Early Learning Specialist

Jewish Family & Children's Service of Minnesota•Golden Valley, MN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

JFCS is a replication site of the international ParentChild+ program that delivers an evidence-based early literacy, parenting, and school readiness home visiting program, committed to closing the opportunity gap by providing low-income families the skills and materials they need to prepare their children for school and life success. The ParentChild+ Early Learning Specialist (ELS) follows national guidelines in implementing the program with families. ELS provides visits to the participant’s home or community location, bringing program materials to each program participant. The participant can choose virtual visits as desired. The ELS models effective ways for parents or caregivers to increase their verbal interaction and prepare children for school success by learning through play with the use carefully selected books and toys that are provided. ELS also connects families with community resources to empower each program participant. ELS are responsible for record/data management, required to attend mandatory weekly staff meetings on Friday mornings, and required to participate in ParentChild+ family recruitment efforts for ParentChild+ families on their caseload. This is a part time position working during an academic calendar year with summers off work. Caseload will be 8-14 children with average work hours ranging from 19-31 hours per week based on caseload size.

Requirements

Minimum of two years of experience working with culturally, economically and educationally diverse families – including specific expertise with immigrant/refugee communities and low-income/generational poverty communities is preferred.
Experience working with children ages one to four years, either volunteer or professional.
Demonstrated ability in facilitating program evaluations and manage data collection.
Demonstrated ability in fulfilling accurate and timely electronic record keeping responsibilities.
Sincere commitment to consistently reflect JFCS values of compassion, inclusion, innovation, integrity and collaboration.
Proven ability to compassionately engage with people from across all backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses and mental and physical abilities.
Passion for early childhood learning and development of positive parenting skills.
Strong outreach and networking skills with ability to build professional relationships with healthy boundaries.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Solid time management and task prioritization skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook along with ability to use client and program databases.
Actively contribute to the agency community by participating in committees, workgroups, or other collaborative efforts that support agency goals and foster a positive work environment.
Must have a car, valid driver’s license, auto insurance with appropriate coverage limits, and clean driving record.

Nice To Haves

specific expertise with immigrant/refugee communities and low-income/generational poverty communities

Responsibilities

Conduct 2 weekly in-person visits with a caseload of 8-14 children.
Provide weekly delivery of program materials to each program participant’s home for use during visits.
Provide virtual visits with families who prefer virtual visits over the standard service delivery model of in-person in-home visits.
Reach the program goal of 46 or more visits per child during the program year.
Complete and organize daily session notes on each visit within 5 business days of the visit, program records, daily paperwork and required evaluations as directed.
Participate in weekly staff meetings and regular supervision meetings.
Participate in ParentChild+ participant recruitment efforts.
Provide information and referrals to community resources for program participants as needed.