Family Development and Service Coordinator

Making Opportunity Count Inc•Gardner, MA

1d•$20 - $35•Hybrid

About The Position

Responsible for waitlist, enrollment, reassessment, and family supports. Provide high-quality parent, family, and community engagement, and social services to Early/Head Start toddlers, preschool children, and their families. Comply with Head Start Performance Standards, the Head Start Act, and other applicable regulations. Build partnerships with families to assist them in identifying their goals, strengths, needed services and support systems and in developing strategies and timetables for achieving their goals. Responsibilities include eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance. Participate in at least 20 hours of training per year to comply with EEC, QRIS, Head Start, and CACFP trainings. Enter all training/course work into EEC Professional Qualification Registry (PQR). Have a good knowledge of MOC policies and procedures, Head Start/Early Head Start, EEC licensing regulations and EEC regulations in relation to DCF and subsidized slots.

Requirements

Associates degree or certification in social work, human services, counseling, or related field.
Reliable vehicle, valid license, proof of liability vehicle insurance in accordance with EEC requirements.
Dependable and Flexible
Able to maintain confidentiality
Ability to work with other adults and children
Willingness to attend job related trainings outside of normal work hours.
Ability to follow directions
Bi-lingual staff must be able to speak, write and read in two languages, and assist with translations as necessary.
Good communication skills and the ability to interact sensitively with diverse populations.
Have computer proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and data-based software.
Organizational skills required in a fast-paced environment.
Have a working phone.
Able to react to new assignments positively and to handle other tasks as they arise.
Exhibit cultural sensitivity
Must have a suitable Background Record Check (BCR)
Follow MOC policies and procedures as described in the Staff Handbook and Personnel Policies as well as the Head Start Program Performance Standards and Dept. of Early Education and Care regulations
Fulfillment of all specific health and safety requirements (staff physical every two years, with evidence of Mantoux and MMR test, OSHA, first aid and CPR)
Must be in good physical and mental health and be able to lift children and/or work-related equipment, walk, bend, sit on floor and climb stairs.

Responsibilities

Enroll and appropriately place children who qualify for childcare.
Enter financial information for new and existing families into the CCFA system full day slots.
Complete reassessments as they are due.
Maintain financial/slot information and required EEC and program information in each child’s paper and electronic file.
Expected to complete all assigned slots at sites during the school year and summer months.
Conduct outreach, recruitment, and enrollment. Inform parents of program options and refer to appropriate program along with wait list information and assistance as needed.
Maintain communication with DCF social workers for supportive slots. Share information received as needed with Head Start FSC’s, FCC and School Age Coordinator on shared family members.
Follow procedures for entries in the data management systems, including case notes, services, and referrals.
Provide appropriate referrals and information on community resources.
Arrange and attend case conferences as appropriate.
Assist with arranging transportation services for children. Transportation coordination, for appointments, meetings, workshops, Policy Council, Health Advisory, and Parent Advisory, and screenings, will be conducted as needed.
Assist in following up on child absences.
Establish mutually respectful partnerships with families. Orientate parents on MOC’s Child Care and Head Start philosophy and services.
An initial Home Visit followed by regularly scheduled visits and/or primary substantial monthly contact will be conducted based on each family’s need and with input and direction from supervisor. Minimally, 3 Home Visits will be conducted each year with additional visits scheduled if needed by the family.
Utilize program software data system to develop strength-based assessment that describes the family’s strengths, resources, and support networks. Make appropriate referrals.
Develop a Family Partnership Agreement with each family and assist in setting and meeting individualized goals.
Advocate for families and support them to advocate for themselves and their children.
Collaborate with parents to participate in leadership and growth opportunities, such as Parent and Health Advisory’s, Policy Council, and Parent Committee’s. Encourage volunteerism and assist with program volunteer activities.
Follow the Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Framework by promoting engagement and school readiness. Be familiar with the child’s School Readiness goals and assist the parents in successful transitions.
Provide skill building activities for parents involving literacy, financial education, child development, nutrition, and health, and understanding their role as their child’s first teacher.
Encourage and assist families in the timely delivery of medical, dental, mental health, and nutrition services. Assist the health component staff with obtaining physicals, immunizations, dentals, and other health records.
Comply with Abuse and Neglect reporting policies. Intervene during family crises by offering assistance and resources as needed.
Responsible for family emergency (Blue card) information.
Assist with answering telephones
Assist with arranging early morning coverage when needed
Check and respond to agency emails on a regular basis
Participate in staff and building meetings
Serve as a productive team member on in-house and community interdisciplinary teams.
Must comply with MOC and Head Start neglect and abuse policy.
Demonstrate professional boundaries and confidentiality by communicating effectively and professionally, using verbal and nonverbal messages and reflective listening skills.
Notify supervisor and classroom when absent and arrange rescheduled responsibilities and/or communicate coverage needs.