Family Services Director - Baltimore City Head Start

Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.

 
At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference! 

Under the supervision of the AED, Child, and Family Services, the Family Services Director is responsible for implementing and assessing the Health, Family, and Community Partnership services areas, providing services that build on child and family strengths and support school readiness goals and success in life. The supervisor directs and supervises Family Services Advocates and Home Visitors. 

Must be able to direct others' work, facilitate meetings, relate effectively with diverse socio-economic individuals and groups, model professional responsibility personal integrity, and function in an environment of site-based management. Must also remain flexible to the program's needs, including being available for evening or weekend meetings or events.

Responsible for incorporating Y in Central Maryland’s mission, vision, values, and philosophies into daily work and demonstrating a positive attitude and commitment to excellence .

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Implementation of Comprehensive Service

• Models respect and appreciation and creates a welcoming, supportive environment for all 

• Plans and formulates policies and activities that ensure the implementation of health and family services goals and objectives in collaboration with identified service area coordinators consistent with Head Start Performance Standards and the Y in Central Maryland’s mission, vision, and values. 

• Actively creates and supports a climate of participation for all stakeholders. 

• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with associates to implement plans, activities, policies, procedures, and other rules/guidelines.

• Consult with Associate Executive Directors regarding program needs and improvements.

• Effectively hires, trains, supervises, evaluates, and motivates Family Service Advocates and Home Visitors by providing timely and continuous feedback.

• Holds associates accountable for their respective job duties. Respectfully and legally addresses associates’ job performance or related issues.

• Provides positive leadership and management to associates consistent with department and organization goals.

• Establishes and maintains productive, collaborative relationships within and outside the organization using practical communication skills and treating everyone with respect and dignity.

• Facilitates resolving conflicts or disputes among associates. families, and/or community members.

• Serves as a resource for associates. Shares knowledge and expertise with associates to encourage staff enrichment and team development. Participates in professional development activities.

• Participates in the analysis of the community needs assessment.

• Collaborate and design professional development to meet the needs of Family Service Advocates and Home Visitors.

Planning and Communication

• Ensures Family Service Advocates determine individual family needs and develop a plan with the family to meet identified needs.

• Works with the Associate Executive Directors and Center Directors to facilitate the direct involvement of parents in program planning, implementation, and evaluation, including decision-making responsibilities and active participation in the program

• Works as part of the interdisciplinary team to initiate mental health referrals, obtain parental consent, and orient parents to available services. 

• Review and verify eligibility documentation for prospective children and families per Head Start regulations and local guidelines.

• Ensure the eligibility process is clear, transparent, and accessible to all families.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of eligibility criteria and any changes in policy or regulations.

• Develop and implement recruitment strategies with Center Directors and Family Service Advocates to ensure that all eligible families are informed about the Head Start program and its benefits.

• Ensures Family Service Advocates conduct community outreach to inform families about program availability and services.

• Ensures the review and implementation of the ERSEA plan to meet established program recruitment and enrollment goals.

• Participates as part of the integrated team in the placement of children.

• Develops parent engagement based on families’ Strengths and Needs Assessments. 

Data, Outcomes, and Ongoing Monitoring

• Effectively uses the program database to monitor data, create reports, and identify opportunities for growth and development.

• Collects and analyzes parent engagement in the program and maintains records of parent participation.

• Participates in the Annual Self Assessment and completion of PIR.

• Establishes and maintains a calendar of parent activity projects and meetings. 

• Complies with federal, state, and local guidelines and with the policies and procedures of Head Start and Y in Central Maryland.

• Attends and participates in associate meetings and professional development activities

• Remains abreast of health, nutrition, and social services changes.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.