Family Development Specialist - Head Start

Salisbury-Rowan Community Action Agency•Thomasville, NC

4d•$19

About The Position

The Family Development Specialist will provide quality, comprehensive support services to children/families participating in the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. This position will assist parents in enhancing their role as the primary influence in their child's education and development. The Family Development Specialist will establish parental involvement in child developmental activities and educational programs along with working with parents to set goals and access appropriate support services. This position will be responsible for creating training programs and facilitating positive parent, school and student relationships. The Family Development Specialist will also determine participant eligibility and coordinate child/family enrollment.

Requirements

Credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field.
Skilled and efficient with basic computer operating systems and software.
Daily use of ChildPlus system for required documentation.
Must obtain a First Aid and Infant/Child CPR card within 90 days of hiring and keep current.
Daily travel (personal vehicle) may be required in order to successfully perform the duties of this position.
Maintaining a valid NC driver's license, auto insurance, reliable transportation and having an acceptable driving record (MVR) are required.
Ability to identify family strengths and plan/advocate around family goals.
Competence in planning, organizing, scheduling, recordkeeping, and staff and parent communications.
Ability to relate effectively with children, families, community members, and staff of diverse backgrounds.
Ability to build relationships and collaborate with other community agencies.
Interest and ability to advocate with and on behalf of low-income, diverse families
Continued professional development (conferences, training, etc.)

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in human services or related field of study, and 3 years of experience in a human service program, or serving low-income families.
Transcripts will be required to validate degrees/classes, which may require confirmation of up to 16 credit hours of coursework relating to Early Childhood Education.

Responsibilities

Recruits eligible children/families for the purpose of providing comprehensive services
Strives to maintain full enrollment and serve families most in need of services according to federal guidelines
Assesses family and infant/child needs (e.g. conducts surveys, interviews, etc.) for the purpose of determining eligibility and/or developing an action plan to remove barriers to a child's success in school.
Assists parents in a variety of areas (e.g. filling out forms/surveys, health, nutrition living skills, budgeting, job skills, goal setting, etc.) for the purpose of developing an action plan to remove barriers to child's school readiness and supporting the family in basic life skills and economic stability.
Encourages family involvement and orients prospective participants (e.g. site tours, program overview and eligibility requirements, benefits, etc.) for the purpose of establishing familiarity with the Head Start program, services, and required processes.
Provides or assists with health screenings, immunization verifications, and other outside agency referrals (e.g. hearing, vision, immunization compliance, height/weight relationships, etc.) for the purpose of promoting needed treatment and complying with program requirements.
Conducts home visits for the purpose of enrolling students in the program, interviewing parents, informing parents of school and/or community resources and provides child and family development/parenting information, and helps family set and reach goals.
Develops individualized health, nutrition, and family support plans for all enrolled children for the purpose of furthering family goals, plans, and success strategies.
Reports suspected incidents (e.g. physical, sexual and/or substance abuse, contagious diseases, etc.) to appropriate parties for the purpose of maintaining student's personal health and safety and adhering to agency policies.
Maintains a variety of manual and electronic records, (e.g., program participation, contact sheets, family file, Child Plus database, agency referrals, etc.) for the purpose of documenting and tracking required data and information on program participants.
Other duties as deemed necessary by the Center Manager to ensure the smooth operation of the HS/EHS program
Participates in workshops, meetings, community events, etc. (e.g. partner meetings, conferences, etc.) for the purpose of receiving and/or presenting information.
Provides outreach to low income communities, community leaders and organizations for the purpose of recruiting families to Head Start, developing resources, and building partnerships with community members.
Plans and facilitates family meetings and parent involvement events (e.g. health and welfare, nutrition, counseling, etc.) for the purpose of providing for family support needs and complying with program regulations.
Responsible for the recruitment of parent and community volunteers, including assisting with planning and coordinating annual volunteer recognition program.
Responsible for assisting with Parent Committee, Health Services and School Readiness Advisory Committee, and Policy Council contacts.
Work in association with the Center Manager or other designated partner to support center-based recruitment activities/plans.
Actively work to identify and support volunteer efforts/engagement that promote HS/EHS programs and children
Required to administer job duties in accordance with Head Start program standards for the purpose of ensuring program eligibility and compliance with mandated regulations.
Required to submit monthly data reports, documentation of parent meetings, training and referrals.
Responsible for maintaining compliance with Agency Policy and Procedures, Head Start Performance Standards, and North Carolina Day Care Rules and Regulations.
Establish and monitor services that ensure program quality and compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
Responsible for reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (whether witnessed or made aware of) to immediate supervisor and/or HS/EHS Director immediately after becoming aware.
Responsible for maintaining training hours as directed by the Division of Child Development and Day Care Licensing requirements through Agency pre-service and in service, workshops, conferences, etc. (as applicable to position).
Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively to provide quality, seamless customer service.
Responsible for adhering to professional development plan including renewal of annual credentials (which are required for continued employment in this position).
Must be able to periodically attend out of town conferences and training sessions as needed
Support recruitment plans to assure full enrollment in program
Support enrollment and attendance to assure full program capacity (enrollment)
Work with PFCE Coordinator regarding enrollment of all children including 10% with disabilities