Family Engagement Specialist

In accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Great Start Readiness Implementation manual promotes Family Engagement to support the implementation of the family partnership process, including referral to CAA programs and other community programs to help them obtain needed services and meet established goals.  Advocates operate as liaisons between classrooms and home settings to ensure families and children are actively involved in the program and have positive outcomes. Responsible for recruitment, application and maintenance of full enrollment for Children’s Programs.  Monitor enrollment and provide attendance support for preschool classrooms. 

1.    Education/Certification:  Bachelor’s degree in human services area.  Completion of Family Service Credential, after completion of probation, pending training being offered and within training budget.
2.    Work Experience:    Two (2) years’ experience in a related field.  Experience equivalences may be considered at the discretion of the CEO.
3.    Transportation:    Must have access to reliable transportation throughout the workday.  Provide agency with copy of a valid driver’s license as you may be required to transport a child / parent in your personal or agency vehicle.
4.    Basic Skills:    Must be competent in reading, mathematical, verbal and written communication skills.  Working knowledge of computer operations including database, word processing, email and internet.  Able to set and maintain professional boundaries with families.
5.    Problem Solving, Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills:    Independent judgment to complete routine tasks.  Establish and maintain positive relationships with people of all economic levels, cultures and capabilities.  Able to prioritize and make quick decisions in a rapid paced environment.  Ability to mediate and diffuse potential conflicts, including assisting families in crisis.
6.    Physical and Mental Capabilities:    Able to work on multiple short and long term projects.  Must be conscientious and alert in a busy and often hectic atmosphere with the ability to handle numerous tasks at once.  Desk and field work, including home visits, to accommodate program families.  Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.

Other Hiring Contingencies:
•    DHHS child abuse and neglect clearance and criminal background check required.
•    Show proof of a physical exam signed by a licensed physician that declares to the best of the physician’s knowledge, the physical capability of the staff member to perform the essential duties required.  The report shall be signed no more than 6 (six) months prior, or 30 days after the start of employment and every two (2) years thereafter; or as required by the program.
•    A negative TB skin test or chest x-ray within the last 12 months and every two (2) years after. Must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or be willing to get vaccinated prior to starting employment.
 

1.    Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in daily activities.
2.    Cooperate with all staff in a team approach.
3.    Know and function in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and other program guidelines.  Awareness of philosophy and goals of the program in order to help parents become active advocates for their children.
4.    Follow all Agency policies, including Universal Precaution procedures and confidentiality policy.
5.    Share responsibility for promoting Family Engagement in all program areas.
6.    Responsible for ongoing recruitment and working collaboratively with community partners to identify and serve eligible children and families, including attendance at community meetings and events.
7.    Participate in annual ERSEA training to ensure accuracy in determining program eligibility.
8.    Assist families with the application process (in office or on home visit) obtaining needed releases to ensure confidentiality.
9.    Responsible for coordinating team meetings with teaching teams to ensure families are supported in a holistic manner. Provide ongoing team approach with appropriate staff and participate in individual family case conferences or Individual Education Plans (IEPs) as determined by the team.  To identify concerns with team and develop an action plan for these concerns, as well as, document follow up on needed supports identified to families in database.  As a team member, plan and implement monthly Family Focus events to implement the parenting curriculum and strengthen the link between classroom and home.
10.    Provide assistance, as needed, for children with special needs and those who have special dietary, physical, dental, mental health or behavioral concerns.
11.    Analyze weekly and monthly attendance and follow up on issues of child absenteeism as required, providing families with support and guidance in regard to the importance of attendance on school performance.
12.    Responsible for Family Engagement for assigned caseload, throughout the family partnership process, which includes completion of the family assessment and goal setting process.  Enter all parent contacts and information in database to track Family Outcomes.
13.    Collaborate with community agencies to support child, family and agency outcomes.  Ability to familiarize parents with available resources in the areas served by reviewing the Community Resource Directory and explaining 211.  Make referrals for families to CAA and other agencies and follow up on referrals within 30 days, to ensure that services are accessed.
14.    Responsible for maintaining current and accurate records as required by the program, while maintaining confidentiality.  Complete data entry of information into databases.
15.    Submit monthly report to Supervisor.
16.    Maintain regular contact with children on your caseload in the classroom setting and bus lines.  Provide help with teacher breaks, if requested.
17.    Help organize, plan, recruit for and implement parent training activities and support groups as determined.  Ensure attendance of parents at meetings and training and serve as a mentor for parent representatives on Policy Council.
18.    Assist with transition of Early Head Start children into Head Start and Head Start children into kindergarten or re-enrollment into Head Start for returning students.
19.    Responsible for monitoring enrollment of assigned classrooms and completion of Round Up paperwork and communicate with classroom staff to ensure timely child enrollment.
20.    Provide content for parent newsletter, memos and flyers as needed.
21.    Maintain office setting that is welcoming and comfortable for program families.
22.    Be available for other job related tasks as requested by Supervisor.

Training:  All staff will participate in professional development training and ongoing CAA trainings as deemed appropriate by their supervisor.

Note:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.  It is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position.  Employee may perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.