PRIMARY FUNCTION
Assesses the needs of Early Head Start/Head Start families and assists them in accessing necessary social, educational, recreational and health services through Early Head Start/Head Start and other community resources.
KEY ROLES (Essential Job Responsibilities):
Primary Job Responsibilities:
- Assists with the program's outreach, recruitment and enrollment activities.
- In collaboration with other staff, as appropriate, assess each family's need for social services; develop an individualize plan that responds to the family's need; deliver and/or coordinate the delivery of needed social services to each family; review and update.
- In conjunction with other types of contacts, makes a sufficient number of home visits to each family as assigned.
- Refer families to community agencies/programs; assess accessibility, relevance and usefulness for assistance received.
- Works with center to conduct Parent Meetings at assigned center.
- Participates in workshops, conferences, team meetings and training sessions provided by the program, and pursue professional development opportunities.
- Maintain accurate, objective, timely and confidential records in children's files and database system, documenting all family, staff and agency contacts; disseminate appropriately.
- Ensure comprehensive, timely two-way communication between parents, Early Head Start/Head Start staff, and as appropriate, community individuals and organizations.
- Works cooperatively with all Content Areas to ensure compliance and service needs are met for children and families.
- Demonstrates positive work ethic.
- Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal
- Performs other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or other management staff.
Skills / Knowledge Required
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- At least one college course in Human Services.
- At least two years' experience in a related field.
- Bilingual in Spanish
- Family Service Worker Credential preferred; otherwise required within the first year of employment.
- Ability to recognize emergencies and areas where action is necessary.
- Collect, organize , record and process information quickly and efficiently.
- Prepare and maintain written records and reports.
- Work independently of direct supervision.
- Maintain confidentiality and a professional demeanor at all times.
- Demonstrate respect for individuals and groups with varied cultural, racial, ethnic, religious and linguistic identities or backgrounds.
- Valid Massachusetts Driver's license and access to a car (not belonging to another staff member).
- Strong computer skills, including internet, email and Excel, and the ability to learn new systems as required.
- Strong time management skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to make required home visits and to access various community organizations.
- Must be willing and able to work flexible hours in order to meet program commitments which may of necessity take place during hours outside of the usual work day.
- Must meet other qualifications as may be outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards.