Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc. dba Upbring
Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.
Head Start Family Services Coordinator
US-TX-Wharton
Job ID: 2025-6600
Type: Regular Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Head Start
Upbring
Overview
At Upbring, our team is united by a shared mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and advance the wellbeing of children, families and communities, empowering them to thrive. As servant-leaders, we lead by example, working passionately to create a brighter future for those we serve. Every day, we strive to embody our core values:
- We are Warriors: Fierce, resilient, and courageous, we face challenges head-on with unwavering loyalty and passion.
- We are Servants: We dedicate ourselves to serving others, empowering those around us to thrive.
- We are Family: We work together as a supportive, caring community, creating a sense of belonging and strength.
Joining Upbring means becoming part of a family of passionate individuals who are fearless in their pursuit of lasting change. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.
About Our Head Start Centers
Upbring Head Start Preschool provides a safe, inclusive place to learn, grow and thrive. The families receive support and services to complement the child’s education as the kindergarten transition nears.
Your Mission in Action
The Family Services Coordinator is responsible for providing direct support to the Family Engagement Advocates and ERSEA Specialists and overseeing processes within the Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) and Parent, Family, Community, and Engagement (PFCE) systems. The role also includes coordinating and supporting the delivery of integrated services across the content areas of health, mental health, disabilities, and child development services ensuring adherence to state and federal health standards.
Responsibilities- Directly supervise Family Engagement Advocates and ERSEA Specialists, providing guidance, leadership, and ongoing support to ensure effective program operations and team success
- Collaborate with Regional Directors, Family Advocates, ERSEA, and Center staff to address concerns and provide support, ensuring effective delivery of Family Services
- Monitor and support Family Engagement Advocates caseloads, focusing on ERSEA, PFCE, Health, and Disabilities
- Coordinate and facilitate monthly Policy Council meetings and maintain strong community and vendor relationships, such as those with the Policy Council and Health Advisory Committee
- Oversee the dissemination of program information and materials to the community through strategic partnerships while supervising the planning and execution of recruitment initiatives to drive program growth and ensure consistent enrollment throughout the program year
- Develop, implement, and maintain recruitment plans, ensuring alignment with program and community goals, and participate in community boards and stakeholder events to support ongoing enrollment
- Provide continuous professional development opportunities and support to enhance staff expertise and competencies
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with ISD partners, contractors, and the community to enhance program effectiveness
- Monitor and report on program metrics, including the Program Information Report (PIR), monthly summary tracking reports, and other data as requested
- Comply with company policies, procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, and HSPPS regulations and standards; always ensure the health and safety of each child in care and support the overall well-being of children
- Coach and support staff to ensure they have the necessary tools and resources needed to optimize performance, ensure established program goals, and achieve operational excellence
- Communicate with direct reports in periodic one-on-one meetings
- Organize and deliver regularly scheduled staff meetings to communicate present, on-going, and future updates of pertinent information, projects, and initiatives
- Work closely with the management team to interview, hire, and onboard new employees who are strong cultural fits for Upbring
- Work in collaboration with leadership and the People and Culture Team to arrange training; when needed, coordinate and/or provide in-service training for staff development
- Regularly review employee performance, including goals and progress, to provide developmental feedback: use applicable agency development tools to facilitate growth and development in staff
- Draft and issue the 90-day and annual evaluations, along with supporting documentation, as per established procedures; work in collaboration with staff to set goals during evaluation periods
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in social work, family and child services, psychology, or related field
- 2 years minimum experience working with diverse populations in an educational setting
- 1 year of supervisory experience
- Knowledge and experience with Head Start Performance Standards
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in social work, education, or a related field preferred
- 2 years supervisory experience
- Basic Family Services Credential (preferred and required after employment)
- Prior experience working in low-income diverse communities
- Bilingual (English and Spanish) based on service population and area
- Knowledge and experience in Child Plus
Travel
- This position may be required to travel up to 50%
Perks at Upbring
- Competitive PTO & paid holidays
- Health, dental, vision insurance & more
- 403(b) Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Discounted Gym Memberships
Physical Demands & Work Conditions
- This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time
- Position may have exposure to children
- Position requires frequent standing, walking and time being mobile to coordinate events
- Lift, push, pull, move up to 50 lbs.
The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.
Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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