Family Services Coordinator

Dorchester County Public Schools is currently accepting applications for the position of Family Services Coordinator within the Judy Center Early Learning Hub at Maple Elementary School. Under the direction of the Supervisor of Early Childhood Education, the Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator and Site Program Manager, the Family Services Coordinator implements and maintains family-based case management for families within the Maple Elementary catchment area at the Judy Center. The Family Service Coordinator assists with implementing, monitoring, and hosting early childhood programs and services for children and families served by the Judy Center to address the 12 Component Standards of the Maryland State Department of Education Judy Centers. The Judy Center serves children birth through five years of age and their families by providing comprehensive early care and education services to promote continuous improvement toward child development and school readiness. The successful candidate will demonstrate principled leadership and decision making while assuming this leadership role. This position is grant funded and contingent upon grant renewal.
DUTIES:

• Recruits and selects eligible children and families for the purpose of providing comprehensive support services for children and families in preparation for kindergarten entry.
• Maintains a case management database of all services provided, case management needs, communications with families, and case management goals in accordance with the Judy Center grant.
• Collaborates with all participating partners to ensure communication of available services and assists the Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator and Site Program Manager in coordinating events to increase service delivery to eligible children and families.
• Advises families on services available through the Judy Center program or community partners, including:
• Supports families by assisting with resolving transportation, childcare, and other social issues.
• Helps families create and meet individual short-term and long-term goals.
• Provides follow-up with families and inputs family data into a data management system.
• Makes referrals for needed services and follows up in a timely manner to ensure services are received.
• Obtain and distribute brochures of interest to parents (i.e., childcare options, health issues, developmental stages, etc.).
• Keep a current contact list of all community partners and their resources provided.
• In collaboration with the Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator and Site Program Manager, develop strategies for increasing program visibility and expansion, including community outreach, recruiting families and new family service partners, which include:
• Collaborate with the Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator and Site Program Manager and partners for outreach activities, events, adult education, etc.
• Perform outreach in the community while recruiting new families to participate in Judy Center programming.
• Assists with marketing efforts such as updating/posting to social media accounts, preparing newsletters, creating flyers, etc.
• Maintain ongoing, clear communication with the Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator and Site Program Manager to ensure any new information or needs are shared in a timely manner.
• Participate in IFSP/IEP meetings as requested by school leadership and families.
• Regularly attend and participate in scheduled meetings with Head Start and other community partners, as well as monthly Steering Committee and Service Coordination meetings.
• Attend statewide Judy Center meetings/trainings and annual conference.
• Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students and families as is expected of teachers.
• Facilitates the implementation of selected county's research/evidence-based home visiting program while staying up to date on any changes to the program; ordering materials, attending trainings, and organizing all needed materials.
• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the Judy Center 12 Component Standards and how this relates to a high-quality Judy Center.
• Participates in Maryland State Department of Education site monitoring visits.
• Assists the Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator, Site Program Manager, and Early Childhood Coach to plan and implement research/evidence-based playgroups for families with children birth through age 4 utilizing Judy Center approved standards/curriculum.

• Assists the Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator and Site Program Manager with the coordination of family engagement events, trainings, and activities that the Judy Center conducts/facilitates.
• Facilitates the coordination of early intervention services such as: hearing, vision, and dental screenings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood, Education, Special Education, Human Services, Social Work, or related field required; Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Word, Publisher, Outlook, Excel charts, etc.
• Experience in working with children birth to age five years old preferred.
• Ability to work nonstandard hours as required by program objectives and schedules including evenings and/or weekends is required.

• Ability to travel to homes, schools, and offices throughout the system and state-wide.
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills.
• Experience and effective management in coordinating services and collaborating with multiple agencies/service providers.
• Demonstrated ability to relate positively to colleagues, children, and families to establish and maintain trusting relationships.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to follow through with tasks.
• Ability to work under pressure and make decisions, in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations, and established procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Bilingual preferred
• Experience in working with culturally diverse communities and families with the ability to be culturally sensitive and appropriate.