Parent Educator

The purpose of a Parent Educator is to provide instruction, demonstrate appropriate education activities and deliver researched-based printed materials to parents regarding child development and related issues. Parent Educators conduct child development screenings including but not limited to vision, hearing, the understanding and use of language, motor development, hand-eye coordination, health and physical development for children birth to age five. A Parent Educator possesses the skills needed to ensure fidelity to the program model and compliance with agency policies and procedures. A Parent Educator must demonstrate the ability to work with families in their homes in the target county or neighborhoods that have one or more children ages prenatal through five (5) years old. A Parent Educator understands the communities where he or she works, is able to assess the needs of the families served and is able to connect families to community resources in order to meet their needs. The Parents as Teachers program is part of the Texas Home Visiting Program and is monitored by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Ministerial Character:

The Diocesan Bishop is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the particular Church (the Diocese) entrusted to him. In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ's mission present and enduring as the Shepherd of the Christian Community. In order to fulfill his mission, the Diocesan Bishop employs suitable, chosen collaborators, who are clerics, religious, and lay people. He shares with them the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.

Each position employed in the Diocese of Corpus Christi helps to extend the ministry of the Diocesan Bishop in particular ways as outlined in the job duties and responsibilities. Therefore, this position is closely connected to and assists the Diocesan Bishop in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.

Duties and Responsibilities:
A certified Parent Educator implements the PAT model, emphasizing parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting and family well-being in their work with families. Utilizing the PAT Foundational Curriculum in culturally sensitive ways, the parent educator partners, facilitates and reflects with families.

The list below reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the primary functions of the job identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

• As an integral part of the ministry for the Church, this position will support and uphold the philosophy of the Catholic ministry and the mission of the Diocese of Corpus Christi in both professional and personal life
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Continually grow in the ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, trainings sessions, and reflection activities as directed

• Satisfy all the requirements of a certified parent educator by implementing the PAT model, emphasizing parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting and family well-being in their work with families.
• Utilize the PAT Foundational Curriculum in culturally sensitive ways by partnering, facilitating, and reflecting with families.
• Complete an initial and annual family-centered assessment with each family.
• Provide personal visits focused on parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting, and family well-being (including planning, delivering and documenting the visit).
• Complete at least an initial and annual developmental screening and health review for each child.
• Complete all required client family assessments and screenings.
• Maintain and submit all required family and program documentation according to established department/program requirements.
• Complete all PEIRS data entry as specified by Texas Prevention and Early Intervention guidelines. PEIRS is a system designed to support programs, and integrate data and reporting.
• Meet all Parents as Teachers Program Performance Measures.
• Organize and inventory supplies/materials.
• Participate in at least 1 hour of reflective supervision and 2 hours of staff meetings monthly.
• Obtain competency-based professional development and renew parent educator national status.
• Enter, monitor, and report all required data that is related to his/her family caseload.
• Plan and conduct activities related to home visits with enrolled families and document all activities.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all family data.
• Creatively plan and facilitate group connectors.
• Utilize available resources for families with young children and the capacity to form strong
• community partnerships with area service providers.
• Attend recruiting events as necessary to maintain caseload capacity.
• Plan, attend and facilitate family group connectors meetings, and Parent Cafes.
• All other duties assigned by Executive Director, Program Manager and Team Lead.

• Associates or Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Development, Psychology, Social Work, Health (or a related field) or equivalent of experience or combination of experience and education.
• Must have a valid Texas driver's license.
• Supervised experience working with young children and/or parents.
• Early childhood development experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills (e.g. nonjudgmental, objective, reflective, empathetic, patient, tactful).
• Strong organizational and record keeping skills.
• Strong communicator both verbal and written.
• Time-management skills.
• Understand and respect cultural differences.
• Be able to work out in the field with minimal supervision.
• Self-motivated
• Multi-task and be flexible with the work day duties.
• Good organizational skills.
• Willingness to learn new things and take on new challenges.
• Positive attitude.
• Be a team-player.
• Be proficient in data entry, Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated (often in the field).
• Computer skills; including web browsing, e-mail, internet, and word-processing.
• Have reliable transportation and maintain auto liability insurance.
• Complete the Child Safety Environment Certification training.
• Must be able to travel for mandatory PAT Foundational Training and 3-K Foundational
• Training (unless online training is available).

Additional Requirements:

• Applicant must meet Diocesan requirements, criminal background check, motor vehicle check, and drug screening.
• Must adhere to diocesan policies and procedures.
• Must be able to successfully complete Parents as Teachers Foundational and Implementation
• Training and Three to Kindergarten training.
• Knowledge of computer programs including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and basic data entry.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred, but not required.
• Complete a Diocesan certification in Creating and Maintaining a Safe Environment.
• Work some evenings and/or weekends as needed to promote or facilitate programming objectives.
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
• Parent educator is required to regularly drive their personal vehicle as a condition of employment to fulfill their assigned duties and is reimbursed at the IRS Standard Mileage Rate.
• Support the moral teachings of the Catholic Church, i.e., must not teach, advocate, or in any way encourage beliefs or behaviors that are contrary to Catholic social doctrine.

***In order to be considered for employment with the Diocese of Corpus Christi locations, all interested individuals must complete the online application at https://diocesecc.org/human-resources. ***