Family Service Liaison

Fort Valley State University•Fort Valley, GA

14h

About The Position

Fort Valley State University (FVSU), a state and land-grant institution in the University System of Georgia, is hiring a Family Service Liaison for its Head Start program. Under the general supervision of the Center Manager, the liaison helps ensure that the classroom operates in accordance with FVSU Head Start policies and procedures and Head Start Performance Standards. The role works with families, staff, service providers, and community agencies to support family and child services, maintain enrollment, arrange referrals and follow-ups, coordinate screenings, and complete program documentation. The liaison also supports parent engagement and meetings, maintains confidential family files and data, and participates in relevant trainings and meetings. The position requires a bachelor's degree in social service or a related field, or qualifying experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social service or a related field; or two years of social work or similar experience in an agency providing services to children and families and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; write routine reports and correspondence; and speak effectively to parents, staff, providers, and community groups.
Basic arithmetic skills, including working with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, rates, ratios, and percentages, and interpreting bar graphs.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammed, or scheduled instructions.
Ability to work positively, productively, and supportively with families and individuals from varied lifestyles.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Basic understanding of family dynamics, growth and development, parenting issues, relationships, and human needs.
Basic knowledge of community resources and how to access services for children and families.
Valid Georgia driver's license and clear driving record.
Must pass a criminal record clearance.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including standing, sitting, walking, handling objects or controls, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and lifting or moving items up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Responsibilities

Recruit eligible families through health fairs, community events, and communication with partner agencies.
Coordinate with the Family and Community Partnership Manager and other Family Advocates to ensure services are delivered on time and full enrollment is maintained.
Interview families to identify strengths and needs; develop follow-up plans and make referrals as needed.
Complete required developmental, nutritional, mental health, and sensory screeners within the agency timeline.
Ensure children receive required health and nutrition assessments, physical and dental exams, and immunization documentation, and that immunizations are up to date for their age.
Encourage parent involvement and assist with parent meetings.
Collect in-kind donations from parents and community members.
Assist health providers with health-related screenings at the assigned site or designated locations within the first 45 days of enrollment.
Ensure Family Development Plans are completed quarterly.
Submit daily attendance reports to the Family and Community Partnership Manager by email by 9:30 a.m. and enter attendance into the program data-tracking system.
Build relationships with the community and service agencies.
Develop Family Partnership Agreements with families, set goals, and conduct monthly follow-ups.
Assist with Family Assessments and the Community Resource Book.
Work with staff to support all service areas.
Conduct parent orientation, organizational meetings, officer and Policy Council representative elections, parliamentary training, and monthly parent meetings.
Assist in gathering information for the community assessment.
Conduct home visits as needed.
Maintain records and confidentiality; keep family files organized in a locked cabinet.
Collect and provide programmatic information as required by FVSU Head Start.
Enter family and child data, including complete application packages and follow-ups, into the program data-tracking system as required.
Attend relevant agency meetings, including Family Advocate trainings and meetings, and meet regularly with the Family and Community Partnership Manager.
Communicate regularly with Family Child Care providers about the needs of FVSU Head Start families.
Respect staff members’ rights and privacy and maintain confidentiality in accordance with university and program policies and legal requirements.
Attend required trainings and meetings and pursue staff development opportunities.
Work collaboratively with staff and maintain a positive work ethic; perform duties honestly, reliably, and punctually.