Family Engagement Specialist

Are you passionate about supporting families and helping young children thrive? Do you believe that strong families are the foundation of early learning success? If so, we’d love for you to join our Early Childhood Education team as a Family Engagement Specialist serving the South Suburbs!

In this role, you won’t just have a job—you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact by partnering with families during one of the most important stages of a child’s development. We’re looking for someone who is energized by building relationships, strengthening family connections, and creating opportunities for children to succeed from the very start.

We believe that when we take care of our team, they can better support children and families. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed with you in mind:

• 95% employer-paid health insurance (single coverage), plus dental & vision
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous PTO
  • Year 1: 23 days
  • Year 2: 28 days
  • Year 3+: 35 days
• 11 Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account
• Company-paid STD, LTD & Life Insurance
• $2,000 Hiring Bonus for external candidates

As a Family Engagement Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in connecting families to their child’s early education experience. You’ll help create a supportive, welcoming environment where families feel valued, heard, and empowered to actively participate in their child’s growth and learning.

This position supports sites across the South Suburbs, with a home office in Chicago Heights, IL

• Build strong, trusting relationships with families to support their goals and well-being
• Empower families to become active partners in their child’s early education journey
• Plan and host engaging family events, workshops, and activities that foster connection and learning
• Serve as a trusted resource, providing guidance, encouragement, and access to supports
• Collaborate with the Head Start team to ensure children and families are thriving together
• Create a warm, inclusive environment where every family feels they belong

• A relationship-builder who genuinely enjoys connecting with families
• Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others succeed
• Experience working with families and/or children (preferred, not required)
• A collaborative team player who brings energy, empathy, and creativity
• A positive attitude and a heartfelt commitment to strengthening communities

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, or related field
• Two years of case management or similar experience
• A true passion for family engagement and early childhood development
• Creative problem-solving skills and a willingness to bring fresh ideas
• Bilingual skills are a strong plus—help us reach and support more families!

At IL Action for Children, we believe that empowering families is the key to unlocking every child’s potential. As a Family Engagement Specialist, you’ll help create a ripple effect—supporting parents, strengthening family systems, and building brighter futures for children and communities.

This isn’t just a role—it’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger. Every connection you make, every family you support, and every child you impact helps create lasting change where it matters most.

IL Action for Children is an EEO/M/F/V/D employer.