Head Start: Family Support Specialist, Associate-III

Position: Family Support Specialist

Rate of Pay: $19.55 to $23.32 per hour (Depending on education and experience)

Full Range of Position: $19.55 to $28.87 per hour

Bilingual (Spanish/English) Pay Differential Available

Current Driver’s License and Insurance Required

Hours: 30 hours/wk. 9-10 months/yr.

All applicants for Head Start Child Development Program positions must review the attached NOTICE that includes the background screening and health screening requirements.

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION OVERVIEW

Provides support to families enrolled in the HSCDP program. Responsible for ensuring compliance with all required Head Start Performance Standards in the area of family partnership, parent education, health, nutrition, family mental health and disability services. Ensures that all required timelines are met.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the health and safety of children enrolled at the site while under our care.
• Participates in regular reflective supervision sessions and self-assessment to promote ongoing professional development.
• Responsible for community outreach and recruiting families for the center & entire program. Maintains a waiting list that meets the requirements of the program.
• Provides and conducts home visits per program procedures with parents as needed and documents all communication with them.
• Provides Triple P services to families including parenting education, individually or in a group setting. Participates in Triple P training sessions.
• Assists families in completing HSCDP enrollment paperwork.
• Assists families in completing the Family Partnerships process by assessing the strengths & needs, developing goals and making appropriate referrals for all families in their caseload; follows up on all community referrals.
• Works with site staff to track the attendance and absences of each child as required in the procedures manual and to coordinate services to families.
• Assists parents in completing all health requirements and activities as required and makes appropriate health related referrals. Tracks all health requirements.
• Provides parents with health, dental, and nutrition education as well as other information individually or in a group setting.
• Acts as a liaison between community resources and families.
• Thoroughly and accurately completes required paperwork within established timelines.
• Participates in team, case management and child study meetings for children and families in consultation with the Lead Teacher to coordinate services for the families.
• Works with Education, Disabilities, Mental Health team to understand and provide information to parents about assessments, screenings, disabilities and mental health.
• Mobilizes and assists parents in the role of volunteer for the classroom and other program activities.
• Assists in facilitating site parent meetings and provides guidance in the election and training of parent committee officers.
• Responsible for generating, collecting and documenting Non-Federal Share Match
• Assists in the classroom, when needed, including covering Teacher breaks.
• Attends meetings, trainings, and conferences as necessary.
• For bilingual employees, performs all job duties utilizing dual language ability as necessary to provide optimum support and services for clients and HSCDP staff.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

ESSENTIAL WORK HABITS

• Align work behaviors in conformance with NCOs Purpose, Vision and Values.
• Report to work on time and obtain approval from supervisor for any changes in work schedule or absences.
• Maintain a strict commitment to confidentiality, in accordance with Agency and project policies and procedures.
• Follow the NCO Injury Illness and Prevention Plan, as well as all Agency and program safety protocols, procedures, and policies.
• Maintain focus on the assigned tasks.
• Take pride in creating a positive, efficient work environment.
• Treat co-workers and clients with respect.
• Represent NCO and its programs to the community in a positive light.
• Dress appropriately according to assigned job duties and responsibilities.
• Adapt constructively to change.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience:

• The following education and/or experience criteria are required to qualify for the designated level
  • Associate-Must obtain certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or related field within 18 months of being hired.
  • Level I- An Associate degree in Human Services or related field from an accredited school is required
  • Level II- An Associate degree and 12 additional units through an accredited program in the area(s) of social services, psychology, human services, drug & alcohol certification, or other related area is required.
  • Level III- A Bachelor’s degree in Human Development Services or a related field from an accredited school is required.

• Must have a minimum of 15 hours of Child Health and Safety training and maintain a current Infant and Child CPR First Aid certification or complete these requirements within 3 months of being hired
• Working with individuals or families with low-income households (preferred)
• Group facilitation skills and experience (preferred).

Knowledge of:

• Basic Child Development/Early Childhood Education (preferred)
• Local community resources related to children and families
• Head Start Performance Standards (preferred)
• Computer and internet use as relates to the duties of the position; prior use of Microsoft Office 365 preferred.

Ability to:

• Engage and work effectively with parents and other adults as well as with children from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds.
• Maintain professional relationships with families.
• Communicate clearly and appropriately both verbally and in writing in English (required); bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.
• Work flexible hours for scheduled weekend or evening activities as needed.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• For work-related driving, employee must have: a current, valid California driver’s license; a driving record that demonstrates the employee is a safe, appropriate driver as verified by a DMV print out; and, proof of personal automobile insurance; or reliable transportation with proof of automobile insurance.
• Employment is contingent on completion of a pre-employment health screening, and meeting TB test and regulatory immunization and vaccination requirements related to work in a Head Start Program and a licensed child care facility
• Employment is contingent on receipt by program of a Criminal Record Clearance confirming eligibility to work in a licensed childcare facility.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, listen, and communicate clearly.
• The employee frequently is required to sit; use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, use manual and automatic office equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; bend; reach down and stretch overhead; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds unassisted and may occasionally move and lift heavier materials with assistance using ergonomic guidelines.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The ability to travel during the day and/or night, sometimes long distance – possession of a valid California Driver’s License and access to an insured vehicle may be required occasionally.
• The employee may occasionally use kitchen equipment and implements that can be heavy, hot or sharp, as well as cleaning and sanitizing products.
• The employee may occasionally use computers, printers, telephones and other similar electronic office equipment.
• The environment at the assigned sites can be noisy and includes the comings and goings of small children and their families.

Note: This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the core essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)or California FEHA. Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.