Family Support Worker

Join United Counseling Service

Since 1958, United Counseling Service (UCS) has been dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to individuals and families in our community. Through a wide range of programs, services, and educational opportunities, we strive to meet the diverse needs of those we serve. Our team includes professionals from various fields, including administration, clinical services, nursing, education, case management, psychiatry, and direct support, working across 17 facilities throughout Bennington County. As a proud affiliate of Vermont Care Partners, a statewide network of 16 non-profit community-based agencies, we deliver comprehensive mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental services across Vermont.

We are currently seeking compassionate, motivated team players to join us in making a positive impact and building a stronger community.

UCS Offers Generous Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Generous paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career development opportunities
• Free clinical supervision towards licensure
• Loan repayment and tuition assistance program
• Award winning worksite wellness program
• An inclusive workplace supported by an active Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee.
• Rewarding experience making a difference in the community.

We believe a dynamic and inclusive workforce will strengthen our organization and enhance the services we provide. Therefore, it is our goal to hire a diverse workforce and cultivate a culture where our employees feel accepted and included, hold a valued place within our organization and are equally able to contribute to their fullest extent, assisting in fulfilling our mission of building a stronger community.

Qualifications

Under the direction of the Family & Community Partnership Manager, the Family Support Worker’s responsibilities include recruiting families for the Early/ Head Start program; evaluating, addressing, and following through on the social service needs of each child and family; serving as a link between families and the Early/ Head Start program; establishing and maintaining parent center committees to meet Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and carrying out the policies and procedures of the Family Services content area. Using culturally and linguistically sensitive, strengths-based, and family-centered approaches, the Family Support Worker will ensure that all family service/ engagement activities are consistent with Head Start Program Performance Standards. The Family Support Worker will work collaboratively as part of the Family Services team to support the family service and administrative needs of the program.

ERSEA:

Assists with the implementation of the programs recruitment plan, including but not limited to, attending community events, distributing fliers and brochures, meeting with income-eligible families and collaborating with community agencies that serve eligible populations. Community events may be held outside of normal business hours. Begins to develop a relationship with families. Participates in the registration process; follows-up on incomplete documentation. Supports transition processes for children and families entering into Early Head Start/ Head Start, transitioning between Early Head Start and Head Start and transitioning out of the program to Kindergarten or another child care center.

Family Services:

Assists families in jointly assessing their own strengths and needs so that every family has a current Partnership Agreement. Works with families to set and achieve goals in alignment with the Parent Family Community Engagement Framework. Documents and updates files on a regular basis. Locates appropriate and timely resources to address the family’s needs through referrals or direct Head Start and Early Head Start services, i.e., handouts, parenting programs, home visits, phone and video conferences, etc. Assists in crisis situations through referrals or direct Head Start/ Early Head Start services, including and not limited to, assists with transportation of a child home due to an emergent situation, refers and participates in the Case Management process. In a prudent and positive way, represents the best interests of Head Start families to the community and other community agencies and maintains cooperative relationships with agencies and community partners. Uses referrals to assist families in reaching goals by preparing the family for the referral, assisting the family in accessing the resource when necessary and practicable by following up on the referral with family and agency (with the consent of the family). Supports families in becoming advocates for themselves and the