118 - Family Case Worker

COMMUNITY ACTION ORGANIZATION OF WESTERN NEW YORK INC•Buffalo, NY

4d•$18 - $19

About The Position

The Family Case Worker supports Head Start families by connecting them with resources and helping them achieve their goals. The position includes recruitment and enrollment, needs assessment, family goal setting, ongoing support, and case management. The worker serves as a liaison between the program, families, and the community. The role also supports children’s health and development through screenings, referrals, education, documentation, and coordination with families and staff. It involves maintaining program and health records, building community-resource connections, encouraging parent participation, and assisting with classroom coverage and emergencies as needed.

Requirements

Associate degree in Social Work, Social Services, Sociology, Human Services, Psychology, Early Childhood Development, or a related field, or equivalent training and experience.
Previous experience with community work and working with diverse families.
Nursing- or health-related skills, or education in child development.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Active listening, writing, and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of community resources.
Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, and best practices in family support and early childhood development.
Knowledge of child and family healthcare.
Strong organizational and time management abilities.
Ability to build trusting relationships with families from diverse backgrounds.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to listen actively, hear, and communicate verbally; write and type; sit frequently; tolerate moderate to loud noise; and lift or move up to 25 pounds.
Physical examination record or passing a physical examination by a CAO physician.
Valid NYS Driver’s License and proof of motor vehicle insurance coverage.
Complete the CAO Employment application, NYS SCR Clearance Form with acceptable clearance, Criminal Record Certification, and Release for Reference Checks.
Be free of criminal convictions for crimes against children, misdemeanor or felony.
Complete required fingerprinting.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Head Start/Early Head Start experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

Recruit, identify, and enroll eligible families in the Head Start Program.
Maintain attendance records and ensure funded enrollment is maintained.
Work with families to identify their strengths, needs, and goals as they work toward self-sufficiency.
Act as liaison between the program, families, and the community.
Complete screenings and interviews during application and enrollment, and assign children to classrooms.
Conduct health screenings, including growth and developmental assessments, blood pressure, vision, and hearing; obtain information for children with suspected disabilities; and ensure identified children receive medical and/or dental treatment.
Provide health and mental health education to children, parents, and staff.
Maintain enrollment records, health data tracking system, immunization surveys, Individualized Family Partnership Agreements (IFPA), nutrition assessments, and parent interest survey forms.
Prepare data for computer entry, including Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) data.
Prepare Program Information Reports (PIF), health summaries, in-kind reports, and correspondence with families.
Develop and maintain a network of community resources for family and child referrals, and follow up with agencies on progress.
Coordinate with staff to ensure parental participation in classroom activities and field trips.
Assist staff and parents in developing community projects.
Assist with classroom and other coverage as needed, including center emergencies, field trips, first aid, and accompanying children and/or staff to a hospital for emergency treatment when necessary.
Maintain the parent area in a neat and inviting manner.
Maintain and stock first aid kits.
Remain with children left after school or returned by the bus.
Provide transportation for parents using an agency or privately owned vehicle.
Participate in the Child/Family Study Team process.
Attend agency and community meetings, workshops, and trainings.
Present a professional image in conduct, attitude, and attire.
Complete mandatory trainings satisfactorily.
Perform additional duties as assigned.