Family Support Specialist

1 week ago


Chicago, Illinois, United States Mary Crane Center Full time

Job Type

Full-time

Description
Empower Families. Strengthen Communities. Change Lives.
Do you believe strong families build strong communities? Are you passionate about helping parents access resources, stay involved in their child's learning, and feel supported every step of the way? If so, we'd love to welcome you to our team as a
Family Worker
in our Head Start program.

As a Family Worker, you'll build relationships with families, connect them to vital services, and ensure they have the tools and support needed to thrive. You'll serve as the bridge between home and school—encouraging parent involvement, providing social services support, and championing family success.

What You'll Do
Partner With Families

  • Guide families through enrollment, redetermination, and Head Start or childcare application processes
  • Build strong relationships through regular communication, home visits, and the family partnership agreement process
  • Coordinate and attend parent meetings, workshops, and volunteer activities
  • Serve as a liaison between families and the Site Director or other staff
  • Help families plan and schedule their own social and developmental activities
  • Encourage parent participation and leadership in the program

Support Children's Well-Being

  • Coordinate follow-up care with providers for medical, dental, mental health, and special needs services
  • Work with CPS, DFSS, and consultants to support children with disabilities
  • Participate in family reviews and develop strategies to support family needs

Keep Accurate Records

  • Maintain complete and timely documentation in family, health, and education files
  • Track and document all family contacts, referrals, and services provided

Collaborate Across Teams

  • Work closely with the Site Director and specialists in social services, mental health, and education
  • Attend internal and external meetings, trainings, and workshops
  • Support program planning, recruitment efforts, and community outreach
  • Provide administrative support as assigned by the Site Director

Build Community Connections

  • Develop and maintain partnerships with local agencies, CPS, and community organizations
  • Help families access additional services and support in the surrounding area

Requirements
Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (B.S.W.) or a related field from an accredited college or university
  • Family Specialist credential level 5

Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience working with families in community-based or educational settings preferred
  • Strong communication skills (written and verbal); bilingual Spanish preferred
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive family information
  • Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
  • Proficiency in word-processing and electronic documentation
  • Flexible, with the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
  • Committed to ongoing professional development

Physical & Work Environment Expectations

  • Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and perform physical tasks such as bending, reaching, and sitting for extended periods
  • Comfortable working in an active, child- and family-centered environment
  • Travel required between agency locations, homes, and training sites
  • May work at multiple agency locations based on family or program needs

Why Join Us

  • Be part of a mission-driven organization supporting children and families
  • Work alongside a collaborative and passionate team
  • Engage in ongoing training, growth opportunities, and meaningful partnerships
  • Help shape futures, starting with the support families need today

Compensation & Benefits
Mary Crane Center offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes access to medical, dental, and vision insurance (HMO, PPO, and DPPO options available), paid time off, and other employee wellness programs. Eligibility varies by position and hours worked. Additional benefit details will be provided during the hiring process.

Ready to make a difference where it matters most?
Apply today and join us in building strong families and strong futures.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required by law. To request accommodations, please contact x2866.

Salary Description

$46k to $52K



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