EHS Family Engagement Specialist

Position Title: Family Engagement Specialist

Location: Hybrid, Lynchburg/Bedford

Benefits: 

• Salary Range:$20.25-$23.50
• Over 5 weeks of Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay to use at your discretion 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision 
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 403(b) Retirement plan with company match and contribution
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• Life insurance, Short Term andLong TermDisability insurance

Summary: Are you passionate about supporting families and advocating for the well-being of children? Do you believe in the power of strong family engagement in early childhood development? If so, we invite you to apply for the Family Engagement Specialist position at HumanKind’s Early Head Start (EHS) program!

The Family Engagement Specialist (FES) plays a vital role in strengthening family engagement and supporting parents as their child’s first and most important teacher. This position involves case management, community advocacy, and collaboration with families and educators to promote learning, resilience, and family well-being. The FES helps families navigate enrollment, supports goal-setting, and ensures compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS).

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, culturally responsive, and able to build strong, trust-based relationships with families and community partners. This role requires teamwork, independent problem-solving, and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion.

Success In This Role Looks Like: 

• Manage program eligibility, recruitment, enrollment, attendance, and transitions (ERSEA-T) for families with children ages 0-3, ensuring compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Provide trauma-informed case management and goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote child development, resilience, and overall family well-being.
• Develop andmaintainrelationships with community organizations to connect families with resources in education, health, mental health, crisis intervention, and social services.
• Support family engagement through volunteering opportunities, parent committees, and an evidence-based parenting curriculum that fosters child learning and safety.
• UtilizeChildPlusand other data management systems to track family outcomes, ensure program integrity, and support continuous quality improvement.

• Assistwith classroom coverage in emergency situations,participatein professional development, andmaintainrequired training to support program needs.

Career Path:

• Family Engagement Specialist> Family Engagement Specialist II >Senior Family Engagement Specialist > Family Services Manager

What You Bring To The Team: 

• Strongrelationship-building skills andacommitmentto family-centered engagement.
• Ability to work independently while alsocollaborating within multiple teams.
• Experience incase management, family advocacy, or social servicespreferred.
• Knowledge ofearly childhood education and Head Start Program Performance Standardsis a plus.
• Ability tomanage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• ProficiencyinChildPlus,Procare, or other case management softwarepreferred.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply!

Requirements for Consideration: 

• Bachelor’s degreein social work, family services, or related degree.
• 1 yearofexperience working with marginalized or vulnerable populations;Bachelor’sdegree of Social Work orhuman servicespreferred.
• Valid US driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Why Join HumanKind: 

• At HumanKind, your work hasrealimpact. Whetheryou’reworking directly with children and families or supporting programs behind the scenes,you’llbe able to see how what you do contributes to meaningful outcomes in your community.
• We’rea mission-driven, growing organization where your rolewon’tfeel small.You’llhave opportunities to learn, take on new challenges, and grow your career over time. Many of our team members expand their responsibilities or move into new roles as they develop.
• You’llalso be part of a supportive, close-knit team that values collaboration, kindness, and showing up for one another. We work hard, but we also enjoy what we do—and who we do it with.

We Value:

• Actively working for equity and inclusivity, practicing humility and curiosity, taking responsibility, continuously evolving for change.
• Prioritizing caring for our people, fostering a nurturing environment, celebrating small wins, acknowledging challenges, embracing innovation and adaptability.
• Nurturing growth inourselvesand others,leveragingstrengths, equipping with tools for success, fostering a positive learning environment.
• Staying mission-focused, serving with empathy, putting egos aside, upholding ethics, communicating openly, providing support, and encouraging feedback.

Additional Information

HumanKind is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all employees and applicants.

HumanKind is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully completing all required background checks and drug screening requirements.

While our recruitment platform may offer optional AI-based tools, HumanKind does not rely on artificial intelligence to evaluate, screen, or disqualify candidates. Every application is reviewed by our team, and applicants have the option to opt out of AI assessments at any time.