Position Summary SCC Early Childhood Centers is seeking a dependable, highly organized, relationship-focused Family Engagement and Support Specialist to play a central role in family engagement, enrollment, recruitment, community outreach, and family support services. The Specialist builds positive relationships with prospective and enrolled families, assesses family needs, develops family goals, connects families with appropriate resources, supports enrollment and eligibility processes, maintains accurate records, and actively represents SCC throughout the community. The Specialist also collaborates with the Family Liaison from the partner Head Start lead agency. A significant responsibility of this position is year-round recruitment and outreach . The Specialist will actively participate in and represent the company via community engagement activities and events, to increase program awareness, engage families, and recruit eligible clients. This position requires an exceptionally high level of reliability, punctuality, organization, attention to detail, and follow-through . The ability to complete work thoroughly, accurately, and on time is an essential requirement of the position. The Specialist must be able to independently manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, maintain accurate records and data entry to multiple systems, and follow through with families, partners, and colleagues without repeated reminders. This is an in-person position that may require work across SCC locations and in community settings to support SCC's early childhood programs. •SCC provides a variety of programs (funded and tuition based) including but not limited to: ISBE's Preschool for All and Prevention Initiative, IDHS Child Care Assistance Program, Federal Head Start/Early Head Start, and more. Essential ResponsibilitiesFamily Support & Engagement Establish and maintain trusting, respectful, and supportive relationships with prospective and enrolled families. Conduct parent/family interviews to understand family structure, strengths, needs, and program eligibility. Conduct required family needs assessments. Develop annual family goals and action plans in partnership with each family. Monitor progress toward family goals and identified child/family needs. Provide strengths-based support, advocacy, information, and resource navigation to families. Connect families with appropriate community resources and services based on identified needs. Make referrals and provide follow-up for services such as Early Intervention, local school district screenings, special education services, health and dental services, mental health services, childcare assistance, financial assistance, housing, food, employment, and other family supports. Serve as a liaison between families and local agencies, schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, and other partners. Assist families in navigating referral processes and obtaining required documentation and services. Support parent engagement and family education activities based on identified family and program needs. Plan, coordinate, and host a monthly parent group and/or parent education activity , generally requiring approximately 2-3 hours per month , typically scheduled during the late afternoon or early evening to maximize family participation. Develop parent group topics and activities in response to family interests, needs, and program priorities. Coordinate appropriate community resources, speakers, materials, and activities for parent education events. Encourage meaningful family participation and parent voice in SCC programs and activities. Monitor child/family participation and attendance as assigned and follow up with families when attendance concerns arise. Participate in family meetings, parent activities, community collaborations, and other engagement opportunities. Documentation & Administrative Responsibilities Approximately 40% of the position is clerical and administrative in nature . Complete documentation, reports, forms, and data entry accurately and within required timelines. Maintain complete and current case notes regarding children and families. Document family goals, assessments, screenings, referrals, services, and follow-up activities. Maintain records of family and child interactions and supports provided. Maintain accurate electronic and physical files. Ensure required enrollment, eligibility, health, immunization, screening, and other records are complete and current. Complete required data entry into SCC, state, and other program databases. Protect the confidentiality and security of family and child information. Promptly identify and follow up on incomplete or missing documentation. Maintain organized systems that allow information to be accessed efficiently and accurately. Complete assigned reports and administrative responsibilities within established deadlines. Recruitment, Enrollment & Outreach Serve as an active member of SCC's Enrollment Team and Recruitment and Outreach efforts. Represent and actively participate in year-round recruitment and outreach to unserved and underserved populations. Support SCC's goal of maintaining full enrollment and filling vacancies within established program timelines. Provide tours accross SCC sites (SCC has 3 locations in Downtown Skokie). Respond to inquiries from prospective families and complete timely follow-up. Conduct parent interviews and eligibility activities. Assist families in gathering required eligibility and enrollment documentation. Complete and maintain enrollment records, waitlists, inquiries, and related tracking systems. Enter and maintain required child and family information in the Illinois State Board of Education Student Information System and other required databases. Maintain current student profiles and enrollment records, including enrollment start/end dates, health and immunization information, and other required information. Participate in community canvassing and direct outreach as appropriate. Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, referral agencies, schools, healthcare providers, libraries, social service agencies, community centers, businesses, and other organizations serving families with young children. Regularly distribute SCC program information, brochures, flyers, and other outreach materials to appropriate community partners. Identify opportunities to expand SCC's visibility and connections within the community. Represent SCC at a minimum of three (3) approved and relevant community events per month , which may include early childhood resource fairs, health fairs, cultural events, family events, job fairs, community fairs, and other events that provide meaningful opportunities for family engagement and client recruitment. Lead, staff, organize, set up, and take down SCC booths and displays at community and program events. Follow up with prospective families and community contacts after outreach activities. Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a healthy enrollment pipeline and waitlist. Community Partnerships Establish and maintain positive working relationships with community stakeholders and referral partners. Develop and maintain knowledge of community resources available to SCC families. Coordinate with local agencies and organizations to facilitate referrals and services. Identify opportunities for new or expanded community partnerships that benefit children and families. Participate in local collaborations, community meetings, and partnership activities as assigned. Promote SCC programs and services to organizations serving families who may be eligible for SCC programs. Attendance, Reliability & Timeliness Regular, punctual attendance is an essential function of this position. The successful candidate must demonstrate a consistent pattern of reliability and punctuality and must: Report to work on time and be prepared to begin work at the scheduled start time. Maintain dependable attendance in accordance with SCC policies. Accurately complete required timekeeping and attendance documentation. Meet established deadlines without repeated reminders or close supervision. Complete assignments thoroughly, accurately, and on time . Follow through consistently on commitments to families, colleagues, community partners, and supervisors. Promptly communicate any issues that could interfere with meeting a deadline or completing an assignment. Demonstrate dependable attendance at scheduled onsite, offsite, evening, and weekend events. Because this position directly affects family services, enrollment, recruitment, and community relationships, reliability, timeliness, attendance, and consistent follow-through are critical performance expectations. Organization & Time Management The Specialist must demonstrate excellent organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to: Manage multiple responsibilities and competing priorities. Maintain accurate systems for tracking family contacts, referrals, enrollment activities, inquiries, documentation, and follow-up. Prioritize work independently. Meet deadlines without repeated reminders. Maintain accurate records with minimal errors. Complete documentation promptly following required activities. Track outstanding tasks and ensure timely completion. Work effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality and accuracy. Use electronic systems and databases effectively. Maintain an organized and professional workspace. Program & Community Events The Specialist has significant responsibility for helping to coordinate and represent SCC at events and community outreach activities .

Responsibilities include:

Represent SCC at a minimum of three (3) approved and relevant community and recruitment events each month. Host SCC booths and outreach tables at local community events. Set up, organize, host, and take down booths, displays, signage, materials, and supplies. Transport SCC materials to and from event locations. Engage families and community members in a welcoming and professional manner. Provide accurate information about SCC programs, eligibility, enrollment, and services. Collect prospective family information and inquiries as appropriate. Follow up with families after events. Host and lead monthly parent groups and design and facilitate parent education activities. Support onsite parent education and family engagement events, and coordinate with agencies and individuals to deliver Parent education activities on site. Help ensure that events generate a high level of family engagement, program awareness, and client recruitment . After-Hours and Weekend Responsibilities This position requires participation in after-hours parent education events and onsite and offsite evening and weekend events for recruitment, community engagement, and family activities. The employee may be scheduled for up to 20 hours per month of after-hours/weekend event responsibilities , inclusive of travel time, event setup, and cleanup. Monthly parent groups/parent education activities will generally require 2-3 hours per month , typically during the late afternoon or early evening. Up to 1 hour may be allotted for event setup. Up to 30 minutes may be allotted for event cleanup. Scheduling of these hours will be coordinated by the supervisor and may require reasonable adjustment of the employee's regular schedule when appropriate. Multi-Site & Community-Based Work This is an in-person, multi-site position . The Specialist may be required to: Meet with families at various SCC locations. Meet with families at approved community locations. Travel between SCC sites and community partner locations. Participate in outreach throughout SCC's service area. Attend community meetings, recruitment activities, resource fairs, and other events. Adjust regular work hours, with supervisory approval, to accommodate scheduled evening or weekend activities. Reliable transportation and the ability to travel between locations may be required based on program needs. Physical Demands This position requires physical mobility and strength and is not exclusively a sedentary or office-based position. The employee must be able to: Sit and work at a computer for periods of time. Stand and walk frequently and for extended periods. Walk between classrooms, offices, event spaces, and community locations. Frequently stoop, bend, squat, kneel, crouch, reach, and move at child level to interact appropriately with very young children. Move safely and efficiently throughout early childhood classrooms and community settings. Set up, organize, staff, and take down booths and displays at community and SCC events. Carry, lift, move, and haul event materials and equipment weighing 20-40 pounds without assistance . Transport materials between vehicles and event locations. Push, pull, arrange, and reposition event materials and equipment as needed. Remain standing and physically active for extended periods during community events. Safely perform the physical requirements associated with interacting with infants, toddlers, preschool-aged children, families, and community members. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities consistent with applicable law. Professional Engagement The Specialist is expected to: Interact with families, children, colleagues, community partners, and stakeholders with professionalism, compassion, respect, and cultural responsiveness. Maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries. Represent SCC positively and professionally in all settings. Communicate clearly, respectfully, and promptly. Work collaboratively with colleagues and community partners. Demonstrate sound judgment, problem-solving ability, and initiative. Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and welcoming work environment. Uphold SCC's mission, values, policies, and commitment to high-quality early childhood services. Qualifications At least 5 years relevant/related experience working with young children (0-5 years old) and their families in an early childhood center Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Studies, Family and Consumer Science, Psychology, Counseling, Early Childhood Education, or a related field preferred , or relevant combination of education, credentials, and experience consistent with applicable program requirements. Experience working with culturally and economically diverse families and communities. Experience in family support, case management, early childhood, community outreach, enrollment, recruitment, or social services preferred. Gateways Family Specialist credential or eligibility for an applicable Gateways credential preferred/required as applicable to program requirements. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Excellent organization and time-management skills. Strong documentation and record-keeping skills. Computer literacy and ability to learn and use electronic databases and information systems. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment. Bilingual English/Spanish, English/Russian or trilingual English/Arabic/Assyrian trilingual English/Assyrian/Farsi or another combination that supports languages commonly spoken by SCC families preferred. Ability to successfully complete and pass required medical and background checks, screenings, and other employment requirements. Knowledge and experience with CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) and systems including but not limited to ChildPlus, ISBE's Student Information System (SIS), and Parents As Teachers preferred. Key Performance Expectations Performance in this position will be evaluated based on the employee's ability to: Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality and consistently arrive prepared and ready to work. Complete work thoroughly, accurately, and on time , with minimal errors and without repeated reminders. Maintain accurate and current family, child, enrollment, referral, and program records. Complete parent interviews, eligibility activities, documentation, and required follow-up within established timelines. Build and maintain positive relationships with families and community partners. Actively contribute to recruitment and enrollment goals. Represent SCC at a minimum of four (4) approved and relevant community events per month. Plan and host a 1-2 monthly parent groups and/or parent education activities , generally requiring 2-3 hours each during the late afternoon or early evening. Provide timely follow-up to prospective and enrolled families. Maintain a strong community presence and develop productive referral relationships. Demonstrate professionalism, compassion, initiative, organization, and consistent follow-through.

Compensation & Schedule Full-Time, Hourly:

$23-$27 per hour Compensation will be determined based on relevant education, credentials, qualifications, and prior work experience . The position is primarily scheduled during regular business hours but requires flexibility for after-hours parent education and onsite/offsite evening and weekend recruitment, community engagement, and family events, up to about 20 hours per month , inclusive of travel, setup, and cleanup time. The position includes an expectation to host one-two parent groups and/or parent education activities each month , generally requiring approximately 2-3 hours each time during the late afternoon or early evening , as well as participation in a minimum of four approved and relevant community events per month . SCC may adjust the employee's regular schedule, with appropriate supervisory approval, to accommodate these required activities. This position is designed for an individual who is highly dependable, organized, community-oriented, comfortable working directly with families and very young children, and willing and able to be physically active in support of SCC's recruitment, engagement, and family-support goals.

Pay:

$23.00 - $27.00 per hour Expected hours: 29.0 per week

Benefits:

Paid time off

Work Location:

In person