Bilingual Family and Community Engagement Support Specialist, Village Wellness Center

About The Village Wellness Center

Village Wellness Center (VWC) is the behavioral health division of It Takes A Village Family of Schools. VWC provides comprehensive, trauma-informed, culturally responsive behavioral health services to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Through individual, family, and group counseling, school-based mental health services, prevention programming, consultation, and community partnerships, VWC is committed to increasing access to high-quality behavioral healthcare while reducing barriers to care throughout the communities we serve.

Position Summary

The Bilingual Family and Community Engagement Support Specialist plays a vital role in supporting children and families and strengthening connections to services and community resources. This position combines case management, family engagement, care coordination, resource navigation, and administrative support to ensure families receive individualized, culturally responsive support that promotes family wellness, stability, and student success.

Reporting to the VWC Clinical Director, the VWC Family Support Specialist (FSS) serves as the bilingual (English/Spanish) first point of contact for families, visitors, and staff. The VWC FSS will work collaboratively with the families, site personnel, site leaders, and community partners to identify needs, establish family goals, coordinate services, and support successful connections to behavioral health and other community resources. This role also provides administrative support to the assigned site and creates a welcoming environment for all patrons.

Position Details

- Work Location: In-person. Will report in office, in community settings and may provide services across multiple service locations.

Main Partner Site - ITAV CCS - Humboldt Park (Chicago, IL)

- Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Month Position

- Salary Range: $52,000 – $55,500

- Schedule: 40 hours per week; generally Monday through Friday with occasional evening hours to accommodate client and family needs.

- Travel: Local travel between Village Wellness Center locations, ITAV schools, and community partners as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

- Case Management & Family Support:

Provide personalized case management services, assisting families in accessing essential resources (e.g., healthcare, childcare, financial services).

- Conduct family assessments within 45 days of enrollment, provide relevant referrals, and document progress toward defined goals.

- Maintain accurate and confidential records of all family interactions and referrals, ensuring compliance with organizational standards.

- Family & Community Engagement:

Build meaningful relationships with families through one-on-one meetings, phone consultations, and community events.

- Encourage family participation in program activities, workshops, and goal-setting initiatives.

- Facilitate individual and group discussions and activities with families and community members.

- Resource Coordination & Outreach:

Collaborate with local service providers to connect families with resources that promote holistic health, wellness, and academic success.

- Support recruitment initiatives for prospective students and families, engaging with community partners and advocating for the mission of the Village Wellness Center.

- Workshops & Education:

Plan and facilitate family workshops, educational sessions, and resource-focused activities based on identified needs.

- Facilitate developmentally appropriate social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons and other wellness-focused educational activities for students, as assigned.

- Support parent education, family engagement, and wellness programming in collaboration with VWC and site staff.

- Assist with connecting families to community resources and educational opportunities.

- Compliance & Reporting:

Ensure student health compliance by collecting physical exams, immunizations, and dental records.

- Audit and maintain compliance of student files, participating in regular audits to ensure service quality.

- Submit bi-monthly follow-up case notes for all service connections and referrals.

- Stay informed and compliant with Early Head Start, Head Start, and DFSS policies and rules, integrating these standards into daily practices and program planning.

- Professional Development:

Engage in regular training and professional development to stay informed about best practices in family support and case management, including updates in Early Head Start, Head Start, and DFSS policies.

- Administrative Support:

Serve as the bilingual (English/Spanish) first point of contact for families, visitors, and staff.

- Assist with managing incoming phone calls, site communications, visitor sign-in, and building access.

- Supporting file management and record retention to ensure compliance with funders and site policy.

- Perform additional duties as assigned

Why Join Us?

- Impact: Make a profound difference in the lives of individuals and communities by playing a pivotal role in addressing social, emotional, and psychological needs.

- Growth: Be part of an innovative, expanding organization with opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

- Community: Collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals committed to supporting and advocating for vulnerable populations.

- Innovation: Contribute to a cutting-edge model of education that integrates social justice, community engagement, and academic excellence.

Qualifications

Required:

- Bachelors degree in Social Work, Human Development, Family Studies, Psychology or Sociology

- Minimum of 2 years experience working in an Early Childhood Education environment with underserved families from diverse backgrounds

- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, both spoken and written

- Level 4/5 Family Specialist Credential required, or ability to obtain it

Preferred:

- IM+CANS certification preferred

- Valid drivers license, reliable automobile, and insurance preferred

- CPR/First Aid certification preferred

- Familiarity with PI, PFA, Head Start, and Early Head Start funding requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Strong verbal and written communication skills with a dedication to culturally responsive, client-centered care.

- Proficiency in documentation and reporting practices with a commitment to confidentiality.

- Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

- Ability to stay professional and positive under pressure

- Strong organizational skills to meet deadlines, prepare detailed reports, and maintain accurate documentation

- Flexibility to work evenings and Saturdays when needed

- Demonstrated passion and competence in supporting family development

Physical Requirements

- Ability to sit, stand, and use office equipment for extended periods

- Ability to lift and move office supplies and materials up to 50 pounds

- Ability to travel occasionally for recruitment and community engagement activities

Compensation & Benefits

We believe in investing in our team through a competitive, transparent compensation and benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and long-term success.

- Up to 80% employer-paid medical coverage

- Full benefits package, including Dental, Vision, Legal Services, and Short-Term Disability

- 3% 401(k) employer match to help you build long-term financial security

- Robust paid time off, including 16 PTO days per year, 9 sick/personal days per year, and compensatory time eligible

- 15 paid holidays annually