Specialist - Family Services

Make a difference from day one

Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. The first five years of life are the most critical in a child’s development. At Southwest Human Development, our services improve lives and help families by supporting young children and their caregivers during this important time.

Your skills, experience, and passion are needed at one of the nation’s largest nonprofits dedicated to early childhood development. Join our team and experience a long-term career which brings joy and satisfaction in knowing you make a difference.  We offer over 40 programs and services to more than 140,000 children.

Why candidates love working here

• Contribute to meaningful work that helps children and families build strong foundations for the future.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, generous paid time off, and 401(k) employer contribution every paycheck.
• Build your future with access to learning, development, and career advancement opportunities.
• Be part of a collaborative, purpose-driven culture where your work truly matters.
• Join a Great Place to Work® Certified organization, with a culture shaped by employee feedback and built on trust, support, and collaboration.

Job title: Family Support Specialist

The Family Support Specialist provides comprehensive family development and support services to children and families enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Using a two-generation (2Gen) approach and the SWHD Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Model, the Family Support Specialist partners with families to identify strengths, set goals, access community resources, and promote family well-being, self-sufficiency, and positive child development outcomes.

What you’ll do:

• Maintains accurate child and family records and documentation to support the delivery of family support, health, nutrition, mental health, and parent engagement services.
• Partners with families to assess needs, develop goals, connect them with community resources, and provide ongoing support to strengthen family well-being and self-sufficiency.
• Facilitates referrals and follow-up services to ensure children and families receive timely and appropriate support.
• Supports parent leadership and engagement through participation in Parent Center Committee meetings and related program governance activities.
• Promotes full enrollment and strong attendance by engaging families and addressing barriers to participation.
• Coordinates with families, health providers, and program staff to ensure children receive required health, nutrition, and developmental services, including follow-up care when needed.
• Collaborates with an integrated service team to monitor family progress, identify needs, and provide comprehensive support services.
• Ensures services are delivered in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, program requirements, and established timelines.
• Builds and maintains positive, professional relationships with children, families, staff, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Represents the program through participation in school, community, agency, and professional collaboration activities that support children and families.
• Actively engages in regular reflective supervision and seeks guidance and feedback to support professional growth and effective service delivery.

What you’ll bring:

• AA / BA – Early Childhood Education, Family Studies, related field is required
• A minimum of one (1) year experience working with young children / families is required
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted with a qualifying Family Services Credential
• Bilingual preferred - ability to speak, write, and read Spanish
• Knowledge of DAP and Bilingual Education
• Certification in First Aid/CPR, Food Handler’s Card, and Fingerprint Clearance Card required
• Functional knowledge of AZ Child Care Licensing Requirements
• Knowledge of Department of Child Safety reporting mandates
• Possess an insured & registered vehicle and a valid AZ driver’s license.
• Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card - OR - must qualify for a valid Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
• DES Criminal Affidavit Required
• AZ DHS Criminal History Affidavit Required

Southwest Human Development is committed to creating a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for our employees and the communities we serve.  

Learn more about working with us 

Our core values reflect our commitment to children, families, caregivers, and the communities we serve. They guide how we work, how we support one another, and how we grow as a team. Learn more about our values and benefits here.