Family Services Specialist II (Bilingual English/Cantonese)

Job Title:   Family Services Specialist II (Bilingual English/Cantonese)

Department/Unit:    Compliance and Program Supports

Reports To:    Training Manager – Program Supports

FLSA Status:   This is a Full Time (37.50/week) Non-Exempt, Union Position

Level:   Staff Level 5                 

Salary:  $48,730.50 - $51,698.21 

ABOUT CHILDREN’S COUNCIL

For more than 45 years, Children’s Council has been the heart of childcare and early education in San Francisco, advancing the belief that high-quality childcare can transform lives and communities. Our more than 130 team members help families navigate their childcare and preschool options and secure financial assistance to pay for it. We provide home-based childcare businesses with the training and resources to succeed. Through a wide range of free programs and workshops, we support parents and caregivers as they build child development skills. As the city’s second-largest nonprofit contractor, with an annual budget of over $210 million, we are a major stakeholder in the

childcare system. We educate the public and advocate for increased investment in early education

at the local and state level. If you are a childcare champion, we want you on our team.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Training Manager -- Program Supports, the Family Services Specialist II (FSS II) supports low-income families in and around San Francisco by evaluating and maintaining their eligibility to receive financial assistance to pay for childcare in any or all Subsidy programs at Children’s Council. The FSS II is a trusted resource for families navigating intricate program requirements and seeking information or referrals to other supportive services and community resources. With the ability to prioritize and multitask competently, the FSSII coordinates multiple family and program-driven deliverables to provide the best possible support to families within a complex regulatory environment. 

Key Qualities

1. You see yourself being able to initiate eligibility meetings with families in accordance with Department policies and procedures, Federal, State, and Local law and regulations, or other funder/auditor requirements.
2. You are punctual and able to keep a timely/ ongoing communication with parents and child-care providers via telephone, mail, email or in-person meetings to assist them in understanding the Subsidy program or other family support needs.
3. You have the ability to adapt to continually evolving internal policies and best practices to ensure optimal service delivery and compliance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain ongoing and accurate up-to-date client records for the caseload of families receiving subsidized childcare services.
• Accommodate individual assignments of families who are new to the program, or regular batch assignments of existing families from other Family Subsidy Specialists.
• Counsel families around the importance and benefits of quality childcare and early education experience for their children. Provide tailored information around options for a quality early care experience depending on each family’s unique circumstances. 
• Provide customized information on, and referrals to, other community resources and support services as appropriate.
• Provide timely communication with other Department staff to ensure swift coordination of accurate childcare authorizations and payments, paperwork, and customer service.
• Attend parent appeal hearings and support actions taken affecting families’ service levels.   
• As determined by Department Quality Assurance metrics, achieve, and maintain a performance accuracy rate in accordance with current Department standards.
• Maintain an organized workspace in accordance with Department policies and best practices to ensure client confidentiality and easy access of files to other Department staff if needed.
• Regularly contribute to capacity building efforts within the Department by leading or participating in workgroups or presenting materials to other Department members in individual or group settings.
• Collaborate with other program staff at Children’s Council by planning and participating in client services such as playgroups, workshops, or special projects and events.
• Attend and participate in all required meetings relating to service delivery and professional development.
• Other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Some knowledge of San Francisco community resources and Child Development Programs.
• Familiarity with procedures and programs administered by California Department of Education programs.
• The willingness to work with a diverse group of individuals and community-based organizations.
• Passionate about early childhood development, social justice, family empowerment, and diversity.
• Proficiency with using Microsoft Office Suite products.
• Have the occasional flexibility to adjust your work schedule to include some evenings and/or weekends.
• A background clearance is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit at a desk for extended amounts of time.
• Ability to stand for extended amounts of time.
• Manual dexterity to use office equipment; the ability to sit and work at a desk for extended periods of time.
• Physical agility to lift and carry materials, bend, stoop, walk and reach overhead.

BACKGROUND CHECK 

All offers of employment are contingent upon successfully completing this process. 

COVID Policy 

All staff are required to be fully vaccinated (barring application for medical or religious exemptions). Wearing masks in the office is optional for our staff.  

Hybrid Work 

We have adopted a hybrid working model and currently require employees to be present in the office at least 3 days per week, with the option to work 2 days per week remotely. There are a few roles where the hybrid schedule is not conducive. Similarly, there are a few positions that operate 100% remotely. All applicants should be comfortable with both the remote and in office scenarios.  

Children's Council of SF is committed to building a staff that is rich with cultural, social and experiential diversity. Candidates who want to join us on this journey and who can uniquely contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply. 

Equal Opportunity & Equity Statement  

Children’s Council is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity as central to our work serving the San Francisco community. We comply with all applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. Our practices are in alignment with our commitment to workplace equity, diversity, and inclusion. We foster a work environment where our current and future staff feel welcomed without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, national origin, sex, age, disability or sexual orientation.