Educator, Home-Based Family

Job Description

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

HOME-BASED FAMILY EDUCATOR

Under the supervision of the home-based services supervisor, the family development educator shall be responsible to:

1.   Conduct weekly home visits with families lasting a minimum of one and a half (1.5) hours to a maximum of two (2) hours per session.

1. Develop and implement weekly lesson plans in partnership with parents.
2. Provide comprehensive services to families as outlined in the Head Start Program Performance Standards.
3. Meet all program-required screening and ongoing assessment timelines with regard to health, education, disability and mental health. 
4. Collect, screen, and track all medical examinations and immunizations, working with families to obtain health information and follow-up as needed.
5. Each month, in collaboration with parents, provide two developmentally appropriate socializations and/or fieldtrips for 0-5 year-olds and families on assigned caseload and complete classroom health and safety assessment inspections.
6. Provide case management and general counseling to assigned families to ensure provision of quality mental health, health, and social services, including services to high-risk pregnant women, expectant fathers, and their families. Maintain accurate documentation.
7. Assess, document and maintain strength-based Family Partnership Plan while supporting parents in achieving their family goals.
8. Participate in regular case conferencing sessions to discuss strengths, needs, and concerns of children and their families.
9. Refer families to available community services and follow up referral to ensure needed services were obtained. Develop relationships with the community and community resources and monitor to ensure families receive necessary services in a timely manner.
10. Participate in and attend all required meetings, training, workshops, conferences, and continuing education as required.
11. Develop and implement activities for workshops and monthly family nights as described in parent involvement procedures. Distribute monthly parent meeting agendas and minutes. 
12. Jointly plan and implement a variety of activities for parent workshops and family nights, including planning and distributing agendas, preparing and translating minutes in English and Spanish.
13. Monitor and track attendance of children in caseload and follow up on absences, providing support and guidance to families as necessary to ensure successful program enrollment.
14. Complete program information report (PIR) data and notes into the Child Plus data program on an ongoing basis.
15. Participate in regularly scheduled recruitment throughout Ventura County, including community events, health and human services agencies, and door-to-door residential contacts.
16. Other duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Required Education and Experience :

• Minimum of a current state-awarded child development associate teacher permit ( renewed and maintained active as a condition of employment) or an associate degree in child or early childhood development, or *related field with equivalent child development coursework. Coursework must include child/human growth & development; child/family & community or child and family relations; programs/curriculum, and **six infant/toddler units. 
• Minimum of two years’ experience in a childcare program as a preschool or infant/toddler teacher or in a social service, community-based agency providing case management services.

*Related fields are defined as: human development, liberal arts, psychology, sociology, home economics, nutrition, special education, general education, or health education. 

**If hired without the minimum six infant/toddler development units, continued education towards completing the required units within 18 months of hire will be required as a condition of employment.

• Preferred Criteria: Fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) skills.

Knowledge and Abilities : Ability to effectively speak, read, and write in English. Must be able to maintain confidentiality. Sensitivity to multicultural beliefs and practices, and ability to relate to children, parents, and pregnant women. Sensitivity to the needs of low-income families. Ability to maintain accurate records. Working knowledge of computers and basic applications such as Word. Ability to work as a team member. Flexibility and ability to plan, supervise, and work independently in the implementation of the home-based program. Provide leadership and guidance to parents. Problem solving and organizational skills. Ability to speak before a group. Must have knowledge of various community resource agencies to support children and families for immediate or long-term assistance. Ability to drive vehicle and travel throughout Ventura County to conduct home visits, recruitment, and other related duties.

Physical Abilities :  Ability to effectively use hands and fingers to fill out r forms and use of computer keyboard and other office machines/equipment. Ability to walk and/or stand extensively throughout employment for ongoing outdoor recruitment and field trips. Safely drive company or personal vehicle as part of daily family visit activities. May occasionally walk on slippery or uneven surfaces. Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs, and sit on the floor for family visits and/or group socials. Ability to safely lift up to 25 lbs. Ability to carry, push, and pull rolling carts and/or cases with supplies.

License or Other Requirements : Must have access to a dependable auto with minimum appropriate insurance coverage and possess a current valid California driver’s license. Must hold Infant First Aid and CPR certificate and renew upon every expiration. Must submit to a job-pertinent, agency-paid, pre-employment physical examination, negative tuberculosis test, and criminal record background check. Employment is conditional pending satisfactory results of all required tests and background checks. Periodic physical examinations and TB clearances will be required if hired. Mandated reporter training required as part of employment.