Prenatal Education Coach

The Prenatal Education Coach is responsible for delivering high quality services in maternal/infant health, oral health and nutrition through a program coaching model mandated by the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS). The Maternal/Infant Coach will ensure that service delivery is conducted in the home environment and places an emphasis on a preventative model of physical, nutritional, and mental wellness.

SCOPE OF WORK

Prenatal:

1. Initiate collaborative partnerships with parents to establish mutual trust and respect.
2. Implement, document and report on the recruitment, selection and enrollment of eligible pregnant women and their families.
3. Conduct weekly 90 minute home visits with pregnant mothers, infants, and/or children birth-three years old and their families.
4. Directly provide education, coaching and support to pregnant women and their families in the areas of Prenatal Education, fetal development, nutrition, risks of alcohol, drugs, and smoking, labor and delivery, postpartum recovery, parental depression, infant care, safe sleep practices and the benefits of breastfeeding.
5. Ensure the strategies, skills, support, and procedures are delivered in accordance with HSPPS, program policies, philosophies, and goals.
6. Provide appropriate supports and resources for emotional well-being, nurturing, responsive caregiving, and father engagement during pregnancy and early childhood.
7. Collaborate with the pregnant woman and her family to ensure and/or facilitate obtaining an ongoing source of continuous, accessible health care provided by a health care professional and, as appropriate, health insurance coverage.
8. Facilitate access to comprehensive services that include, but are not limited to nutritional counseling, food assistance, oral health care, mental health/wellness services, substance abuse, prevention and/or treatment, and emergency shelter/housing.
9. Engage enrolled pregnant women and their families in discussions about program options, plan for the infant's transition to program enrollment, and provide support to the family during the transition process, where appropriate.
10. Plan, coordinate, and facilitate group sessions for pregnant women and their families.

Newborn/Infant:

1. Provide a newborn visit within two weeks after the infant's birth to offer support and identify family needs.
2. Directly coach and support the parent in developing skills to have positive, meaningful interactions with their child
3. Facilitate parent/child interactions using evidence-based curriculum to support the infant's development in all educational domains
4. Conduct initial developmental screenings and ensure ongoing developmental and health assessments within 45 days of the infant's birth.

Internal:

1. Establish family goals, establish action steps/plan, and document progress for each child and/or family in meeting the goals contained in their agreement.
2. Complete and monitor all family progress and necessary documentation as required.
3. Maintain timely and accurate data entry and/or documentation
4. Provide resources and referrals as needed for individual families, connecting families in ways that will support their family goals.
5. Ensure accurate and timely documentation of home visits, socialization experiences, and other relevant activities as required by HSPPS.
6. Participate in professional development as required.
7. Perform other duties as assigned

External:

1. Recruit throughout the community and host recruitment events.
2. Maintain professional relationship and/or contact with local service providers, organizations and/or agencies who provide resources to families.
3. Maintain confidentiality of family records and/or all program information.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS;

1. High school diploma or GED required
2. At least 2 years documented work experience in early childhood development, attachment and/or maternal/infant health required.
3. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant (MA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Parents as Teachers (PAT) certification or social work, human services, family services, and/or counseling credential preferred.
4. Experience working with low-income families, child care, health or education preferred.

OTHER REQUIRED CAPABILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Ability to problem solve, handle crisis, and work with families and children of various cultures and low-income backgrounds.
2. Ability to work primarily in the homes with families residing in high-risk communities.
3. Ability to establish positive working relationships with families, agency staff, and community members.
4. Physically able to stand for long periods of time as well as stooping, squatting, running, and lifting an estimated 50 lbs.
5. Experience in providing breastfeeding training for adult learners preferred
6. Must have a valid/active driver's license and will be required to travel in or out of community with own transportation.
7. Advanced computer skills. (Word, Excel, Outlook)
8. Must have an active driver's license and will be required to travel in or out of community with own transportation.