Family Support Specialist Center Based Services

The Family Support Specialist is the initial contact for families seeking early childhood services, responsible for determining eligibility, enrolling children, and coordinating services to support family and child well-being. This role includes recruiting families, completing essential documentation, and developing trusting relationships to enhance family engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Family Engagement and Enrollment:

   • Serve as the main point of contact for families applying for Early Childhood services.
   • Recruit and enroll eligible families, ensuring completion of all necessary documentation.
   • Establish supportive, trusting relationships with families, maintaining open lines of communication.

2. Eligibility and Documentation:

   • Verify participant eligibility according to program requirements.
   • Accurately track and maintain records of participant enrollment and engagement in services.

3. Supportive Services Coordination:

   • Assess the needs of children and families to tailor services that maximize family well-being.
   • Coordinate and schedule service delivery, including early childhood education and additional support as needed.

4. Advocacy and Resource Connections:

   • Connect families with additional resources and community programs that support child development and family stability.
   • Provide ongoing support, assisting families in navigating available resources and overcoming barriers.

5. Administrative Duties:

   • Maintain accurate and timely data in program databases, ensuring compliance with all reporting requirements.
   • Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development to support continuous learning and improvement.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family and Consumer Science, Family Studies, Counseling, or a related field is required.
• Credentials: Gateways Level 5 Family Specialist Credential or an equivalent Family Development Credential is required.
• Experience: Minimum of one year of experience working with culturally diverse families is preferred.
• Skills: Knowledge of child growth and development, parent-child relationships, and community resources is strongly preferred.
• Language: Bilingual skills in English and Spanish are preferred.
• Other Requirements: Valid driver’s license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle.

Note: Candidates without the required degree or credentials may be considered with an approved educational plan.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay Rate: Starting at $25.40 per hour, with additional compensation for bilingual skills.
• Benefits Package: Includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; 11 paid holidays; three scheduled weeks of paid time off annually; flexible paid leave based on tenure; 401(k) with match; supplemental insurance options; and eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Schedule: Full-time, flexible schedule with occasional evenings and weekends required.

Why Join Brightpoint?

At Brightpoint, we value diversity, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to advancing equity. We invite you to be part of a mission-driven team where you can grow professionally and impact the lives of children and families in Illinois. This role offers opportunities to advocate for families, challenge systemic inequities, and contribute to strong community building.