for responsive cooperation.  

Joining with our neighbors to make stable foundations where people of all ages can grow and pursue their dreams, we build community strength. We infuse a commitment to civic engagement, equality, and communal action into each of our programs, which include early childhood education, youth development, healthy aging, mental health and wellness, English classes for adult immigrants, community centers, and the arts.  

Early Head Start offers comprehensive child development services, family support services and advocacy to low-income pregnant women and families with children under three years of age. The program provides developmentally appropriate care and home visits to families in the Lower East Side and Brooklyn.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with mental health service partners to facilitate referrals for children and families
• Share trauma-informed perspective and resources with teachers and staff
• Support teachers in planning activities for and responding to children who are experiencing trauma
• Assess strengths and needs of families and assist families with goal setting and follow-up
• Facilitate referrals to address family needs
• Inform and follow up with families of upcoming events and workshops
• Build relationships with families and support home-school connection
• Coordinate events for parent involvement and engagement
• Maintain complete and up-to-date record keeping of child files and other documentation including health records
• Facilitate program transitions and ensure that children’s files are up to date
• Participate in individua, group supervision, and professional development
• Identify red flags for trauma and respond supportively to mitigate the impact on the family and child
• Provide classroom support
• Perform appropriate responsibilities within the scope of the position as assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field
• CDA required if bachelor’s degree is in unrelated field (must receive CDA within 18 months of hire)
• Bilingual English/Mandarin or Cantonese Spanish required. Based on program needs.
• Experience working with children and families
• Coursework and/or training in Trauma-Informed practice is preferred

Work Schedule: Full time, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm, 35 hours per week 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We support a broadly diverse team that will contribute to our organization. We are an equal opportunity employer for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

Salary : $40,000 - $45,000