Specialist-HS Family Services/ERSEA

OCO•West Monroe, NY

3d•$17 - $22

About The Position

Join our team and be part of something positive and make a difference! Join a mission-driven team dedicated to empowering families and supporting early childhood success. This role offers excellent benefits, a collaborative workplace, and the opportunity to make a real difference. This role focuses on supporting families through the Head Start program by: - Working closely with families to connect them to needed resources. - Building strong, respectful relationships with families and community partners. - Assisting with recruitment, eligibility determination, and enrollment. - Ensuring compliance with Head Start performance standards. JOB SUMMARY: Works directly with families of Head Start children to fulfill all aspects of the Family and Community Partnership service area. Coordinates parenting training sessions and family engagement activities within the assigned center(s). Carries out all duties within Head Start Performance Standards, according to Federal and State regulations as well as Agency Policies and Procedures. Assists with all aspects of ERSEA - eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment and attendance components of the Head Start program including promotion and community awareness. Ensures communication, reliability and consistency of services.

Requirements

Must have the ability to: Work with families in a supportive, non-judgmental manner, be a positive role model, maintain confidentiality, and have flexibility in scheduling evening/weekend activities.
Advocate effectively for parents with outside agencies to assist with goal setting.
Work cooperatively and effectively with staff, parents, community agencies and school district personnel.
Facilitate parent meetings/workshops and parenting training using Head Start curriculum.
Work independently, have excellent organizational, oral/written communication skills, and data/computer entry skills.
Must have thorough knowledge of community resources and utilize resources and contacts effectively.
Must possess a valid New York State Driver's license with driving record within agency policy and have access to a reliable vehicle for transporting clients.
Must possess a valid Family Development Credential and ERSEA Certification; or successfully obtain these credentials within 18 months of hire.
Associate’s degree in human services, counseling, or job-related field; and 1 – 3 years of experience related to the scope of work; or Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training.

Responsibilities

Provides case management with families, assesses needs, provides guidance, makes appropriate referrals to resources, and document outcomes.
Conducts monthly home visits; maintains additional contact through notes, phone calls, center visits and makes additional home visits as needed.
Empowers parents to meet their goals and participate in activities.
Responds to the complex and diverse needs and crisis situations of families; makes appropriate decisions and assesses when and from whom to seek assistance in difficult cases.
Reports signs of child abuse and neglect, accidents/injuries and unusual situations; completes documentation.
Assists Health Staff in following up with health needs of children.
Obtains proper releases of information and follows program/Agency policies and procedures and HIPAA Privacy/Security regulations pertaining to protected health information and confidentiality.
Transports parents/children when necessary.
Maintains accurate, up-to-date records of all parent contacts.
Completes required documentation and data entry such as: PIR, MBO’s, newsletters, family assessment worksheet and family partnership agreements.
Works cooperatively with Center Manager, Teacher, Teaching Assistant, Nurse and Cook to ensure smooth operation of the Center.
Assist Family & Health Supervisor with the recruitment and selection process, including verifying eligibility.
Assists with filling enrollment slots and keeping class information current.
Contacts families and makes home visits to ensure application process is complete; assists in coordinating the application process.
Assist Family & Health Supervisor with maintaining accurate, up-to-date enrollment records and waiting lists.
Monitors supply of and changes to OCFS Registration Card (blue cards), and orders as needed.
Assists Family & Health Supervisor with monitoring and tracking attendance data in accordance with performance standards.
Follows up with waitlisted applicants to update status.
Attends staff meetings; participate in professional development trainings and meetings for skill maintenance and enhancement.
Manages outreach and develops publicity for the program, and tracks publicity done by Head Start staff.
Works with supervisor on related program activities; handles special projects independently within policies and procedures.
Responsible for the complete and accurate collection, entry, reporting and maintenance of data, records and reports related to ERSEA.
Participates in assigned Agency work groups, community advisory boards and related meetings, and initiates ongoing contact with community agencies to ensure public awareness of program and services.