Head Start Family Services Coordinator

Central Kentucky Community Action Council, Inc.•Springfield, KY

About The Position

The Family Services Coordinator creates, provides, and/or coordinates services and activities with families and communities that foster strength, healthy living, and overall well-being. The role coordinates, reviews, and implements child health functions, provides case-management-style support, and serves as a liaison among families, staff, communities, and family-related services. The coordinator helps parents, guardians, and adult family members become advocates for their children and families. The position supports family health and program participation by helping families obtain age-appropriate health screenings and exams, maintaining confidential health files, identifying eligible families and children, documenting eligibility, monitoring attendance, and supporting family partnership processes. It also builds community relationships and represents Head Start at community activities and events.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Willingness to obtain a credential or certification in social work, social services, family services, human services, or another related area within 18 months of hire.
Ability to lift, manipulate, or move objects weighing up to 60 pounds from one place to another.
Ability to lift objects from the floor to 18 inches above the shoulder.
Ability to drive or provide transportation for required travel in the specified county, counties, or service area.
Ability to meet the mobility and dexterity demands of job-related activities.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in social services or a related field and six months of related experience.

Responsibilities

Create and maintain a positive work environment where staff feel heard and valued, building relationships based on mutual trust and rapport.
Approach issues with a win-win attitude that respects the dignity of all parties.
Educate and engage parents or guardians to obtain age-appropriate health screenings and exams, with follow-up as needed.
Maintain health files according to agency procedures and confidentiality guidelines.
Demonstrate knowledge of health services and agency policies and procedures.
Promote safety through awareness and application of regulations.
Identify and recruit Head Start-eligible families and children, including children who are homeless, children with disabilities, and vulnerable populations.
Determine, verify, and document eligibility.
Work closely with the ERSEA Manager to maintain funded enrollment levels.
Interview parents or guardians as directed by policy and procedure, and work with ERSEA and the Center Manager to determine the best placement.
Monitor attendance and provide appropriate follow-up when absences are frequent.
Implement a trusting, collaborative, partnership-building process with each family.
Respect family values and cultures.
Identify each family’s risk and protective factors.
Establish professional roles and boundaries with families.
Promote families’ willingness to participate in the program and orient them to it.
Support families in the partnership process and help them set appropriate SMART goals according to program policy.
Establish community partnerships to gather resources and information beneficial to families.
Represent Head Start by attending community meetings, events, and functions.
Host family and community events that promote quality time, engage participants, and support the Head Start mission.