PRIMARY PURPOSE: To promote family engagement in all aspects of the program and provide family support services according to Head Start Performance Stands, program goals, and other funding source rules and regulations. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Reason position exists is to perform these functions): Parent and Family Engagement • Complete child enrollment with each assigned family within required timeframe. Identify individual health and education needs, (i.e. - asthma, diabetes, behavioral) that require individualized service plans. Coordinate with parents, site team, program staff, and community partners, as appropriate, to develop, document, and communicate individual plans. Update as needed. • Conduct two home visits per year with assigned families in the family’s home environment to support safety, health, financial stability, life goals and aspirations. Provide additional home visits or contacts as needed. Maintain regular communication with all assigned families and classroom teams to provide information based on family’s individual needs. • Provide culturally responsive services. Provide information to families in understandable formats, including information for individuals with low literacy. Provide communication and materials in the family’s primary language. Use translated materials and qualified bilingual staff or consultants, as needed. • Promote parent leadership and volunteerism. Engage parents in site parent committees and recruit and support Policy Council representatives. Facilitate planning and implementation of parent meetings and activity days with site teams and parent leaders. • Support site-based and program-wide parenting education classes and activities. Health • Provide information to families about preventative medical and dental care. Assist families with information and support related to ongoing access and follow up. Assist families to complete follow-up (i.e. dental, medical, nutrition, mental health, etc.) Inclusion • Support classroom team communication with families related to classroom safety or behavior concerns and facilitate problem-solving. • Assist families in accessing needed services and supports to promote full, inclusive participation in early learning and school activities. • Support families in accessing needed evaluations and supports for Early Intervention and/or Early Childhood Special Education programs. Attend meetings to provide parent support for placement and IFSP development and updates, as appropriate. • Provide referrals and support for families in accessing health, behavioral or other specialized services, as appropriate. Attendance • Promote strong attendance habits. Provide information/education to families about the benefits of regular school attendance. • Work with teaching team to track attendance and conduct a home visit for children with two or more consecutive unexcused absences. • Provide individualized attendance support for families, including direct contacts, intensive case management, and attendance support plans. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABLILITIES: • Thorough understanding of local, state, and federal funding sources and the ability to locate potential sources for funding. • Thorough understanding of grant funding policies and procedures and applicable local, state, and federal regulations. • Ability to meet deadlines. • Ability to present and relate to diverse client populations. • Professional appearance, presentation and demeanor always. EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: • Four years paid experience and/or training plus an Associate Degree or Certificate in a related field is required; OR • Bachelor’s degree plus two years’ experience in a field directly related to the position description is required AND • Previous experience with non-profit fundraising and/or community action experience is a plus • Excellent oral and written communication skills. • Strong organization and time management skills. Please visit our website for the full job description and to apply.
