Status: Full-Time (40 hours/week)
Schedule: Monday-Friday
Reports To: Family Support Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
The Family Support Specialist plays a vital role in connecting families to early learning opportunities and ensuring they have the support needed to access quality child care and education programs. This role provides support with School Readiness (SR), Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), and other early learning programs by guiding families through eligibility, enrollment, redetermination, and navigation of child care services.
This position requires a compassionate, family-centered mindset — one that places every interaction with families first, understanding the importance of building trust and providing clear, empathetic support. The Navigator uses Microsoft Office Suite, State portals, data management systems daily. This position interacts with families daily through email, phone, and in-person meetings as needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Serves as a responsive and empathetic point of contact for families, providers, and community partners.
- Determines eligibility for SR, VPK, and other community supports.
- Guides families through the application, enrollment, and redetermination process with patience and professionalism.
- Inputs, reviews, and maintains accurate data in the statewide and local data management systems.
- Provides courteous, accurate, and timely information while communicating daily with families via email, phone, and in-person meetings to ensure their understanding of available services and next steps.
- Assists parents in selecting quality child care settings, providing community referrals, and sharing information about early learning resources.
- Maintains organized case files, tracking documentation, and ensures timely follow-up on family and provider requests.
- Coordinates with child care providers on transfers, updates, and eligibility matters.
- Maintains consistent attendance, punctuality, and professionalism.
- Participates in outreach events, family engagement activities, and community resource fairs as needed.
- Upholds confidentiality and demonstrates cultural sensitivity and professionalism in all family and partner interactions.
- Supports coalition goals by contributing to a collaborative, solutions-focused team environment.
- Supports the Coalition’s mission and perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education: High school diploma required; Associate’s degree in a related field preferred.
Experience: Two years of experience in customer service, social services, family support, or education preferred.
Skills:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong interpersonal and family-centered service abilities.
- Ability to work effectively with families from diverse backgrounds.
- High level of organization, accuracy, and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and ability to quickly learn database systems.
- Ability to work effectively in a hybrid schedule, maintaining productivity and responsiveness whether remote or in-office.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with sound professional judgment.
- Reliable, punctual, and adaptable to changing program and family needs.
Language: Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Other Requirements: Valid Florida driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to pass a Level II background screening.
Work Environment
- Work location varies based on the needs of the agency and may include a combination of office, community, and remote settings.
- Occasional travel within Sarasota County for community events, meetings, trainings, or evening/weekend activities.
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 pounds for event materials.
- Must have reliable transportation and a valid Florida Driver’s License.
Core Values
The Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County is committed to creating opportunities for all children to thrive. The Family Support Specialist plays a vital role in this mission by fostering meaningful relationships with families and ensuring access to early learning resources that build a strong foundation for lifelong success.
Disclaimer
This job description is not all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Management reserves the right to modify or update job duties and responsibilities as necessary.
Pay: $22.00 – $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person