Family Engagement Specialist (ELRC 15)

PHMC is proud to be a leader in public health. PHMC requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before the first day of employment.

We will offer the vaccination at no cost via our Health Centers.

JOB OVERVIEW :

The Family Engagement Specialist is essential to the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Family Services team in delivering effective family outreach and engagement activities.

This position supports families in identifying ELRC early learning service preferences based on articulated needs, promoting quality ECE, facilitating family supports coordination, and child transitions.

The Family Engagement Specialist is responsible for culturally competent outreach to clients and case management centering family choice, establishing direct connections for families to additional regional services, and working with ELRC eligibility staff to seamlessly access selected ELRC services.

This position reports to the Family Service Manager and primarily operates out of the Early Learning Resource Center office.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Increase community engagement with ELRC avenues of communication (website, newsletter, etc.).
• Regularly bring family feedback to the Family Services team to inform communication design and enhancements.
• Be responsible for maintaining accurate and complete documentation on families assigned to caseload through ELRC engagement activities.
• Promote early learning and family resources at community events and in direct family meetings, with a clear understanding of available regional resources.
• Offer information to families on the full spectrum of supports including but not limited to Child Care Works (CCW), Head Start and Early Head Start, Pre-K Counts, WIC, CHIP, Home Visiting, Early Intervention, Community Action Programs, Mental Health Services, and evidence-based parenting programs.
• Provide information to families on Early Income Tax Credit and voter registration.
• Attend periodic training to remain current on ELRC services, regional stakeholder services and resources, and organization / agency processes.
• Promote Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) resources in community settings and in direct work with families in caseload.
• Connect families to Resource and Referral Specialist and / or Intake and Eligibility Specialists based on appropriate expressed needs.
• Develop relationships within the ELRC team and providers in the community to foster the selection of high-quality early learning programs.
• Promote Keystone STARS directly with families and assist in the use of COMPASS to identify and select preferred care and build awareness of standards of quality.
• Complete program all requirements of assigned Family Services activities, responding timely to any / all inquiries, referrals, and assistance to ensure an efficient, effective, and customer-focused operation.
• Accurately conduct all program processes in a timely manner. Maintain stated timelines, update all status elements, and ensure full compliance with all regulations, performance standards, and best practices.
• Complete ongoing required and growth professional development to remain current on ELRC policies and procedures, to understand the scope of resources available to regional families, and to develop internal and external collaboration to promote access to the full scope of resources.
• Develop reports as necessary.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

SKILLS :

• Ability to help clients, community members, and colleagues solve problems and achieve goals in a consistently friendly, informed manner
• Ability to use required databases, software, other technology, and including tracking and reporting systems relevant to the job
• Strong oral and written communication skills

EXPERIENCE :

• Experience with community engagement specific to families in Philadelphia
• Experience with early learning programs and / or needs-based services

EDUCATION :

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate degree in social work, human services, administration, or a related field preferred

SALARY GRADE : 16