WHO WE ARE:
The mission of Maryland Family Network (MFN) is to ensure that very young children have strong families, quality early learning environments, and a champion for their interests. We work in collaboration with public and private funders, community-based organizations, parents, and other individuals and agencies to support those who care for young children as families strive to reach their goals. Through two-generation programs that support parents to become economically self-sufficient, raise healthy, successful children, and find quality child care; through regional services that help child care professionals improve their practice; and through public policy advocacy of programs and policies that benefit families with young children, MFN strives to ensure that all Maryland children are cared for by adults who are skilled to raise them in environments that are conducive to growth and development.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Program Consultant, Family Support Network, is responsible for providing technical assistance, training, and monitoring of MFN’s Family Support Center staff to assure delivery of quality services and best practices with the core services and mental health services for infants, toddlers, and their parents. The Program Consultant, Family Support Network reports to the Family Support Network Director or Assistant Family Support Network Director.
ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conducts at minimum monthly in person visits to assigned Family Support Centers to provide oversight, informal monitoring, and assessment to ensure compliance with requirements associated with operating a Family Support Center. Conducts consistent virtual supports for the same purpose, with monitoring and TA provided as individualized for the center.
- Provides experienced advice and assistance to all program staff to ensure the meeting of performance objectives associated with their duties and responsibilities.
- Observes, on a regular basis, all center-based activities including parent/child interactions, parent/staff, staff/child interactions, and group activities with parents. Documents and discusses findings with Family Support Center Director and supervisory staff as appropriate.
- Offers suggestions, ideas, and recommendations on securing and managing resources related to Center operations.
- Performs objective assessments on strengths and weaknesses of the delivery of core services to ensure continuous quality. Meets regularly with the Family Support Center Director, Child Development Specialist, and other leadership to resolve issues or problems.
- Engages in trainings for center staff specific to core service areas and program operations to enable ability to provide requisite oversight and monitoring thereof.
- Engages in in person and virtual monitoring of Center service, to ensure compliance with stated objectives and contractual obligations.
- Works with FSC Director to ensure that mental health services are rendered to parents and their children, and that related consultation is provided to staff.
- Works with each Center Director to ensure linkages with local Part C agency, and/or Local Interagency Coordinating Council.
- Assists in the selection of the following positions in the Center: Director, Child Development Specialist, In-Home Interventionist, and Service Coordinator.
- Provides assistance in staff orientation and training on all MFN requirements in relation to operating a Family Support Center.
- Assesses staff training needs along with Center Director, Child Development Specialist, and other leadership staff. Consults with MFN Training Director and Family Support Network Director on implementing training, where necessary.
- Makes recommendations on corrective plans of action and review processes.
- Writes annual reports summarizing Family Support Center performance for the given fiscal year.
- Collaborates with other MFN Program Consultants to share and obtain information, foster common awareness on issues, and impart knowledge of resources.
- Works closely with the Family Support Center child development team in the screening, assessment, and evaluation of infants and toddlers for identification of possible developmental delays.
- Attends staff meetings, trainings, and other meetings as required and participates in required activities. This is both at the Family Support Center and MFN levels.
- Approves annual budgets submitted by Family Support Centers and monitors monthly expenditures.
- Approves and monitors annual program plans for the required provision of core services.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:
- Deep experience in stakeholder engagement, community outreach, or a related field.
- Knowledge and passion for early childhood education, family support, and community development.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
- High ethical standards and integrity, with a commitment to MFN’s mission and values.
- Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing needs.
