Family Support Specialist - Early Headstart (64167)

University Settlement partners with 40,000 New Yorkers on the Lower East Side and in Brooklyn every year to build on their strengths as they achieve healthy, stable, and remarkable lives. For over 140 years, we’ve collaborated with our communities to pioneer highly effective programs that fight poverty and systemic inequality. Established in 1886 as the first Settlement House in the United States, we bring the values of that movement into the 21st century by meeting New Yorkers where they live, listening to their perspectives, recognizing their excellence, understanding them as complete individuals, and creating space for them to organize. Joining together with our neighbors to advocate for justice and equality, we help build community strength.

We work with New Yorkers of all ages. We infuse a commitment to civic engagement, equity, and communal action into each of our programs, which include early childhood education, mental health and wellness, benefits assistance and eviction prevention, adult literacy and education, healthy aging, community and recreation centers, performing and visual arts, and youth development.

Early Head Start offers comprehensive child development services, family support services and advocacy to low-income pregnant women and families with children under three years of age. The program provides developmentally appropriate care and home visits to families in the Lower East Side and Brooklyn.

What You'll Do

As a Family Support Specialist, you will:

• Work closely with mental health service partners to facilitate referrals for children and families
• Share trauma-informed perspective and resources with teachers and staff
• Support teachers in planning activities for and responding to children who are experiencing trauma
• Assess strengths and needs of families and assist families with goal setting and follow-up
• Facilitate referrals to address family needs
• Inform and follow up with families of upcoming events and workshops
• Build relationships with families and support home-school connection
• Coordinate events for parent involvement and engagement
• Maintain complete and up-to-date record keeping of child files and other documentation including health records
• Facilitate program transitions and ensure that children’s files are up to date
• Participate in individua, group supervision, and professional development
• Identify red flags for trauma and respond supportively to mitigate the impact on the family and child
• Provide classroom support
• Perform appropriate responsibilities within the scope of the position as assigned by the superviso

What We're Looking For

 Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field required
• CDA required if bachelor’s degree is in an unrelated field (must receive CDA within 18 months of hire)
• Bilingual proficiency in English/Mandarin, Cantonese, or Spanish (based on program needs) required
• Experience working with children and families
• Coursework and/or training in Trauma-Informed practice is preferre

Why Join Us?

• Meaningful work that positively impacts children and families during critical early developmental years.
• Opportunity to work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.
• Ongoing professional development and growth opportunities.
• Supportive and mission-driven work environment.
• Chance to help families build healthy, stable, and successful futures

What We Offer:

Paid Time Off: A comprehensive package that includes vacation, sick, and personal days, along with paid holidays.

Health and Wellness Benefits: Robust medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, and additional wellness resources to support your overall well‑being.

Financial Benefits: Access to pre‑tax savings programs—including flexible spending accounts and commuter benefits—and a 403(b)-retirement plan that includes an employer match of 6% of your salary, eligible after one year of service.

Work‑Life Balance: A consistent Monday–Friday schedule with a 35‑hour workweek designed to promote a healthy and sustainable work‑life balance.

Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous growth through internal and external training, professional development workshops, tuition assistance, and support for pursuing relevant certifications.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We support a broadly diverse team who will contribute to our organization. We are an equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.