Preschool Family Services Assistant (Van Nuys)

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Los Angeles, CA

103d•$20 - $24

About The Position

The Family Services Assistant supports Head Start, Early Head Start, and State Preschool programs by recruiting and enrolling families, helping families meet program requirements, and connecting them with support services. Under the direction of the Family Services Engagement Coordinator, the assistant manages an assigned caseload, completes family assessments, supports family goal-setting and self-sufficiency, and collaborates with site staff, coordinators, and community organizations. The role also supports health and nutrition requirements, maintains accurate records and program data, and facilitates referrals and multidisciplinary coordination. The position requires travel among work sites across Los Angeles County and home visits.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field; alternatively, a Family Development Credential and high school diploma or GED.
At least one year of experience in a social service or educational setting involving Head Start and other educational or community service programs that promote family and student engagement.
Direct experience working with children ages 0 to 5, parent education services, and family support and referral services, or similar experience.
Bilingual English/Spanish ability, including the ability to present information and respond to questions from groups in both languages.
Valid Class C California driver’s license and proof of auto liability insurance.
TB test clearance, renewed every two years.
Current Adult, Child, and Infant CPR and AED First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain it within 60 days of hire.
Verification of immunizations required by the California Department of Health, including Pertussis, Measles, and Influenza.
DOJ clearance and completion of all other required background checks.
Ability to pass a comprehensive health examination, including a TB test.
Ability to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation, including frequent lifting, pushing, or pulling of 25 to 50 pounds; fine finger dexterity and visual acuity; and the ability to speak and hear clearly.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of Head Start and California Department of Education requirements.

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of Head Start and Early Head Start families at assigned sites and carry out applicable Head Start, LACOE, and California Department of Education requirements.
Enter and maintain program information in LACOE’s ChildPlus database and other databases, and complete required reports.
Conduct ongoing outreach and recruitment for assigned Head Start and State Preschool programs; participate in and help coordinate recruitment and tabling events.
Complete enrollment and family assessments for Head Start, Early Head Start, CSPP, and CCTR families.
Report enrollment vacancies and classroom attendance information promptly to support full enrollment.
Establish and maintain current individual files for each child and family.
Complete strengths-and-needs assessments, provide family goal-setting opportunities, and help families attain milestones toward self-sufficiency.
Facilitate parent activities, workshops, and training that promote advocacy, involvement, literacy, and parental engagement.
Collaborate with Site Directors to plan and implement monthly parent meetings and communicate effectively with families.
Provide families with resources and referrals, maintain partnerships with community-based organizations, and invite community programs to parent meetings in response to family needs and interests.
Conduct hearing and vision screenings and growth assessments, ensuring they are completed within required timelines.
Obtain, review, and document required medical and dental information; provide families with health-related forms and information about medications, allergies, and other health needs.
Work with the Health and Nutrition Coordinator to keep site allergy-alert lists current and properly posted.
Ensure child health records are complete, current, accurate, and entered into ChildPlus by required deadlines; communicate children’s health and nutrition needs to Site Directors and teachers.
Follow up with assigned families based on ERSEA, FCE, and Health/Nutrition reports; maintain case notes and records and prepare periodic reports.
Monitor attendance and absences and document follow-up with families.
Collaborate with the Family Services Engagement Coordinator on referrals for services such as disability and mental health support, and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings.
Facilitate information exchange between assigned families and content-area specialists through the referral process.
Attend required staff and coordinator meetings and training, including LACOE meetings as needed.
Follow YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management; demonstrate YMCA values and leadership competencies.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.