Parent Educator

Summary:

Under the direction of the Program Supervisor, the Parent Educator (PE) provides intensive, evidence-based home visiting services using the Parents as Teachers (PAT) model. This role is responsible for promoting optimal child development, positive parent-child relationships, and family well-being for families with children from prenatal through kindergarten entry. Services are delivered in the home and are tailored to meet the individual needs of families. The PE maintains fidelity to the PAT model and complies with all requirements set forth by the Department of Health (DOH) Home Visiting Services Unit (HVSU).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1.      Contact and engage families referred by the Outreach and Resource Specialists (OARS) team.

2.      Conduct outreach and recruitment activities to identify and enroll eligible families.

3.      Schedule and conduct an initial visit with each referred family to assess eligibility, obtain consent, and begin rapport-building.

4.      Provide regular, strength-based personal home visits that align with PAT model requirements (weekly for at least the first three months, adjusted thereafter based on family need and model guidance).

5.      Implement the full PAT curriculum and deliver lessons on child development, parent-child interaction, and family well-being.

6.      Conduct developmental and health screenings and document completion within required timelines, aiming for 85% compliance, as required by DOH HVSU.

7.      Support families in setting and achieving individualized goals using the PAT goal-setting tools and processes.

8.      Integrate the Strengthening FamiliesTM Protective Factors framework to guide home visiting

strategies and strengthen family resilience.

9.      Connect families to community resources and facilitate warm hand-offs as needed in collaboration with Outreach and Resource Specialists (OARS).

10.      Maintain ongoing weekly contact with families who have not yet completed their first home visit or who are between visits.

11.      Monitor child milestones and developmental concerns; provide guidance and referrals when issues are identified.

12.      Track service levels, visits, assessments, screenings, referrals, and family outcomes using the assigned data management system.

13.      Complete all documentation and reporting accurately, clearly, and within the timelines established by the agency, PAT National, and DOH HVSU.

14.      Utilize fidelity monitoring tools, checklists, and supervision feedback to ensure adherence to PAT model standards.

15.   Participate in weekly reflective supervision with the Program Supervisor and additional model-required coaching or technical assistance.

16.   Apply reflective practice and trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches in all interactions with families.

17.   Maintain active communication and collaboration with the Child Development Specialist and other program support staff.

18.   Organize, plan, and facilitate Group Connections that promote social support, parenting skills, and child development.

19.   Prepare families for successful transitions to preschool, kindergarten, or other relevant services.

20.   Intentionally include fathers and extended family members in home visits and family support activities when appropriate.

21.   Support family empowerment and leadership by encouraging participation in program decision-making, advisory groups, and feedback processes.

22.   Attend agency meetings, required trainings, and professional development activities.

23.   Adhere to all confidentiality, mandated reporting, and ethical responsibilities.

24.   Maintain model fidelity and contribute to continuous quality improvement (CQI) efforts, including team-based data reviews and quality initiatives.

25.   Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

 Education and Experience:

·       At minimum, a High school diploma, with a prioritization of candidates with an AA or BA in early childhood education, human services, or counseling preferred.

·       At least two years of experience working with families in preventing or intervening child maltreatment, abuse, and neglect preferred.

·       As part of the hiring process, all candidates are required to complete a TestGorilla assessment. A computer is necessary to complete this assessment. If candidates do not have access to a computer, MFSS will provide a computer and a testing space to ensure accessibility. MFSS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to comply with ADA guidelines.