Bilingual Family Support Specialist (Spanish/English)

Purpose and Description

The Cradle is a 103-year-old human services organization with a focus on supporting children and families. This is an exciting time to join the organization, as we are expanding programs and services to address the needs of the broader parenting community.

The Bilingual Family Support Specialist (FSS) provides home-based services to families in Northeast Lake County using an evidence-based model of care. The FSS is responsible for initiating and maintaining regular and long-term (up to three years) contact with and support to families. Interactions with families are strengths based and family centered.

This position is expected to contribute positively to overall culture within the organization and to work collaboratively with colleagues in all departments.

Essential Functions

Direct Service 

• Provide home visits to families per Healthy Families America (HFA) guidelines
• Utilize HFA assessment tools to identify family resiliency and opportunities for growth
• Partner with families to establish meaningful goals and plans for accomplishment of goals
•  Conduct developmental screenings and depression screenings; make referrals to service providers as needed based on results
• Assist families in locating and engaging in prenatal care, preventative healthcare, and, as needed, behavioral/mental health services
• Provide education, resources, and support on topics related to child development, parenting, and parent/child relationships
• Assist families in connecting with community organizations based on their needs and goals
• Maintain participant confidentiality per HFA and The Cradle’s guidelines 

Documentation and Meetings

• Complete initial and ongoing HFA required training sessions within expected timeframes
• Document contact with families in accordance with HFA and The Cradle’s guidelines and policies, including but not limited to contact records, home visit logs, assessments and service plans
• Engage in weekly individual reflective supervision meetings
• Attend and participate in team, department, and all-staff meetings

The following requirements are necessary to perform the essential functions of the role. 

• Commitment to The Cradle’s mission and values 
• Bilingual Spanish/English required
• Minimum of High School Diploma or equivalent, college coursework preferred 
• Experience in working with or providing services to children and families
• Ability to establish trusting relationships
• Experience and humility to work with culturally diverse families; acceptance of individual difference.
• Good communication and writing skills 
• General knowledge of community resources to offer referrals to the appropriate community-based agencies, depending on the family’s needs
•  Strong time management skills and attention to detail
•  Ability to work independently and collaboratively on a team 
•  Willing to engage in building reflective capacity (ie, capacity for introspection, communicate awareness of self in relation to others, recognizing value of supervision, etc.)
•  Intermediate Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Working Conditions 

• Driving is an essential function of this position. Requires a valid driver’s license and insured      personal vehicle for multiple site travel; clean driving record. 
• Requires flexibility to work some evenings and weekends
• This role spends the majority of time in Northeast Lake County at the Waukegan satellite office and visits with families in their homes. 
• Travel to the Evanston office will be required for department (monthly) and all staff (quarterly) meetings. Additional trainings/meetings/events may periodically require additional travel to Evanston or another Chicagoland community.

Additional Requirements

• Required to undergo a background check, fingerprinting, and medical exam to meet DCFS      requirements