Parents as Teachers Educator

Sieda Community Action•Sigourney, IA

69d•Hybrid

About The Position

Sieda Community Action is seeking a Parents as Teachers Educator for Keokuk and Iowa County. Under the supervision of the Parents as Teachers Program Manager, this position is responsible for the implementation and delivery of Parents as Teachers services in the Iowa, Jefferson, and Keokuk Early Childhood Iowa area. Programming will occur primarily within the family’s home, with each visit lasting at least one hour. Services follow the model and curriculum of the Parents as Teachers National Center (PATNC), focusing on family-centered, strength-based approaches to establish trusting relationships. The role empowers families to understand their role as the primary educators of their children and partners with other professionals as referral sources and recipients for comprehensive care.

Requirements

Requires completion of an associate degree in education/Social Work/Family Services or related field from an accredited college or university and 5 years’ experience working with children and/or families.
OR A bachelor’s degree in education/Social Work/Family Services or related field from an accredited four-year college or university and 2 years’ experience working with children and/or families.
Moderate level computer knowledge and experience.
Ability to enter documentation and data into databases required by agency/funder/model.
Ability to use Google and Microsoft software applications/programs (calendar/Gmail/docs/sheets/drive/Word etc.) with minimal training and perform simple maintenance to keep computers operational.
Ability to invite/schedule/attend/present virtual meetings using various platforms (Zoom, Google Meet, Webex etc.).
Ability to maintain and operate a laptop computer and agency issued cell phone.
Ability to work in a highly confidential setting.
Ability to understand, learn, and adapt to new technology.
Must be available to work varying work hours for special events/trainings.
Ability to speak comfortably and effectively one-on-one and in group settings.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents relating to the program and agency.
Ability to write accurate, timely and quality documentation of services.
Ability to speak to families in a way that is both respectful and compels positive change.
Ability to relate to families using a strength-based model at all times.
Ability to define barriers, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to recognize conflict and work towards a solution.
Ability to interpret and follow policies/procedures and maintain contractual compliance in the delivery of program services.
Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries, while providing supportive services.
Ability to be proactive and use forward thinking in addressing barriers, conflicts and setbacks.
Ability to assist families with developing a family goal plan that is individualized and attainable.
Ability to be solution focused.
Ability to connect and engage with enrolled families consistently.

Nice To Haves

Obtain certification that requires additional hours of job-related training.
Foundational and Model Implementation Training is a requirement of the Sieda PAT Program. PAT Educators must attend this training before delivering PAT Model services.
Successfully complete the DAISEY and Penelope training before use of the programs.
The National Certification Exam for Home Visitors is a requirement of Sieda PAT as an ECI-funded program. This exam must be passed, and certification must be obtained within 1 year of employment.
Following the passing of the NCE and their first year of Employment, is a requirement of Sieda PAT as an ECI-funded program, staff with an AA only will begin working towards their BA, which must be completed within 4 years of their employment start date.
Parent educators obtain competency-based professional development and renew certification with the national office (PATNC) annually.
Obtain all training and background checks required for agency/model/funder within required timeframes.

Responsibilities

Conduct all PAT work/home visits/Group Connections/Documentation/Assessments and screenings in accordance with the PATNC Essential Requirements and Quality Standards and all Sieda/EFSS Unit policies and procedures.
Travel is required to meet PAT Program requirements.
Build trusting relationships with families through interpersonal skills, consistency and rapport.
Advocate for families to ensure they are supported and encouraged.
Provide trauma-informed services to ensure safety/feeling safe for all participants.
Deliver services in a culturally competent manner, being sensitive to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
Develop and maintain accurate, complete and current PAT case files for each family.
Maintain a caseload through recruitment and enrollment of families.
Raise awareness and build the program around evidence-based practices that support the importance of enhancing school readiness by reaching children during the critical, formative years of life.
Attend and participate in all supervision meetings and monthly staff meetings with the PAT Program Manager and/or the Economic and Family Support Services Director.
Provide information, programming, and other activities to the PAT families specific to their service area.
Connect families to resources that help them reach their goals and address their needs.
Collect data for compiling the monthly and annual reports.
Submit data when needed to the PAT Program Manager and/or the Economic and Family Support Services Director.
Participate in meetings with other area partner agencies.
Assist the PAT Program Manager in providing temporary recruitment and home visitation services in the event of an emergency, caseload vacancy, or other disruption of normal delivery services.
Communicate all pertinent information to the PAT Program Manager and/or EFSS Director consistently and timely.
Perform other duties deemed necessary to support the PAT Program/Economic and Family Support Services/Sieda.
Maintain consistent, regular contact with assigned families in designated counties of coverage.
Actively engage with children whenever they are present.
Foster partnerships with other providers, represent Sieda and promote the Parents As Teachers program by providing information, giving presentations and/or materials when able for coordination of services.
Assist with transition, dual parent/caregiver involvement, referrals for: health, nutrition, mental health, accessing transportation, special needs and other barriers to success.
Develop and maintain working partnerships with other providers, to include informing them of program openings regularly.
Assist families to develop and achieve meaningful goals which promote family stability and growth.
Plan and conduct monthly group socialization activities which promote healthy child-parent/caregiver relationships as well as allowing parents/caregivers and their children to come together to learn from one another.
Observe, record, and plan for the particular needs of the child and family as part of an on-going planning and group socialization program.
Work to see that program enrolled children will receive a full range of needed health, dental, nutrition, mental health, and other health related treatment and preventive interventions.
Work to recruit and maintain a full caseload of families in their service area.
Support and model the agency’s mission, vision, and values.
Maintain a regular attendance pattern to ensure continuity of services and adequate staff coverage.
Demonstrate professional behavior at all times including personal appearance and maintaining an orderly and functioning office area.
Treat all individuals in a courteous, non-judgmental, reasonable and confidential manner.