Head Start Family Services Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Grade 8

Full Time - 37.5 Hours Per Week

Monday to Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

JOB SUMMARY:

• Coordinates casework activities with parents to assess needs, provide guidance, make appropriate referrals to resources, and document outcomes.
• Conducts monthly home visits; maintains additional contact through notes, phone calls, center visits and makes additional home visits as needed.
• Assist Coordinator with Policy Council recruitment, transportation and meetings.
• Empowers parents to meet their goals and participate in activities.
• Responds to the complex and diverse needs and crisis situations of families; makes appropriate decisions and assesses when and from whom to seek assistance in difficult cases.
• Reports signs of child abuse and neglect, accidents/injuries and unusual situations; completes documentation.
• Assists Health Coordinator in following-up with health needs of children.
• Obtains proper releases of information and follows program/Agency policies and procedures and HIPAA Privacy/Security regulations pertaining to protected health information and confidentiality.
• Transports parents/children when necessary.
• Maintains accurate, up-to-date records of all parent contacts.
• Completes required paperwork such as: PIR, MBO’s, newsletters, and family assessment worksheet and family partnership agreements.
• Monitors children’s attendance and follows-up on absenteeism with parents.
• Facilitates monthly parent center committee meetings and coordinates parent field trips.
• Facilitates parent training and arranges for educational workshops for parents.
• Assists with recruiting including publicity, application activities and processing enrollments.
• Works with Teacher, Teaching Assistant, Cook and Bus Driver to ensure smooth operation of the Center.
• Maintains current class list and transportation list; communicates changes to appropriate staff.
• Communicates transportation issues to Family and Community Services Coordinator for guidance.
• Attends staff meetings; participates in professional training/meetings for skill maintenance and enhancement.
• Establishes contacts with other human service providers and community agencies; works collaboratively with other providers to assist the parents in meeting their established goals.
• Participates on Agency work groups and committees as assigned.
• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to work with families in a supportive, non-judgmental manner and have flexibility in schedule for evening activities.
• Must exhibit professionalism and be a positive role model to parents and children.
• Must have good organizational skills and be able to work independently.
• Must have good oral and written communication skills.
• Must have thorough knowledge of community resources.
• Must be able to advocate effectively for parents with outside agencies.
• Must be able to work cooperatively with staff, parents and agency staff.
• Must be able to facilitate parenting training using Head Start curriculum.
• Must possess a valid NYS Drivers License with good driving record within Agency requirements and have access to a reliable, properly insured vehicle for making home visits and transporting clients. Must obtain and maintain Personal and Agency Certification.
• Must have acceptable physical health to carry out the position, including the ability to lift children and enough physical mobility to carry out job functions.
• Must maintain confidentiality and have or obtain Family Development Credential when scheduled.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate's Degree in Behavioral Sciences and 2 – 3 years related experience; or
• Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences and related experience;
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training.

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Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.