FAMILY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

 OFFICE OF HEAD START TRAINING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE REGION II

The Family Engagement Specialist possesses significant knowledge in comprehensive family engagement to support our Head Start Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) team in Region II. The Family Engagement Specialist (FES) provides subject matter expertise in comprehensive parent, family and community engagement to Regional Office (RO) and TTA staff.  The Family Engagement Specialist (FES) works remotely from a home office and will travel up to 50% of the time in the region in accordance with RO expectations. 
The Family Engagement Specialist resides in Region II.

  Responsibilities/Duties: 

•        Provides subject matter expertise, strategies and resources to RO and TTA staff on comprehensive parent, family, and community engagement, including strategies for engaging families. 
•        Provides on-site, group, or virtual TTA to HS/EHS recipients related to family and community engagement. 
•        Reviews, aggregates, analyzes, and disseminates state, regional and HS/EHS recipient data from a variety of sources, including existing government systems, to identify emerging trends and patterns impacting programs. 
•        Provides content expertise in implementing National and Regional priorities and initiatives.
•        Coordinates TTA with Grantee, Family Engagement, and Health to ensure effective integration of TTA across service areas, as directed by the RO
•        Serves as a liaison between the OHS and the National Center responsible for parent, family and community engagement. 
•        Serve as a member of a national peer group of Family Engagement Specialists.
•        Develop and implement strategies for connecting with grantee Parent, Family and Community Engagement managers and/or coordinators in the Region.
•        Works in partnership with federal Program Specialists to deliver high quality TTA services to HS/EHS recipients.
•        Maintains regular and timely communication with RO staff on delivery of TTA and progress toward corrective actions or quality improvement in the areas of family and community engagement. 
•        Participates in meetings including but not limited to National TTA meetings, Regional Office meetings, team conferences, and one-on-one meetings with the RTTAC. 
•        Provides various progress reports including, but not limited to weekly, monthly, and other periodic reports; meetings, events, and technical assistance; Monthly Travel; and quarterly plans for activities and expected outcomes. 
•        Develops and provides presentations and training topics related to family and community engagement. 
•        Provides training to groups of HS/EHS recipients at regional and state events, as directed by the RO. 
•        Supports emerging OHS initiatives and priorities.

•        Ability to utilize resources, research and available technology to appropriately provide guidance to staff, parents and partners regarding comprehensive parent, family and community engagement from the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC), National Centers and other Office of Head Start National resources.
•        Ability to develop, train and provide presentations to individuals, small and large groups.
•        Familiarity with the Improving School Readiness for Head Start Act of 2007, Head Start and Early Head Start Programs, OHS Monitoring Protocols and processes, and knowledge of  Head Start Program Performance Standards and Other Regulations as they apply to all facets of comprehensive parent, family and community engagement.
•        Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
•        Sustained concentration and attention to detail and accuracy.
•        Ability to prioritize and manage workload and deadlines.
•        Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
•        Valid Driver License and access to transportation.

•        A minimum of a BA or a BS, with a preference for a master’s degree, from an accredited university or college in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field. If the highest degree was awarded more than ten years ago, the resume should be specific regarding such events as courses, conferences, seminars attended that ensure the specialist remains current in their field. 
•        A minimum of three years’ experience providing training and technical assistance to management teams and program staff related to parent, family and community engagement. 
•        Demonstrated experience working within programs and services for families with children birth to five. 
•        Demonstrated ability to aggregate, analyze, and present family engagement data and assist grantees to make data driven decisions in order to improve the effectiveness and quality of program operations. 
•        Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing to various audiences. 
•        Demonstrated experience facilitating group discussions and presenting to range of audiences. 
•        Demonstrated experience working with diverse children, families, staff and communities and training and facilitating groups of learners. 

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