Family Services Associate

AKA Head Start•La Mesa, CA

About The Position

All Kids Academy Head Start is looking to add a dedicated Family Services Associate to our team that seeks to join us in our mission to close the achievement gap by providing quality school readiness programs and comprehensive services to children, families, and communities in East County. Summary Under the leadership of the Manager of Program Content Support & Family Services, the Family Services Associate plays a key role in supporting families enrolled in the Head Start program. This position is responsible for ongoing recruitment and enrollment of families, fostering strong family and community engagement, and ensuring compliance with health services requirements at the center level. The Family Services Associate must adhere to All Kids Academy Head Start policies and procedures, Head Start Performance Standards, California Department of Education regulations, and all other applicable guidelines.

Requirements

Associate degree in social services or related field required. Bachelor’s degree in social services or related field preferred.
Two years’ experience as a case manager, social worker or family support position preferred.
Must obtain a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or related field within 18 months of hire.
Knowledge of: Culturally diverse populations and families of low income demographic
Knowledge of: Local educational and community resources
Ability to: Follow directions and work independently
Ability to: Effectively communicate in the English language, including oral and written communication
Ability to: Work positively with young children and adults
Ability to: Operate computers with an advanced understanding of Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to: Take directives and implement written and oral instructions
Ability to: Work in a team environment
Ability to: Maintain confidentiality for children, families, program, and agency
Ability to: Communicate with people of various educational, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds
Ability to: Establish and maintain effective, working relationships with children, parents, and staff
Ability to: Demonstrate effective organization and prioritization skills
Ability to: Demonstrate competency with technology
Ability to: Be proactive and problem-solve
Must be able to regularly drive to sites, trainings, and home visits
Must have the ability to sit for extended periods
Must be able to work at a computer for extended periods
Must be able to regularly stand to file miscellaneous documents in filing cabinets
Occasional bending, stooping and lifting up to 30 pounds
Good manual dexterity to be able to input data using a computer terminal keyboard
Must have excellent speaking and hearing abilities
Specific vision abilities required are close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in social services or related field preferred.
Two years’ experience as a case manager, social worker or family support position preferred.
12 semester units of Early Childhood Education or Child Development courses, including three semester units in Infant/Toddler Development preferred.
Knowledge of: Head Start Policies and Procedures preferred
Child Care and Licensing regulations.

Responsibilities

Participate in staff development activities as assigned
Accurately enter all required data into designated record keeping system
Complete reports and maintain records in an efficient and effective manner in compliance with the Head Start programs and The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) including weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports
Maintain and organize highly confidential family records and enter data and run reports utilizing electronic tracking systems
Assist teaching staff in maintaining staff/child ratios
Perform any other tasks deemed necessary by the center director
Participate in Ad Hoc committees for event planning, review and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures, staff development planning, etc.
Respond to telephone and online enrollment inquiries
Collaborate and coordinate with community partners
Contribute and present ideas to improve efficiency and productivity
Attend additional meetings and trainings to expand knowledge and experience.