PROGRAM ASSISTANT – PARENT ENGAGEMENT

Neighborhood House Association•San Diego, CA

1d•$24 - $27

About The Position

Under the direction of the Area Director, the Program Assistant – Parent Engagement manages projects and activities designed to implement an integrated, multifaceted parent engagement service delivery system. The position coordinates family engagement services for children and families enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start, supports staff and parents through training and activities, and helps ensure that engagement strategies align with program requirements and the Family and Community Engagement Framework. The role also supports program planning, evaluation, reporting, recordkeeping, and development of procedures and resource materials. Work is regularly performed in an office environment for planning purposes, with travel to centers to conduct site visits and provide staff support.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Child Development or a closely related field, or at least three years of increasingly responsible experience providing direct services to low-income children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds, including experience designing, planning, and implementing parent engagement activities.
At least three years of experience in a program that emphasizes the parent's role in the child's development.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to Head Start and assigned areas of responsibility.
Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and the Head Start Act.
Knowledge of NHA goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of child development theories and strategies, community resources, and adult learning concepts.
Knowledge of computers and related software programs.
Ability to organize, set priorities, exercise sound independent judgment, and interpret, apply, and explain program regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to instruct and train individuals in groups and one-on-one.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and prepare clear, concise, accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
Ability to use tact, objectivity, sensitivity, strategy, and judgment when working with volunteers, parents, and staff.
Ability to develop and implement program plans, organize work across multiple assignments, and follow up on assigned tasks.
Ability to present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public primarily in English; demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, interpret technical instructions, and work with abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to sit or stand for long periods, communicate in person and by telephone, operate standard office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and lift or move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to perform work involving multiple concurrent tasks and interact with program management, staff, volunteers, public agencies, community organizations, and others.

Nice To Haves

Experience communicating with people from diverse backgrounds.
Prior experience with community-based groups and/or parent groups.
Experience as a trainer.

Responsibilities

Work with program staff to implement policies, procedures, and practices that support compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and the Head Start Act, and advance the goals and outcomes of the Family and Community Engagement Framework.
Coordinate family engagement services for children and families enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start program options.
Plan, develop, and deliver family engagement training for staff and parents.
Collaborate with staff to plan and implement parent meetings, workshops, conferences, training, and other activities responsive to family needs and interests.
Plan and organize family engagement outreach, programs, and activities.
Evaluate and develop trainings and workshops that help families participate effectively in school-readiness activities.
Confer with site personnel, parents, and community agencies to increase parent engagement.
Prepare materials for parent engagement activities.
Attend and assist with Area Parent Advisory Committees.
Participate in professional development and keep abreast of developments and research in parent engagement.
Facilitate or lead parent engagement activities.
Coordinate, monitor, and report program data related to Parent Engagement.
Develop and implement annual leadership training for Head Start and Early Head Start parents, and track and monitor parent training requests.
Encourage and partner with parents as they become or remain actively engaged in Head Start activities.
Orient parents to the philosophy, policies, and practices of parent engagement in the Head Start Program.
Promote and support parent and guardian engagement in Parent Committees and Policy Council.
Coordinate with grantee Specialists to arrange workshops and training sessions led by subject-matter experts.
Provide staff assistance with planning, implementing, evaluating, and reporting on program activities.
Assist in developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures.
Update resource materials as needed.
Assist with pre-service and in-service trainings.
Design family engagement activities that help families participate effectively in improving children's learning.
Help staff and families develop strong partnerships and improve communication.
Maintain records of work activity and the family engagement resource office.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

15 holidays
401(k) retirement plan with 6% match
Paid vacation and sick leave
Tuition reimbursement up to $2,500
Two personal days
Group medical, dental, and vision insurance
Agency-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Live Well Program
Four paid bereavement days annually, with up to five total days per loss
Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts
Voluntary life and AD&D, accident, short-term disability, and critical illness insurance
Free Employee Assistance Program