Family Development Specialist

Job Description

DEPARTMENT:      Early Head Start

JOB TITLE:             Family Development Specialist / EHS

FLSA class:            Non - Exempt/ Full – Time                                  

REPORTS TO:       Family Development/ERSEA Coordinator

JOB PURPOSE: Key responsibilities include: documenting and maintaining factual case management information on families assigned to the FDS caseload, and entering that information into the database regularly as scheduled. Actively participating and implementing activities for family socializations. Active participation in the recruitment of children and families for enrollment in the program and follow-up on referrals as assigned.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE: Bachelors or Associates Degree with a minimum of four (4) years of case management experience with families, infants and toddlers who may be economically, physically, and/or emotionally at-risk.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:  Working knowledge of community based social, mental health and childcare services. Effective written and oral communication skills. Planning and organization skills. Ability to provide training and technical assistance to parents and staff. Must be computer literate.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.           Interview clients, respond to referrals, and complete assessment and evaluation for a minimum of 12-13 Early Head Start families.

2.           Develop Family and Community Development (FCD), Individual Family Development Plan (IFDP) with family, explain program, monitor & document progress. Prepare and maintain client files.

3.           Responsible for the monthly reporting, collecting and submission of in-kind and non-federal share contributions.

4.           Provide on-going education guidance and/or counseling as appropriate.

5.           Facilitate referrals to other PCCEO departments, community agencies, and/or specific treatment facilities in response to the families’ needs, such as housing, or disability services.

6.           Attend and maintain meeting notes from outside agency meetings as necessary for case management:

7.           Conduct home-visits and provide the proposed home visit schedule to their immediate supervisor no later than the Friday prior to the next week’s visits.

8.           Record information on assigned families, data entry through PROMIS and case management with adequate provisions for maintaining confidentiality.

9.           FCD Specialist must observe all local, state and federal rules, which govern the Early Head Start program.

10.        Recruit and attain three (3) completed applications per month.

11.        Encourage and involve parents as volunteers in Early Head Start activities.

12.        The FCD Specialist will perform other duties assigned by the Director, Early Head Start program, Family Partnership Coordinator or President / CEO.

13.        Perform other duties as assigned by the Early Head Start Director Early Head Start Program, Family Development/ERSEA Coordinator, or President/CEO.

14.        Must be able to perform the essential duties of the job description.

15.        Must have and maintain a valid Illinois Driver’s license, reliable transportation and insurance coverage as required by the State of Illinois.

Performance Factors

Attendance and Dependability: The employee can be depended on to report to work at the scheduled time and is seldom absent from work. Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and is conscientious, about assignments.

Communication and Contact: The employee communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, clients, and individuals inside and outside PCCEO, Inc.

Relationships with Others: The employee works effectively and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, clients, and individuals inside and outside PCCEO, Inc.

Americans with Disability Specifications on Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.