About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, an organization in early childhood education and Head Start services (nonprofit/community services).

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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Role overview

Confidential Client is seeking a compassionate, organized Family Specialist to join their Head Start-focused early childhood team. In this full-time role based in Monroe, LA, you will manage participant eligibility/enrollment (ERSEA), provide intensive case management, build family partnerships, and coordinate community referrals to improve outcomes for children and families. Estimated annual pay: $39,367 (estimated).

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What You’ll Do

• Determine, verify, and document eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA) in accordance with agency and federal policy (HSPPS §1302.12).
• Lead recruitment outreach to connect eligible families — including children with disabilities and other vulnerable populations — to Head Start services and assist with applications (HSPPS §1302.13).
• Ensure selection criteria are followed and maintain compliance with IDEA and other applicable laws (HSPPS §1302.14).
• Maintain funded enrollment levels and fill vacancies within agency timelines (HSPPS §1302.15).
• Monitor child attendance and apply intensive case management and direct family contact when needed (HSPPS §1302.16).
• Engage families in their preferred language (or via interpreter) to develop Family Service Plans (FSPs) that identify needs, strengths, goals, and resources (HSPPS §§1302.50–1302.53).
• Schedule and conduct regular family meetings and home visits; document case notes within 24 hours of contact.
• Coordinate community referrals and supports to maximize resources and avoid duplication of services.
• Complete required eligibility training within 90 days of hire and participate in ongoing professional development.
• Prepare and submit accurate reports and maintain complete, current child and family records.

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Other responsibilities

• Work closely with teachers, families, and community partners to align parent, family, and community engagement (PFCE) strategies.
• Identify and promote parent participation opportunities (volunteer, training, employment).
• Support development of community assessments, grant applications, budgets, and required reports as directed.
• Participate in family engagement events and support program special events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by program management.

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Required qualifications & checks

• Certificate or credential in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field; OR a high school diploma with plan to acquire a family services certificate within 18 months of hire.
• Experience working with diverse families in low-income communities and familiarity with evidence-based family-strengthening strategies.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state Head Start regulations and performance standards.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to document files and communicate respectfully in families’ preferred languages (or through an interpreter).
• Ability to incorporate cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds into services.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass required health examination, criminal background check, and driving history check.
• Authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.; the client is not able to sponsor employment visas at this time.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule (including some nights, weekends, and occasional travel).
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds and perform physical activities such as standing, sitting on the floor, bending, squatting, kneeling, and lifting children.
• Willingness to adhere to the client’s immunization policy (e.g., annual influenza vaccination or approved exemption) as a condition of employment.

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Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) or other language skills relevant to the local community.
• Three (3) years of case management experience, preferably in early childhood, Head Start, or community services.

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Working conditions

• Primarily community- and home-based work with time in classroom/office settings.
• Travel up to 50% may be required (local, in-state, or occasional out-of-state; may include overnight travel).
• Occasional exposure to communicable diseases, cigarette smoke, pets, and at-risk neighborhoods.
• Some evening or weekend work for events (home visits, parent conferences, Parent Committee meetings, field trips).

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Compensation & employment type

• Employment type: FULL_TIME.
• Estimated base pay: $39,367 per year (estimated).
• Additional benefits and specific pay details, if offered, will be shared by the Confidential Client during the hiring process.

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Why apply via Careertakes

• Third-party recruiting support and access to additional matched roles through the Careertakes platform.
• Confidential Client values diversity and inclusion; candidates with non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.