About UPO

The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, DC, and has served the residents of the District since 1962. Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents.” Our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.” Our Promise: Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

About the Office of Early Learning (OEL)

OEL’s Mission

In collaboration with Family and the community, we will educate, empower and support children by providing continuous high quality comprehensive services to achieve successful parent engagement and positive child outcomes. The UPO Office of Early Learning has a special focus on helping children from birth to age 3 to grow and thrive in a healthy, supportive environment. Our Early Head Start programs provide infants and toddlers with the tools needed to develop their social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language skills—steering them in the direction of happiness and success.

POSITION: Family Engagement Specialist-EHS (2)

PROGRAM/DIVISION: OEL (EHS)

BULLETIN No: 07072026

SALARY RANGE: $65,000 -$75,000 (Commensurate with Experience & Education)

OPENING DATE: July 31. 2026

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled

FIRST SOURCE: N/A

MAJOR DUTIES:

The Family Engagement Specialist supports teachers, administrators, and staff in the seamless provision of Head Start services to children. The Family Engagement Specialist brings to the educational process an understanding of the psychosocial development of children and the influences of family, community, and culture.

Establish a monthly recruitment plan in coordination with Center Director. Assess all families for needs by using a strengths-based approach to address their needs while developing family goals that are specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, and timely.

Develop and implement Family Partnership Agreements with the families (SMART Goals). Follow-up with families regarding goal progress at least once every quarter. Document progress in Child Plus. Provide crisis and/or emergency intervention to children and families as needed.

Ensure that all Head Start families and children receive comprehensive services stated in the revised Head Start Performance Standards. Develop and follow-up on transition plans for each child and families at least 6 months prior to leaving the program.

Coordinate with teachers to conduct home visits with families as required by the Head Start Performance Standards and as needed.

Ensure that all children are up to date on physicals, immunizations and dental exams using Child Plus Tracking system.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in social work or a related field; such as, counseling, psychology, or education. Obtain Strengthens-Based Family Worker credential. Have two (2) years of experience working with low-income families. Must possess the knowledge of and have a thorough understanding of human relationships. Must possess excellent communication skills with the ability to express ideas clearly, both in writing and verbally. Possess strong organizational skills, strong knowledge of community resources to assist families, including those facing homelessness, domestic violence, drug abuse, unemployment, and literacy issues. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds. Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office programs and able to learn and use an electronic time keeping program. Possess effective organizational and professional communication skills, both written and verbal.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in social work or a related fields, such as counseling, psychology, education etc., and two years of experience working with children and families.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

In the event that an offer is extended, the candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, as well as pre-employment drug screening, as applicable for the position.

This is a Special Trust position subject to mandatory random drug and alcohol testing

This position IS in the collective bargaining unit of the CWA Union

Competitive Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (k) Matching Plan 100% Vested

Annual Leave 4.5 hours every pay period

Sick Leave 4.5 hours every pay period

2 Personal Days (after 6-month introductory period)

Paid Holidays

Ongoing Professional Development

Other

Apply Today: Submit a resume, and a copy of your Degree or Transcripts to the Career Center

UPO is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site