Early Learning and Family Support Specialist

The Early Learning and Family Support Specialist provides supports to all family engagement initiatives, ensures all deliverables are met and acts as an advocate for caregivers in early learning settings for Catholic Charities.

Responsibilities:

Family Engagement and Support

• Collaborate with the Early Learning and Family Engagement teams to promote equitable access to services and opportunities for families in Central Washington.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners and colleagues.
• Facilitate Play & Learn groups with fidelity at identified sites across Central Washington.
• Contribute to the design, development, and implementation of team projects and initiatives.
• Contribute to assigned early learning classrooms in the identified preschool settings.
• Recruit families to participate in early learning programs and plan for family nights.
• Support playgroup development through ongoing communication and shared learning with fellow facilitators.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all activities

Professional Development and Collaboration

• Seek out and participate in professional development opportunities.
• Participate in staff meetings, multi-disciplinary team meetings, regular supervisions, and other meetings as assigned.
• Represent Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington in the community as directed.

Perform other duties as required

Job Requirements:

The following requirements are those that are normally required for performance of this position. Any disabled applicant or incumbent who does not meet one or more of the physical requirements, but who can perform the essential function of the job (with or without reasonable accommodations) shall be deemed to meet these requirements.

Physical Requirements:

This position normally requires the physical demands of sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting up to 50 lbs or performing other work requiring low physical exertion, talking, hearing and adequate vision on a regular basis to perform the job requirements. These physical demands are required up to 80% of the time.

Non-Physical Requirements:

Education

• Associate degree in psychology, early childhood education, social services, or related field required. Bachelor's degree in related field preferred.

Experience

• 2 years' experience working with parents and young children required
• With associate degree, 5 years' experience working with parents and young children preferred.

Special Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Ability to work independently and self-motivate, prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively
• Have access to reliable transportation to use for work purposes as this position requires frequent travel and work is primarily off-site.
• Knowledge of child development
• Be available to work evenings and weekends as requested
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Demonstrated reflective practice skills with the ability to give and receive feedback
• Value all people, their family culture, heritage, language and beliefs
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel

Licensure, Registration, Certification

• First Aid/CPR certification required
• Food Handlers Card required
• 30-hour Child Care Basic training
• Portable Background Check and professional profile in MERIT
• Valid Washington State driver's license and minimum required liability insurance for WA State
• Must be deemed insurable as determined by Catholic Charities' liability insurance provider

Employment is conditional upon:

• Being cleared by criminal background check and fingerprinting when required

Wage Range: $22.50 - $27.50 per hour, depending on education and experience

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm

Benefits:

• 13 paid holidays, 12 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave per year
• Health insurance including medical & prescription coverage, with optional dental and vision insurance plans. Majority of premiums paid by Catholic Charities
• Retirement 403(b) Plan: employee contributions commence upon employment; Catholic Charities contributes 2% of monthly income and matches up to 4% of employee contributions following 6 months of employment
• Basic Life Insurance paid 100% by Catholic Charities
• Flexible Spending Account eligibility following 6 months of employment
• Education Assistance Program reimbursing up to $5,250 per year for approved continuing education after 6 months of employment
• Additional voluntary insurances including supplemental life, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness, long term disability, accident, and ID theft
• Employee Assistance Program includes 3 counseling sessions per year, legal consultations, financial coaching, and other wellbeing tools
• Annual longevity awards begin at 5 years of employment

It is the practice of Catholic Charities to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, citizenship status, marital status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We gladly offer reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to support participation in the hiring process and employment.