Family Development Specialist (Fresno)

Fresno County EOC • Fresno, CA

367d

About The Position

The Family Development Specialist is responsible for curriculum planning and implementation, and family goals development of the Early Head Start (EHS) program. Provides services through a home visitation caseload of infants/toddlers and their families or pregnant mothers per the Head Start Program Performance Standards, philosophy and mission.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree in Child Development (CD)/Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field with a minimum of 18 units in CD/ECE and three (3) Infant/Toddler units required.
• Must complete (3) Infant/Toddler units within 12 months of employment required.
• One (1) year of related work experience in a social services, infant/toddler service or Early Childhood Education/Child Development program required.
• Possess and maintain valid CPR/First Aid certification or obtain certification within one year of hire, required.
• Must possess and maintain Food Handlers Certification or obtain within thirty (30) days of employment, required.
• In-depth knowledge of infant/toddler growth and development, and family development required.
• Knowledge of adult learning processes.
• Knowledge of Head Start philosophy, guidelines and Head Start Program Performance Standards, and child abuse reporting laws.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related business software.
• Effective presentation, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize workload.
• Maintain a valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, adequate auto insurance as required by State law, and insurability by agency carrier for those driving agency vehicles.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Child Development (CD)/Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field with a minimum of 18 units in CD/ECE and three (3) Infant/Toddler units preferred.
• Previous experience working with low income and high-risk families of diverse cultures desirable.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish or other secondary language may be required based on the needs of the clients and the program.
• Former Head Start 0 to 5 parents preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct service to identified Early Head Start families and their infants/toddlers including children with disabilities through home visits and organizing socializations.
• Contributes to the development, evaluation, and revision of the EHS infant/family curriculum.
• Maintains a fully enrolled caseload year round.
• Participates in child/family recruitment efforts in assigned geographic area throughout Fresno County.
• Participates in Enrollment, Recruitment, Selection, Eligibility and Attendance (ERSEA).
• Completes forms, maintains written records and prepares program reports as directed.
• Maintains written documentation for family files.
• Maintains close contact with the assigned EHS Home Base Services Supervisor, ERSEA Coordinator and Family Engagement/Volunteer Services Coordinator.
• Assists families in identifying strengths and needs; develops individual Family and Child Development Curriculum Plans to meet their needs.
• Schedules and conducts one ninety-minute home visit per week with each family, ensuring inclusion of child development, nutrition, health and safety, and parent education activities.
• Conducts and interprets assessments of child's developmental needs.
• Plans/conducts socializations for enrolled infants/toddlers and families.
• Obtains children's health histories and ensures that physical examinations are obtained from a physician, Child Health and Disability Prevention Program, or other source.
• Works with parents to ensure that all immunizations and other medical and/or dental follow-up are completed.
• Refers families to community resources as needed.
• Assists families by providing education about selecting quality care/ pre-school programs.
• Follows procedures for mandatory reporting for suspected child abuse.
• Builds nurturing relationships with families and helps family members evaluate their growth and development.
• Works with parents, pregnant mothers, infants and/or toddlers individually and in small groups on age-appropriate activities that promote language, cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.
• Involves parents in program activities, Local Parent Meetings (LPM) activities, and County Wide Policy Council (CWPC).
• Assists in planning and facilitating parent meetings, i.e., LPM meetings, parent education meetings.
• Participates in childcare during parent events as required.
• Establishes positive partnerships with community resource providers.
• Regularly collaborates with Part C providers for children with Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).
• Maintains strict compliance with universal health precautions including home visits, group socializations, and when administering first aid.
• Attends and participates in conferences, meetings and trainings, as required.
• Interacts with all children, families, co-workers and community members in a responsible and respectful, kind and friendly, and professional manner per Head Start 0 to 5 Pyramid Teaching Model expectations.
• Models professionalism for staff, parents, children, clients, and community members. Promotes a collaborative environment within the service areas, program, and agency.
• Actively encourages and embraces diversity.
• Adheres to the American With Disabilities Act (ADA-1992) which prohibits discriminatory actions toward children and/or adult with disabilities.
• Maintains confidentiality of records and information on Head Start 0 to 5 staff, children and families.
• Travels for agency business using reliable transportation.
• Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.
• Works evenings and weekends as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Community Development
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees