Community Resource Specialist

Job Description: The Community Resource & Child Development Specialist (CRS) at the Fairfield First 5 Center plays a key role in supporting children and families through relationship-based, family-centered services. A team of two CRSs will collaborate to provide parent education and leadership opportunities, developmental guidance, community resource navigation, and early learning experiences for families of diverse backgrounds with young children.  The CRS builds trusted relationships with families by creating welcoming spaces for connection, support, and shared problem-solving. Using a strengths-based approach, the CRS partners with families to explore goals, navigate challenges, and connect to community resources and public services such as housing, mental health support, childcare, and other family-serving systems. Responsibilities also include facilitating the Triple P—Positive Parenting Program, conducting developmental screenings using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), and providing guidance that helps families feel informed and empowered in their parenting journey.  Child development knowledge is brought to life through engaging, hands-on playgroups and early learning experiences that encourage children to explore, discover, and grow. Through reflective conversations and culturally responsive practice, the CRS helps families better understand their child’s cues, strengths, and development while fostering connection, empathy, and responsive caregiving.  This role emphasizes being a builder of community, a trusted source of support and reassurance, and a partner in family strengthening. With a commitment to cultural humility, collaboration, and inclusive practice, the Community Resource & Child Development Specialist helps foster a welcoming and enriching environment for children, families, staff, and community partners at the Fairfield First 5 Center. Benefits Pay rate: $28-$29/hour  Full Time 40 hours - Monday through Friday 8 am-4:30pm (some evenings and weekends required) Agency and Federal Holiday pay Employee assistance program, dental, vision, wellness program, life insurance, flexible spending account, commuter benefits, wellness package Medical insurance Professional development opportunities Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree in child development, early childhood education, psychology, social work, or a related field + 3 years of experience working with young children and their families At least 1 year of professional experience in early intervention using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) Experience collaborating with community agencies, multidisciplinary teams and family-serving systems Preferred: Experience working with and building trusted relationships with Black/African American families and communities, and demonstrated ability to provide culturally responsive, strengths-based services that reflect community assets, experiences, and needs Preferred: Experience facilitating developmental playgroups, parent education workshops, or other family-centered early childhood programming Knowledge and Skills Understanding of early childhood development, social-emotional development, attachment, bonding, trauma-informed care, and early childhood mental health Knowledge of the challenges impacting families experiencing poverty and ability to support families using a reflective, relationship-based, and strengths-based approach Familiarity with community resources and public benefit systems, including housing, childcare, healthcare, mental health, nutrition supports, and family services Ability to facilitate engaging, developmentally appropriate activities and parent-child experiences Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, and adapt to changing program needs Communication and Relationship Building Strong verbal and written communication skills Preferred: Experience providing family support, early childhood, parent education, community engagement, or resource navigation services in culturally diverse communities, including Black/African American communities, with demonstrated success building authentic partnerships with families and community leaders. We value candidates who demonstrate a commitment to culturally responsive, community-centered, strengths-based, and equity-focused practices.  Professional Qualities Ability to take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and manage responsibilities with flexibility and professionalism Organized and adaptable, with the ability to prioritize tasks and respond to changing program and family needs Commitment to community-centered work and supporting families with empathy, respect, and cultural humility Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends Technical Skills and Physical Requirements Basic knowledge of modern office technology and software Ability to regularly lift up to 25 pounds as part of classroom and program setup Roles & Responsibilities Family Engagement, Resource Navigation & Parent Leadership Build relationships with families to identify strengths, goals, and areas of support Connect families to community resources and public services through information-sharing, referrals, advocacy, enrollment assistance, and system navigation Support parent leadership initiatives, including organizing Parent Advisory Committee meetings and incorporating family feedback into Center programming Engage caregivers in meaningful conversations about child development, parenting, and family well-being while offering guidance, encouragement, and resources Early Intervention & Developmental Screening & Family Support Conduct ASQ-3 and ASQ-SE developmental screenings with children and families Review screening results, monitor developmental progress, and support families in accessing appropriate early intervention and community resources Discuss caregive