IL Network of Child Care Resource Inc. - Urbana, IL
posted 21 days ago
Full-time - Entry Level
Hybrid - Urbana, IL
About the position
The Family & Community Engagement Specialist will play a crucial role in fostering support for the Early Childhood Regional and Community System in Champaign and Ford Counties. This position emphasizes community engagement, family leadership, and collaborative problem-solving to enhance the local early childhood education landscape. The specialist will work closely with the Regional Council Manager and various stakeholders to ensure that family voices are central to decision-making processes.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Regional Council Manager and State Team to prioritize family voice in decision-making.
- Build and support connections with community partners to align efforts in supporting children and families.
- Engage in parent and community outreach to improve coordination with departmental activities.
- Facilitate feedback mechanisms between families and the Early Childhood Regional Community System network.
- Deliver work on time and within budget, providing regular progress reports against goals.
- Submit monthly reports on Family Council activities to the Central Office Family & Community Engagement Team.
- Support and participate in regional community events, potentially during evenings or weekends.
- Coordinate and facilitate focus groups and meetings as needed.
- Implement creative strategies to engage families.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child and Family Development, Social Work, or a related field.
- Four or more years of direct experience working with children and families, particularly in advisory roles.
- Knowledge of the diverse population of Illinois, including those with disabilities and English Language Learners.
- Understanding of culturally and racially responsive practices.
- Ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Experience in community organizing and relationship building preferred.
- Ability to simplify complex information for a general audience.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
- Residence or experience within the boundaries of the Region.
- Valid Illinois State Driver's License and minimum vehicle insurance requirements.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in community organizing and relationship building.
- Knowledge of culturally and racially responsive practices.
Benefits
- Competitive employee wages
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability insurance
- Competitive 403(b) with match
- 13 days of PTO and 12 sick days in the first year
- 40 hours of PLFA workers act time annually
- 10 paid holidays and employee birthday off
- Tuition reimbursement up to $2,500 per fiscal year
- $1,000 for learning a new language
- Healthy work-life balance with flexible hours
- Hybrid work environment
