Family Services Associate

Family Services Associate

All Kids Academy Head Start is looking to add a dedicated Family Services Associate to our team that seeks to join us in our mission to close the achievement gap by providing quality school readiness programs and comprehensive services to children, families, and communities in East County.

Under the leadership of the Manager of Program Content Support & Family Services, the Family Services Associate plays a key role in supporting families enrolled in the Head Start program. This position is responsible for ongoing recruitment and enrollment of families, fostering strong family and community engagement, and ensuring compliance with health services requirements at the center level. The Family Services Associate must adhere to All Kids Academy Head Start policies and procedures, Head Start Performance Standards, California Department of Education regulations, and all other applicable guidelines.

Hours Per Week: 40 hours

Weeks per year: 45 Weeks

Competitive Benefits:

• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 6% employer match
• Annual 5% pay rate increases, up to the maximum step
• 16 paid holidays
• Two paid personal days
• Paid sick leave
• $1500 Tuition Reimbursement each year
• $1000 Service Awards every 5 years
• Paid professional development days

We are pleased to also offer a one-time $500.00 Sign-up Bonus.

The sign-up bonus is subject to deductions and withholdings as required by law, including state and federal tax, social security, FICA, and all other employment taxes.

Minimum Employment Qualifications/Competencies

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree in social services or related field required. Bachelor's degree in social services or related field preferred.
• Two years' experience as a case manager, social worker or family support position preferred.
• Must obtain a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or related field within 18 months of hire.
• 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education or Child Development courses, including three semester units in Infant/Toddler Development preferred.

Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

1. Culturally diverse populations and families of low income demographic;
2. Local educational and community resources;
3. Head Start Policies and Procedures preferred; and
4. Child Care and Licensing regulations.

Ability to:

1. Follow directions and work independently;
2. Effectively communicate in the English language, including oral and written communication;
3. Work positively with young children and adults;
4. Operate computers with an advanced understanding of Microsoft Office Suite;
5. Take directives and implement written and oral instructions;
6. Work in a team environment;
7. Maintain confidentiality for children, families, program, and agency;
8. Communicate with people of various educational, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds,
9. Establish and maintain effective, working relationships with children, parents, and staff;
10. Demonstrate effective organization and prioritization skills;
11. Demonstrate competency with technology;
12. Be proactive and problem-solve.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Positive, Goal-Oriented Relationships: Engages in mutually respectful goal-orientated partnerships with families to promote parent-child relationships and family well-being.
• Self-Aware and Culturally Responsive Relationships: Respects and responds appropriately to the culture, language, values, and family structures of each family served.
• Family Well-Being and Families as Learners: Supports families' safety, health, financial stability, life goals, and aspirations.
• Parent-Child Relationships and Families as Lifelong Educators: Enhances parent-child relationship and supports parents' role as the first and lifelong educators of their children.
• Family Connections to Peers and Community: Facilitates networks and group activities that support families' strengths, interests, and needs.
• Family Access to Community Resources: Supports families in using community resources that enhance family well-being and children's learning and development.
• Coordinated, Integrated and Comprehensive Services: Acts as a member of a comprehensive services team so that family service activities are coordinated and integrated throughout the program.
• Data Driven Services and Continuous Improvement: Collects and analyses information to find new solutions to challenges as part of ongoing monitoring in order to continuously improve services.
• Foundations for Professional Growth: Participates actively in opportunities for continuous professional development.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Participate in staff development activities as assigned;
2. Accurately enter all required data into designated record keeping system;
3. Complete reports and maintain records in an efficient and effective manner in compliance with the Head Start programs and The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) including weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports;
4. Maintain and organize highly confidential family records and enter data and run reports utilizing electronic tracking systems;
5. Assist teaching staff in maintaining staff/child ratios;
6. Perform any other tasks deemed necessary by the center director;
7. Participate in Ad Hoc committees for event planning, review and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures, staff development planning, etc.;
8. Respond to telephone and online enrollment inquiries;
9. Collaborate and coordinate with community partners;
10. Contribute and present ideas to improve efficiency and productivity; and
11. Attend additional meetings and trainings to expand knowledge and experience.

Physical Requirements:

1. Must be able to regularly drive to sites, trainings, and home visits;
2. Must have the ability to sit for extended periods;
3. Must be able to work at a computer for extended periods;
4. Must be able to regularly stand to file miscellaneous documents in filing cabinets; and
5. Occasional bending, stooping and lifting up to 30 pounds;
6. Good manual dexterity to be able to input data using a computer terminal keyboard;
7. Must have excellent speaking and hearing abilities; and
8. Specific vision abilities required are close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

Additional Information: Prior to employment, in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 as amended, employment candidate will be required to provide either proof of U.S. citizenship or other documents that establish the candidate's eligibility to be employed in the U.S. Head Start regulations require that no person shall work in any Head Start program until they have been fingerprinted and cleared through the Department of Justice.

AKA Head Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No person will be denied employment, discriminated against, or prohibited from participating fully in employment opportunities for reasons of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), creed, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), age, gender, gender identity, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic characteristic, marital status, military or veteran status, medical or physical disability, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by federal state, or local law.

Applicants will be required to obtain a Health Screening, TB clearance, proof of immunization against measles and pertussis (MMR and Tdap vaccines), and background clearance prior to starting employment.