SUMMARY OF POSITION:  The Family Service Worker has the responsibility to collaborate with the Lead Teacher to ensure that direct cross component services as defined in Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards are provided to children and families assigned to their unit.  The Family Service Worker has responsibility to facilitate the involvement of parents in their child's education and also their involvement in personal goal setting consistent with the family's culture and ethnicity.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

1. Associate degree in social work, human service, family services, counseling or a related field
2. One year experience working with families
3. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
4. Current driver’s license
5. Complete criminal record check from Department of Health & Welfare’s Criminal History Unit prior to consideration for hire

Additional:

• Baccalaureate degree in social work, human service, family services, counseling or a related field
• College credits in the field of Health, Social Sciences or Education including Early Childhood, Adult or Special Education
• Social Services Competency Basic Training Certification
• Fluency in Sign Language, Spanish or other language

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL

1. Treat participants, fellow staff and community members with positive regard.
2. Collaborate with center staff to ensure the classroom and center is an inviting and nurturing environment reflective of the local community. The cultures of participating families will be reflective of the local community.
3. Responsible for the provision of education, social service, parent involvement, health and nutrition services to assigned families as per the CSI Head Start/Early Head Start work plans with technical assistance from Service Specialists.
4. Participate in Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings for assigned children with special needs taking the role of resource person and parent advocate. Collaborate with other staff and Disabilities Coordinator to ensure that all team members have the information necessary for effective participation in IEP meetings.
5. Support and encourage parents in their role as principal educator of their children.
6. Arrange home visit schedule to meet family's needs. Collaborate with parents to develop home visit plans that meet the individual goals of the parent(s) and the child.
7. Develop and design strategies to ensure the home visits are stimulating, family focused, learning opportunities.
8. Complete the required curriculum on home visits as per work plans.
9. Serve as a resource person for families to facilitate access to social services within their communities.
10. Collaborate with center staff to recruit, train and support parent and community volunteers.
11. Complete Family Partnership Agreement and make appropriate referrals to assist parents in the development and implementation of their identified goals.
12. Attend classroom weekly to make connections with child and staff to bring child outcomes progress to home and school.
13. Share current information with parents related to child progress and potential challenges.
14. Work in conjunction with Lead Teacher to gather and utilize data from screenings and classroom observations in order to develop a comprehensive profile of learning styles and development to provide individualized services during home visits.
15. Assist the Center Supervisor and Lead Teacher with recruitment activities as assigned.
16. Participate in center staffings in order to develop a holistic analysis of family strengths and challenges.
17. Communicate pertinent child and family information in a reciprocal manner with staff in order to inform and educate.
18. Facilitate family staffing with the unit team and Center Supervisor at scheduled times and provide technical assistance to assure delivery of services.
19. Develop strategies to collaborate with the Center Supervisor in order to share information and ensure comprehensive service delivery to families.
20. Inform parents of Head Start/Early Head Start Child Abuse Policy and report suspected abuse as per policy.
21. Track and monitor all 45-day and 90-day screening to meet Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards.
22. Ensure completion and maintain child file for each enrolled child in caseload.
23. Collaborate with Health & Nutrition Specialist or Early Head Start Coordinator to ensure completion of all health services, provide community health resource information and make necessary referrals.
24. Plan and carry out individualized health and nutrition education in the home.
25. Assist families to arrange health appointments. Identify children and families with nutritional problems informing staff of children's allergies.
26. Attend center parent meetings.
27. Assist with planning and facilitating parent training.
28. Participate in an individual continuing education plan including CPR and First Aid.

Required Skills Required Experience

Minimum one year experience working with families