QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Social Services field or certification from an approved training program. Prefer Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, education or related field.
Experience: One (1) year experience in social services or related field.
Skills, Abilities and Knowledge:
a. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
b. Knowledge of confidentiality guidelines, willingness to adhere to ethical standards.
c. Detail oriented, well organized, able to meet deadlines.
d. Basic computer literacy, to include: Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook. Able to accurately enter demographic data into ORS computer database. Machine skills to include: calculator, telephone, and photocopier/printer.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Mental Concentration: Considerable concentration intermittently.
Physical Effort: Light physical effort in a predominantly sitting position. Lifting up to 25lbs.
Special Demands: Moderate travel. Current PA Driver's License daily and access to a reliable vehicle required.
Special Requirement: History verification showing free of child abuse/neglect by authorities (Act 33/34
Clearances). Staff health assessment completed prior to employment
SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Provides case management, to include: recruitment, enrollment, family needs assessment, referral, etc. for the Head Start Program.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Duties may include any or all of the following. This list is intended to be representative.
1. Maintains assigned caseload including: maintaining Master File, weekly ORS data entry and updates, monitoring classroom attendance, completion of reports on or before identified deadlines, all other related record keeping.
2. Participates in recruitment of children by attending designated recruitment events on a monthly basis, using community resources, staff, and parent contacts.
3. Builds effective relationships with families facing multiple barriers and lead them to self-sufficiency and family/community connectedness, assesses family needs and makes appropriate referrals/follow-up, provides crisis intervention and basic pre-counseling/supportive listening as needed. Assists families in identifying goals for themselves and action steps/strategies needed to achieve these goals. Offer parents opportunities to develop Family Partnership Agreements implementing an individualized approach, Disseminates information and refers to other community resources, specifically with regard to mental health, child abuse, substance abuse, domestic violence, continuing education and employment services, and family literacy.
4. Maintains regular and timely contact with family and provides support as needed.
5. Assists other content areas in providing information to the family.
6. Communicate regularly with classroom staff regarding the progress of the child and their family.
7. Coordinates and encourages opportunities for parent involvement.
8. Monitors classroom attendance.
9. Encourages In-Kind participation.
10. Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
11. Performs other related work as required on behalf of the agency
Applicable Fringe Benefit Package