Family Services Associate

Pacific Clinics • Pasadena, CA

3d

About The Position

The Family Services Associate provides comprehensive support to families through a family-centered case management approach, helping them identify and achieve their goals. The role guides families in creating and implementing Family Partnership Agreements, conducts family needs assessments, and oversees child files, enrollment applications, recruitment, resources, and referrals. It also assists with child health requirements and other screenings and assessments. As part of the social services network coordinated by Head Start/Early Head Start, the position contributes to program goals. Caseloads and/or center locations may be reassigned as needed to meet program needs.

Requirements

• Associate degree required; a bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, family services, or a related field is preferred.
• If the degree requirement is not met, staff hired after November 7, 2016, must obtain within 18 months of hire at least a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field, in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards 1302.91(e).
• Two or more years of experience in social work, administration, or a similar field.
• Demonstrated understanding of Head Start Performance Standards and local childcare licensing regulations.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work within deadlines and maintain time-management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a Windows environment, including MS Office and Excel, and with databases.
• Maintain DOJ, FBI, and Child Abuse Index clearance.
• Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, and an insurable driving record under the Clinics' liability policy.
• Full background check and TB exam required.
• Must be available, as requested, for evening and weekend meetings and social or community events.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, family services, or a related field.
• Bilingual ability, preferably Spanish, Armenian, Chinese, or Mandarin.
• Experience with the COPA database.

Responsibilities

• Work with parents to develop Family Partnership Agreements and carry out follow-up plans.
• Participate in in-service training, workshops, conferences, and college courses to enhance skills.
• Recruit prospective families, assist with enrollment, monitor attendance, and follow up as appropriate.
• Serve as a case manager and collaborate with local agencies to connect families with community services and resources.
• Assist with child health screenings and other required screenings and assessments, and understand referral requirements.
• Submit referrals for children and families as needed and document follow-up actions in COPA.
• Share information with teachers, while respecting family confidentiality, to coordinate services for children and families.
• Provide health, safety, and family literacy activities to parents as appropriate.
• Collaborate with teachers and Family Child Care providers to encourage parent engagement, including classroom visits, volunteering, and participation in family events.
• Coordinate and advocate for community services and develop knowledge of community resources and partnerships.
• Refer families for emergency or crisis assistance.
• Connect families with continuing education, employment training, and other employment services through community networking.
• Arrange or refer families to educational interventions, counseling opportunities, and information about mental health, child abuse and neglect, and domestic violence.
• Attend parent/teacher conferences as requested.
• Assist teaching staff with Parent Committee meetings and other parent activities.
• Help families transition into and out of the Early Head Start/Head Start Program.
• Perform data entry and maintain accurate, up-to-date child and family information in the COPA database.
• Submit requested reports, including monthly summary tracking reports, and follow up with families to assess whether referred services met their needs and expectations.
• Maintain and provide data for the annual Program Information Report (PIR).
• Attend workshops, meetings, staff and parent meetings, and activities as required or directed by the immediate supervisor.
• Promote Head Start positively in the community.
• Communicate with patience and tact with children, families, staff, management, referral sources, and the public.
• Report to work on time and maintain reliable, regular attendance.
• Model Pacific Clinics’ approach, mission, and core values in communications and correspondence.
• Communicate effectively with a culturally competent and diverse consumer population and promote favorable interactions with managers, coworkers, and others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement options.
• Flexible spending.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Benefits eligibility starts on Day 1.
• Employee engagement and advocacy opportunities to advance the agency’s justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion agenda.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree