Family Support Specialist

Our outstanding teachers, support staff members and leaders are top-notch educators whom others seek to emulate, and quite simply – we would like for you to consider joining us.

General Description:

The TWA Specialist supports office operations through the recruitment, eligibility evaluation, selection, and enrollment process for the Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) office. This position engages in a collaborative partnership with families to establish mutual trust and to identify family goals and strengths, as well as necessary services and other support. The employee works independently with minimal supervision. Extensive use of good judgment, effective time management, and organizational skills are required.

Job Description:

Essential Job Functions: 

● Serves as a primary point of contact for prospective Pre-Kindergarten (PreK) families, providing assistance with applications, enrollment, and required documentation 

● Processes online applications and manages student enrollment and withdrawal procedures with accuracy and organization 

● Maintains and updates student records using digital systems, including the ChildPlus database, while ensuring confidentiality

● Builds positive relationships with families through in-person, phone, and electronic communication to support student participation and success 

● Responds professionally to general inquiries regarding program eligibility, requirements, and services 

● Coordinates and schedules meetings with families related to attendance, transportation, orientation, and program expectations 

● Prepares and maintains documentation to support enrollment, transitions, and compliance with program requirements 

● Serves as the designated Family Engagement Specialist for two PreK classrooms, fostering strong partnerships between teachers and families 

● Assists families in accessing community resources, including support with applications for various assistance programs 

● Plans and facilitates family workshops that support student learning, development, and family well-being 

● Collaborates with the Family Engagement team to organize and support Parent Action Team meetings and initiatives 

● Collaborates with the Family Engagement team to provide support to families during holiday seasons, including connecting them with assistance programs and resources 

● Conducts regular classroom visits to ensure alignment between family needs, student support, and instructional goals

● Partners with teachers to promote family involvement and create a welcoming, inclusive classroom community 

● Performs other duties as assigned 

Budgetary Responsibility: 

No budgetary responsibility 

Report Preparation: 

Prepares various reports related to area, as requested

Equipment Operation: 

The position uses standard office equipment and equipment related to education and the assigned area, and must be familiar with the Google suite of software.

Contacts:

Contacts are made at all levels within and outside the school system and may require the handling of highly sensitive information with the general public and CCPS employees. 

Work Direction/Supervision: 

This position does not provide work direction to or supervise other positions.

Decision Making: 

Decisions are made both independently and in collaboration with Instructional Specialists, Family Engagement Specialists, and the Coordinator of ECSE. 

Formal Policy-Setting Responsibilities: 

This position has no formal policy-setting responsibilities

Physical Demands: 

Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity to enter data into a computer terminal; to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; hear, understand speech, and speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly at normal levels indoors and on the telephone. Physical agility to drive, bend, stoop, sit on the floor, climb stairs, walk, and reach overhead. Frequent travel to various areas in the communities to complete home visits is required. 

Work Environment: 

Work is primarily performed in an office environment. The employee is required to complete home visits of enrolled families in the fall and as needed throughout the year. The employee is also required to visit the assigned classrooms throughout the school year. The noise level in the work environment is typically quiet to moderate. 

Qualifications: 

General knowledge and skills in the areas of family engagement and early childhood. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and establish and maintain effective work relationships with parents, children, staff, and community agencies. Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records; to work independently and assume responsibility without direct or continuous supervision and to manage time efficiently and effectively. 

Additional Job Requirements:

Associate's Degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field is required. A valid Virginia Driver's License is required

Preferred: Bilingual candidates

Applicants considered for employment must successfully complete the following background investigations/tests:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Criminal History Investigation

• State Police Criminal History Investigation

• Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigation

• Tuberculosis Screening/Test

Compensation

$35.76 per hour

Benefits

Chesterfield County Public Schools offers a wide variety of benefits to employees.  Benefit offerings may differ based upon full-time and part-time employee status.

Chesterfield County Public Schools assures Equal Employment Opportunities for employees as required by Federal and State Orders and Laws.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements.  However, administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.  It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position and does not imply an employment contract.