This job was posted by https://okjobmatch.com : For more information, please see: https://okjobmatch.com/jobs/3193068

Family Support Specialist

The Family Support Specialist, under the Southeastern Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Agency and funded by the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDGB5), plays a pivotal role in supporting families with young children. This role is essential in implementing a family support pilot program aimed at enhancing the well-being and development of children and their families across the region. Through personalized support, resource connections, and community engagement, the Family Support Specialist works to strengthen the early childhood care and education system, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. The Family Support Specialist reports to the Director of CCR&R.\ \ This position is funded by a grant awarded to Southeastern CCR&R by the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Foundation (OPSRF), with funding set to conclude on December 30, 2025. Similar to other programs under CCR&R that have started as pilot programs and received continued funding after successful implementation, there is potential for continued funding beyond this date, subject to demonstrating success through effective implementation and thorough documentation.

\ Essential Functions:

Resource Connection for Families:

• Serve as a liaison between families, childcare professionals and schools, programs/services, and community resources; facilitate connections based on identified needs.
• Provide referrals when appropriate to relevant services and resources within the community.
• Implement and maintain a follow-up process to ensure that families are receiving the services they need.\ \

Coordination/Collaboration:

• Build new and strengthen existing partnerships with local early childhood programs, services, and resources.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of local and state early childhood resources, programs, and services.
• Coordinate with existing support programs to maximize resources and avoid duplication of effort.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with local organizations, childcare professionals, schools, healthcare providers, and community resources to expand the network of available resources for families.
• Develop ongoing community engagement strategies to maintain program visibility and relevance.\ \

Family Education and Empowerment:

• Collaborate with community partners to organize training sessions and events that empower families with knowledge and skills.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies to engage families and promote awareness of available services, resources, and early childhood opportunities.
• Advocate for the needs of families at the community and state level, working to eliminate barriers to accessing early childhood services and resources.
• Elevate family voice and lived experience to improve early childhood programs and services, advocacy efforts, representation, and inclusion.\ \

Evaluation and Continuous Quality Improvement:

• Provide regular reports to the CCR&R Director, outlining achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement.
• Document success stories and case studies to showcase the impact of the program.
• Participate in professional development opportunities relevant to the position.

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES (FUNCTIONS, DUTIES)

\ Attendance and Dependability: The employee can be depended upon to report to the assigned duty station at the scheduled time. 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 and professionally both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of the University.

Relationships with Others: The employee works effectively and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the The employee exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working environment.

Safety: Employee works safely, attends safety training offered/required, and follows appropriate safety rules and regulations. In relation to level of NIMs training completed, participates in incident management preparation, and performs incident duties as assigned.

Physical Abilities: The employee will continuously use finger dexterity as well as hand dexterity to take notes, use a computer keyboard, and telephone. May need to remain seated for long periods of time, have the ability to perform repetitive motions and reach for objects. Is frequently required to communicate verbally and hear well e