Family Services Assistant

POSITION: Family Services Assistant JOB CODE: PCSFSA OCCUPATIONAL GROUPING: Parent, Family and Community Services REPORTS TO: Integrated Services Program Manager CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt POSITION TYPE: Full Time/Full Year (12-Months) SALARY GRADE: 19 HOURLY PAY RANGE: $21.97 to $22.52 LOCATION: Pico Rivera, CA PROGRAM SUMMARY Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services, Inc. (Plaza) is a comprehensive early childhood education program with a focus on school readiness for children zero to five years of age, providing developmentally appropriate services for low‑income families. Plaza currently serves over 650 children and their families. DEFINITION Under general direction, this position connects families to Head Start and Early Head Start with the appropriate health, nutrition, special needs, and mental health services through the integrated program services component and ERSEA system. It manages a caseload and implements activities related to Early Head Start, Head Start, and state‑funded programs, developing relationships with parents to encourage trust and respectful, ongoing two‑way communication. The role collaborates with families in a family partnership process that identifies needs, interests, strengths, goals, and resources that support family well‑being, including safety, health, and economic stability, and encourages parent involvement and volunteer opportunities. SUPERVISION RECEIVED The Integrated Services Program Manager provides general direction and supervision. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Initiates outreach activities to ensure recruitment of eligible children. Conducts family assessments to determine eligibility for program services. Recruits, establishes a waitlist and enrolls eligible children into the program to obtain and maintain 100% enrollment. Provides resources to families for emergency assistance or crisis intervention and follow‑up. Serves as a liaison between Head Start/Early Head Start, state programs, and community‑based agencies to enhance services. Engages families in the Family Partnership process to identify needs and strengths, provide resources, and establish a family goal. Obtains signed permission slips and ensures all health and nutrition screenings are completed, including audio and visual testing. Assists families in arranging appointments and follow‑up visits as needed (medical, dental, social services agencies, and local education agencies). Follows up with families on requirements for well‑child care, developmental screenings, dental care, and immunizations. Conducts hearing, vision screenings, and height/weight measurements to facilitate appropriate referrals. Initiates referrals for services aligned with Plaza de la Raza’s policies and procedures. Establishes and maintains direct communication between families, site staff, and content area coordinators/specialists. Monitors child attendance and initiates parent conferences to discuss frequent absences and solve obstacles to regular attendance. Inputs and monitors all relevant Child and Family data through the record‑keeping system. Ensures compliance with ERSEA through maintenance of an ERSEA file for each enrolled child and monitors files for accuracy and completion. Ensures compliance with Health and Safety requirements and monitors child health files for required timelines and follow‑up. Participates in parent orientation, interdisciplinary teams, child’s IEP/IFSP (if requested), parent meetings, and monthly center meetings. Participates in transition planning for children entering and exiting Early Head Start/Head Start and state programs. Submits monthly monitoring reports and corrective action to supervisor. Assists other staff in conducting home visits when necessary. Attends monthly training and conferences as required by the agency and/or grantee. Performs other duties as assigned. JOB REQUIREMENTS Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, funding terms and conditions for California‑funded programs (including Title 5 and 22), grantee GIMS, the Head Start School Readiness Framework, Family Partnership Agreement principles, Referral process and family dynamics, Child Care Licensing requirements, social service and health services available in the local community, Family and Community Engagement Framework, and practices to strengthen parent–child relationships and ongoing learning opportunities for parents and children. Ability to Implement requirements across all funded programs, follow agency policies and procedures, grantee GIMS, maintain working relationships with staff, children, parents, and outside agencies, maintain confidentiality of child and family information, work with a culturally diverse population, demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to individual differences and cultures, communicate effectively orally and in writing, implement family engagement strategies, demonstrate respect for diverse identities, and be flexible to work various schedules based on program and family needs. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education Associate degree or a Family Development Credential (FDC) and a High School Diploma. Experience One year of experience in parent involvement or a social service setting assisting economically and socially disadvantaged families. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS Successful completion of an initial health examination, performed by or under the supervision of a physician, to determine the prospective employee can perform the physical requirements of the job. Proof of absence of Tuberculosis from a physician, confirming the employee is cleared to work with children and families. Documentation of current immunizations against influenza, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), and Pertussis (TDAP). ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Fingerprint clearances from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Child Abuse Index prior to starting employment. Completed and signed statement of any pending and/or prior criminal arrests/charges/convictions related to child sexual abuse, child abuse and neglect, and/or violent felonies. Verification of eligibility for employment in the United States of America. A valid California driver’s license and availability of private transportation or ability to obtain transportation to perform position duties. As a mandated reporter of child abuse, must immediately report any suspected child abuse and/or neglect to Child Protective Services. Bi‑lingual in a language reflective of the population served is preferred. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch; talk or hear. Occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance. May frequently lift and/or move up to twenty‑five pounds. Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. MAINTAIN PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL STANDARDS Maintains confidentiality in accordance with Agency policy and legal requirements. Respects and maintains rights and privacy of all staff, parents, and children. Attends mandated trainings and meetings, and seeks out staff development opportunities. Works as a team member with all staff and maintains a positive work ethic. Acts conscientiously in performing routine duties. Adheres to Plaza de la Raza's Standard of Conduct, including: Respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability. Follow program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families and other staff members. Maintain visual observation of children at all times and not leave any child alone or unsupervised while under their care. Use positive methods of child guidance and avoid corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation. Do not use isolation, food as punishment or reward, or deny basic needs. Do not solicit or accept personal gratuities, favors, or anything of significant monetary value from contractors or potential contractors. Maintain respect and professional relationships with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), families, staff, and children. Refrain from unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, and tobacco products in the workplace or at any activity funded by federal or state funds. Maintain adherence to LACOE, state, or federal mandates, including but not limited to program eligibility determination regulations for Early Head Start, Head Start or state preschool services. Do not enroll pregnant women and children that are not eligible to receive Early Head Start or Head Start services. BENEFIT PLANS Health Care Coverages: Medical, Dental, Vision, Employer‑Sponsored Life Insurance and Long‑Term Disability Voluntary Coverages: Accidental, Hospital and Life Insurance Financial: 401(k) Retirement Plan Paid Time Off: Vacation, Holiday, Sick Time, Bereavement Leave and up to 30 Days of Jury Duty Work/Life Solutions: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & Employee Assistance Service for Education (EASE) EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services Inc. is an equal opportunity employer to all. Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can learn, live, and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility, and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. #J-18808-Ljbffr