Head Start Family Advocate Paraprofessional

Job Title

Assist with performing casework services to provide support and training to Head Start students, parents, and families so that they are able to set, meet or exceed their annual family goal plans

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

• High school diploma or equivalency
• Texas Educator Aide Certificate or 48 plus college hours, or successful completion of the Paraprofessionals' Assessment of Competencies test if applicant has less than 48 college hours
• Must have or obtain within 18 months of hire a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field, in accordance with Head Start family services staff qualification requirements.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to collaborate with others to meet program goals
• Awareness and ability to access community resources
• Excellent organizational, communication, problem solving, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

• Minimum two years' experience working with young children and families

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Social Work

1. Conduct group and individual parent training sessions under the direct guidance of the Lead Family Advocate to enhance parent knowledge of accepting responsibility for their actions, overcoming crisis, resolving conflict, improving student attendance, obtaining job related skills, GED, decision-making skills, etc.

1. Perform casework service with parents under the direct guidance of the Lead Family Advocate to increase the parents' understanding, their constructive participation in meeting family goals, and their knowledge and use of available and appropriate resources
2. Refer school staff and parents to community resources
3. Routinely visit and maintain positive rapport with community resource locations
4. Solicit and obtain donations of goods and services to support program needs
5. Coordinate and integrate school and community resources
6. Facilitate communication between school personnel and students, parents, and the community
7. Make routine home visits to gather information relating to students
8. Arrange for medical, counseling, WIC, etc. appointments for families
9. Assist in the planning and implementation of parent involvement activities
10. Consult with parents regarding their children's academic performance, behavior, and physical needs
11. Inform parents of their rights and responsibilities under federal and state law including compulsory attendance
12. Support campus goals of prevention to maintain a healthy and safe school environment
13. Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents
14. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents
15. Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and board policy
16. Comply with all district and campus routines, procedures, and regulations
17. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment

Communication

1. Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors
2. Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents

Working Conditions

Maintain emotional control under stress, regular district wide travel to student homes and multiple work locations as assigned, occasional evening event attendance, 183 day contract.

Reports to: Pre-K/ Head Start Director

Dept./School: Calvin Vincent Head Start and Prekindergarten Center