Head Start Family Support Worker

This position entails mainly specific tasks that are technical and diverse in nature and requires the capacity for independent judgment and action and the ability to work with others to accomplish program goals and objectives and integration program activities to achieve comprehensive program services for eligible children and families.  The normal work hours are 7:00 – 4:00, M-F, but may be varied by supervisor to accommodate all hours the center is open.

JOB TITLE SUMMARY

Head Start is committed to establishing a learning environment in which children, parents, and staff can teach and learn from one another.  All Head Start Staff shall agree to abide by the program’s standards of conduct introduced during pre-service and/or orientation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

•           Works collaboratively with supervisor to ensure all Head Start Performance Standards, The Head Start Act, and TDFPS Minimum standards are implemented as set forth in the SPCAA Head Start and Early Head Start policies and procedures.

•           Actively conduct outreach for Head Start eligible families throughout a 12-month period.  Recruitment applications must be accepted all year and submitted to the Monitoring team upon completion.  From the list of eligible children with the greatest needs, the FSW must coordinate Selection with the ERSEA Coordinator.

•           Ensure Head Start 30, 45 and 90-day program requirements are met and maintained.

•           Engages in mutually respectful goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote parent-child relationships and family well-being.  Documented two-way communication must be present with all enrolled families and documented in Family Services in Child Plus.

•           Become proficient in utilization of Child Plus to maintain program records and validate services provided to children and families. 

•           Coordinate with Site Leader (as applicable) to ensure TDFPS files contain required Health Statements and required Immunization information. 

•           Respects and responds appropriately to the culture, language, values, and family structures of each family served.   

•           Supports families’ safety, health, financial stability, life goals and aspirations.

•           Enhances parent-child relationship and supports parents’ role as the first and lifelong educator of their children.

•           Facilitates networks and group activities that support families’ strengths, interests, and needs.

•           Supports families in using community resources that enhance family well-being and children’s learning and development.

•           Acts as a member of a comprehensive services team so that family service activities are coordinated and integrated throughout the program.

•           Collects and analyzes information to find new solutions to challenges as part of ongoing monitoring in order to continuously improve services.

•           Participates actively in opportunities for continuous professional development. 

•           Responsible for maintaining complete, accurate documentation in a timely manner.

•           Capture, value, and appropriately document non-federal share

•           Complete requirements to be identified as a Navigator in the Community Partner Program to assist families of enrolled children in Head Start completing the online application process for SNAP benefits, TANF benefits and/or Medicaid or Chip benefits as the need is identified for enrolled families.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES OR JOB REQUIREMENTS

•           Assist in the classroom as needed

•           Timesheets must be accurate and completed on a daily basis.

•           Ensure any on-the-job accidents are reported immediately and followed-up with appropriate forms.

•           Report any suspected fraud and abuse to the direct supervisor or SPCAA Fraud and Abuse Officer.

•           The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job.  Employees may perform other related duties and special projects as assigned by Management staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

•           A Bachelors or Associate degree in social work, human services, or related field preferred.

•           Individuals hired after November 7, 2016, have within eighteen months of hire, at a minimum, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or related field.

•           Experience in case management and/or experience in programs serving low-income families with young children highly preferred.

•           Computer and technology skills to effectively use: word processing software, spreadsheet format, e-mails, internet, and ChildPlus software.

•           Must be willing to take and pass a drug/alcohol test and comply with the “Drug Free”: Agency Policy

•           Must be able to pass regular criminal history checks.

•           Must submit to TB tests as required.

•           Must possess ability to provide reliable self-transportation capable of regional travel.  Must possess and maintain valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required.  Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law.  MVR background checks may be conducted by the agency.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

•           Regularly required to sit for extended periods of time.

•           May require long periods of standing or walking at times.

•           On occasion, employee must lift and/or remove up to 25 lbs.

•           Occasional pushing or pulling of weight over 25 lbs.

•           Occasional bending or squatting required.