Head Start Family Support Specialist

Job Description:

Head Start Family Support Specialist

Description

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:
08/10/25
Division:
Head Start Division
Management Level:
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Benefit Eligibility:
This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

Description:

The Family Support Specialist is responsible for engaging families in Jefferson County Head Start using a Trauma Informed, strengths-based, multi-generational approach. Collaborate within the Head Start Division, the Human Services Department, and with community agencies to provide specialized case management services to promote self-sufficiency. Support families in achieving school readiness by helping them appropriately advocate for their child prior to entry into the K-12 education system. Comply with all Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), Childcare Licensing Rules and Regulations, and all other applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

S CHEDULE : This is a full-time, standard position that operates on a five-day work week (Monday-Friday , August through May ) and requires work to be completed on-site.

COMPENSATION:

Hiring Range (Stretch rate of pay): $21.81 - $22.79 per hour

Regular Hourly hiring range of $26.62 - $27.82 will be reduced and paid out over 26 pay periods . This position will work 1704 hours per year, instead of the standard 2080 . This schedule is a “stretch” rate of pay with a range from $21.81 - $22.79 per hour paid out over 26 bi-weekly pay periods, co ntingent on education, experience and skills the candidate brings to the position .

*Please note: This will be a ten-month working position (stretch) that will be paid for twelve months. Annual compensation noted above is based on an 8-hour day and full days worked in a full academic year (August - May). Any position that starts mid-years will be prorated accordingly .

Bi l ingual Differential Pay: Staff that are fluent in a language other than English may be eligible for additional compensation of $ 3,000 annually for use of bi-lingual skills.



BENEFITS:

Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement and more. For more information, c lick h ere for our Total Rewards summary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Build positive relationships with families on case load to successfully perform in-depth case management in a way that honors family voice and culture. Utilize motivational interviewing to complete a standardized family assessment tool to determine family strengths and identify areas of needed support; work with the family to set specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and time bound (SMART) goals to build toward family self-sufficiency.
  
• Perform regular outreach, including home visits and on-going needs assessments to establish a resource and network system with multiple agencies and community supports. Coordinate additional support services through individualized case plans to help families create stability. Connect and refer families to community partners and supporting families in accessing services.
  
• Maintain communication with service providers associated with each family. Collaborate with other program areas through a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) approach that ensures team-driven decisions related to meeting child and family needs. Partner with all Head Start program areas to ensure that necessary services are in place for children and families.
  
• Ensure family data is entered in the data management system in a consistent, timely , and thorough manner to allow for data-driven service provision. Maintain updated and current information for every child and family member served in the database according to the program standards. Use data management system to track and document progress towards family goals and provision of other support services provided while at Head Start. Track and monitor child’s daily attendance and support families in meeting attendance goals as in alignment with Head Start Performance Standards.
  
• Determine family eligibility for Head Start in alignment with HSPPS and internal policies & procedures. Complete thorough, accurate , and detailed enrollments for selected families in compliance with HSPPS, childcare licensing regulations, and internal policies & procedures. Support ongoing recruitment of eligible families to ensure full enrollment is maintained . Support the planning and implementation of family engagement activities, including encouraging families to engage in their child’s education in a variety of ways, including Policy Council, Parent Committees, classroom, and family events, or through volunteerism.
  
• Performs o ther duties as assigned.
  

Q UALIFICATIONS :

Research shows that women and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click “apply” for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience.

Minimum Qualifications :

• Certification or credential in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or related filed within 18 months of date of hire.
  
• CPR/First Adie/ADE Certified by State of Colorado
  

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Preferred - Bachelor’s degree in sociology, social work, or related field or equivalent experience.
  
• Preferred - Experience in case management, crisis coordination, family engagement skills.
  
• Experience in case management, crisis coordination and/or family engagement skills .
  
• Ability to read, speak and write in Spanish fluently .
  

Additional Job Information:

• Criminal History and MVR Background Checks are required for every position.
  
• Offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references.
  
• In any materials you submit , you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
  
• All Jefferson County Employees must apply through their internal profile.
  

Perjury Statement : Any applicant who knowingly or willfully makes a false statement of any material fact or thing in the application is guilty of perjury in the second degree as defined in Section 18-8-503, C.R.S., and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished accordingly.

APPLICATION:

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately . All applicants must submit an online employment application by 11:59PM on the posted cut-off date. Follow this link to apply now: Jefferson County Colorado Career Opportunities



A resume and cover letter submitted with your application are encouraged but will not substitute for the information requested on the application. Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications listed in the qualifications section of the job bulletin, and applicants are contacted directly by the hiring team if selected. To view the status of your application, please log into your candidate portal .



For more details on the recruitment process, please visit: https://www.jeffco.us/1860/FAQs



Questions? Contact the Jefferson County Recruitment Team at 303-271-8420 or CareerTalent@Jeffco.us



Education:

Experience:
Work Experience: Minimum one year

Certifications:

Languages:

Category:
Health & Human Services