Family and Community Support Specialist - Lutheran Services Florida : Job Details

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of families and children? LSF is seeking a dedicated Family and Community Support Specialist to join our mission-driven team!

Purpose & Impact:

The Family and Community Support Specialist provides crucial support to families, helping them identify and achieve their goals through a family-centered case management approach. This role is vital in developing and implementing family partnership agreements, overseeing child files, enrollment, and assisting with health requirements and assessments.

Essential Functions:

• Collaborate with center staff to align family partnership goals with classroom initiatives.
• Engage in team management activities to plan, execute, and assess family and community engagement objectives.
• Participate in workshops and training to continually enhance your skills.
• Work closely with local agencies to connect families to community services.
• Facilitate health screenings and assessments while ensuring familiarity with referral processes.
• Conduct follow-ups on referrals to ensure family needs are met.
• Share pertinent information with teachers to provide coordinated services for children and families while respecting confidentiality.
• Offer health, safety, and family literacy resources to parents as needed.
• Develop knowledge of community resources and conduct annual visits with key agencies for updates.
• Attend parent/teacher conferences and multi-team development meetings as required.
• Create transition plans for children six months prior to their third birthday.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families at all times, adhering to established policies.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, Attendance (ERSEA):

• Implement and document recruitment, selection, and enrollment processes for eligible children and families.
• Enhance outreach to prospective families and complete the necessary enrollment procedures.
• Maintain funded enrollment and ensure Head Start/Early Head Start vacancies are filled promptly.
• Accurately verify eligibility for enrollment in programs.
• Monitor and maintain an average daily attendance of over 85%.
• Support families experiencing attendance issues and document all assistance efforts.

Parent Engagement:

• Coordinate monthly parent committee meetings and maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Ensure that the elected Policy Council representative attends monthly meetings.
• Facilitate parent engagement activities through established support groups.
• Implement a responsive, individualized parent engagement program that empowers parents.
• Ensure effective communication between parents, Head Start staff, and community partners.
• Encourage parent volunteering and provide opportunities for collaborative activities.
• Assist in the transition process for families entering Head Start from other settings.

Health:

• Support child health screenings and familiarization with referral requirements.
• Promote wellness and the establishment of medical and dental homes for children and families.
• Offer health education activities tailored to parent needs.
• Assist families with necessary disability paperwork for supporting their children.

Qualifications:

Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift at least 45 pounds. Accommodations may be available for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Education: High School diploma or GED, with a commitment to obtaining a credential in social work or a related field within 18 months of hire.

Experience: Minimum three years of experience working with children and families in social services, with Head Start/Early Head Start experience preferred.

Additional Requirements: Certification in First Aid and CPR within three months of hiring, plus a successful Level II background check and drug screening prior to employment. Bilingual candidates (English/Spanish or other local languages) are preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of social work principles and human behavior.
• Knowledge of human development and health.
• Familiar with local social and health services.
• Basic computer and data entry skills.
• Effective communication abilities, both oral and written.
• Capable of writing reports and engaging with groups.
• Adeptness in conducting calculations and interpreting instructions.
• Problem-solving skills with data analysis capabilities.

Join LSF and Make a Difference! LSF offers numerous programs across the state serving diverse populations in need. By becoming part of the LSF community, you will play a key role in transforming the lives of those we serve and discover growth opportunities within the organization.

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• 24/7 online access to doctors via telehealth.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday.
• Generous PTO policy starting at 16 working days annually.
• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer match or student loan repayment reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement program.

LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.