Family Services Worker - Interim

Community Teamwork • Lowell, MA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Interim Family Service Worker works closely with families and classroom staff to promote family engagement and school readiness. This role is responsible for providing entry-level case management to clients and their families.

Requirements

• 1-2 years’ experience in human services or early education.
• Desire to work with low income, culturally diverse, and at-risk families and individuals.
• Proof of MMR and recent physical.
• Excellent Customer Service, organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient computer skills required in basic computer software and data collection systems.
• Successful CORI/DCF review prior to employment which includes fingerprinting.
• Excellent crisis management skills.
• Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in a Human Services related field.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with parents and/or young children preferred.
• Proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, Khmer or Arabic preferred.

Responsibilities

• Welcome families into the program via Parent Orientation and Enrollment Meetings and encourage parents to become engaged in the program’s decision-making process through participation on the Policy Council, Parent Committee, classroom activities and training opportunities.
• Complete intake and needs assessments with each family, which may involve a broad range of areas including housing, finance & budgeting, employment, education, food & nutrition, school & daycare, legal issues, health, parenting, and daily living skills.
• Maintain the structure and policies of the program through orientation of participants by reviewing program rules, policies, and case management visits.
• Complete home visits with assigned families at least semi-annually.
• Interview and evaluate clients to formulate Individualized Family Partnership Agreements based on Program requirements.
• Work closely with families to identify and build upon strengths and develop strategies to address barriers and concerns identified through the assessment process.
• Establish, evaluate and monitor goals for clients linked to measurable outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary team of collateral providers and partners to ensure coordination of services.
• Advocate on behalf of clients.
• Provide support, referrals, and guidance to parents for themselves and their children.
• Work closely with classroom staff to promote school readiness for assigned children and families.
• Plan and facilitate Parent Committee meetings.
• Recruit children and families to participate in the Early Learning Program or School Age, including children with diagnosed disabilities.
• Monitor child attendance in accordance with attendance procedures and support families to maintain consistent attendance.
• Gather and maintain child and family health and other documentation to comply with Head Start/EEC mandates.
• Assist families with transitions into and out of Head Start, and into other educational and childcare settings.
• Maintain accurate case records by documenting all services rendered including up to date case notes, telephone contact logs and referrals.
• Enter required data into the agency databases with reporting as required.
• Provide emergency response management to address any crises or safety issues that may arise.

Benefits

• 4 Weeks of Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Leave, 12 paid holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance, Critical Illness and Accident Insurance, Pet Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement, Career Advancement and Professional Development Opportunities
• 5% employer contribution to your 401(k) retirement account after 6 months of employment
• Great co-workers and a great mission with an outstanding Community Action offering a chance to help make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level