Early Childhood Services Specialist

Connect Families to the Right Support. Keep Services Moving. Make a Difference.

Do you enjoy helping families find the support they need while keeping programs organized and running smoothly? At Oakland Family Services (OFS), our Early Childhood Services Specialist plays an important role in connecting families with early childhood services, coordinating referrals and appointments, and supporting the teams who help young children thrive. This position is a great fit for someone who enjoys working with people, staying organized, and making a difference behind the scenes and through direct family interaction.

About the Opportunity

The Early Childhood Services Specialist is responsible for acquiring and maintaining current knowledge of Early Childhood home visiting programs, including admission and eligibility criteria; for interviewing customers and potential customers to facilitate their choice of appropriate services based on expressed need; providing support services to the Early Childhood Services department. The Early Childhood Services Specialist reports to the Early Childhood Services Manager.

What you'll do:

• Maintain working knowledge of programs and services available in the department and in the agency as a whole. Accept and track all incoming calls from customers requesting information, and inquiries for Early On and Parents as Teachers, as well as other acquired home visiting programs.
• Receive Early On referrals from Oakland Schools and departmental referrals by telephone, fax or email. Schedule program screenings, assessments and evaluations. Complete necessary paperwork related to scheduling of appointments (including mailing/emailing informational letters, faxing indicated documents and tracking indicated forms).
• Receive Parents as Teachers referrals and departmental referrals by telephone, fax or email. Schedule program intakes. Complete necessary paperwork related to scheduling of appointments (including mailing/emailing informational letters, faxing indicated documents and tracking indicated forms).
• Assign and enter necessary case specific information on tracking forms and appropriate charts.
• Assist in management and maintenance of appropriate record-keeping systems as defined by contractor and/or funder.
• Conduct clerical audits on files for necessary timelines.
• Interface with referral sources to facilitate referrals, promote program services and streamline referral processes.
• Facilitate the admission/enrollment process and obtain demographic, enrollment information received from customers as indicated.
• Adhere to all program specific protocols including, Early On and Parents as Teachers protocols for referral and case assignment.
• Identify current trends and family needs.
• Assume responsibility in partnership with the “team” in identifying and eliminating barriers to services.
• Periodically serve as the “second set of eyes” staff member for initial Early On Evaluations in client homes. May need to drive to client homes for this purpose.
• May need to work an occasional evening to go to client homes or contact families that are not available during typical business hours.
• Order supplies for the program in conjunction with program manager, manage mail distribution and manage incoming/outgoing faxes for the department.
• Responsible for incorporating principles of diversity, equity and inclusion in work processes and in job functions. Responsible for promoting a feeling of welcoming, belonging, and acceptance to all clients and staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

What you'll get:

• Variety in your day: Balance family interaction, referral coordination, scheduling, and administrative responsibilities.
• Early childhood experience: Build your knowledge of Early On, Parents as Teachers, and other resources.
• A supportive team: Work alongside a team and leadership that values collaboration and your contributions. Be part of a culture focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, with family-friendly practices and support.
• Flexibility: Hybrid work options and flexibility that promotes a healthy balance between director responsibilities and personal commitments.
• Benefits that support you: Competitive compensation including health, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plan with company match, generous paid time off including 12 paid holidays, professional development, and more.

Does this Describe YOU?

• Associate degree in human services, business or a related field with knowledge of early childhood development required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with persons internal and external to the agency.
• Ability to accept supervisory direction and to work independently on assigned tasks.
• Skill in office procedures, data entry and human services.
• Selected candidates for this position must possess a sensitivity to the diversity of the agency’s service population including (but not limited to) differences of culture, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation and socioeconomic.
• Special abilities and skills necessary to perform the required tasks and that best meet the needs of the agency also will be considered. There may be some standards above that may be waived when compensating specifications or circumstances exist.
• Although employees have use of the Agency vehicle fleet to conduct business and are covered under our insurance, employees must provide documentation of personal vehicle liability insurance with minimum coverage of $100,000 per person/ $300,000 per incident. Employees also must provide documentation of a valid driver’s license on an annual basis as well as proof of registration. In some instances, depending on the nature and frequency of driving, a chauffeur’s license must be obtained. (may obtain within sixty days of hire).

Join Oakland Family Services and play an important role in connecting families with early childhood services, removing barriers to support, and helping build brighter futures!