Help Me Grow Family Resource Specialist

Early Childhood Alliance Onondaga

Job Title: Help Me Grow Family Resource Specialist

Status: Non-Exempt, Full Time

Reports To: Family Support Team Manager

Job Summary

Help Me Grow (HMG) Onondaga is an initiative of the Early Childhood Alliance (ECA) Onondaga that seeks to promote the positive development of young children by informing families about information and community resources related to child development and parenting, linking them with these resources, and creating stronger connections between systems that serve children 0-5 and their families. HMG Onondaga provides no-fee access to developmental screening tools for families interested in finding out if their children (aged 0-5) are meeting developmental milestones; provides personalized referral and service coordination for families as needed; and facilitates partnerships within the community to improve the availability and quality of services for families with young children.

Job Responsibilities and Related Duties

• Coordinate online inquiries and telephone calls related to children's health, basic needs, development, behavior, and learning and support families by providing information and education on these topics.
• Assist families and service providers with developmental screenings, document case information, mail and e-mail information packets to families, and network with HMG Onondaga partners and community-based service providers.
• Research and facilitate linkages to services available through HMG Onondaga community partners and Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Childhood Direction Center, and Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs programs.
• Provide ongoing and continued support, advocacy, and follow-up as needed.
• Conduct community outreach and education with families, providers, early learning, and health care partners related to developmental screening and child development.
• Support HMG Onondaga, 2-1-1 CNY, and community partners in the development of a comprehensive early childhood resource database to best serve Onondaga children and families.
• Serve as the central intake point for the HMG Onondaga system, assess caller/client situations, and enter accurate data on all calls into the HMG Onondaga Infoline referral-tracking system.
• Perform and/or coach on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire™ (ASQ) early childhood screening activities through an online portal and personal interaction with families as needed.
• Handle inquiries (online and telephone) to HMG Onondaga, assess for appropriateness, and refer to service providers based on the needs of children and families.
• Assist in identifying gaps and barriers to services, as well as trends families exhibit in utilizing services.
• Participate in HMG Onondaga training, partner meetings, networking breakfasts, case discussions, and outreach activities, as requested.
• Attend staff meetings, conferences, and workshops regularly to upgrade professional skills and understand systems and current best practices for working with children and families.
• Work effectively as a team member and provide assistance to other staff members and HMG Onondaga partners as directed.
• Work closely with the ECA Onondaga Director, staff, partners, and other community providers to ensure a smooth referral and follow-up process for families.
• Any and all other duties as assigned and deemed necessary by the Family Support Team Coordinator.

Experience and Skills

• Minimum Associates Degree; Preferred Bachelor’s Degree in special education, early childhood development, child care or related health or human services field
• Experience in positions involving child care centers, very young children and knowledge of typical and atypical child development and special needs conditions
• Well-developed communication skills, both written and verbal, including proper telephone etiquette
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds
• Ability to apply computer skills in completing job functions
• Experience in community outreach and public speaking
• Ability to maintain a calm and sensitive demeanor, with active listening and assessment skills
• Critical thinking skills with a solution-focused approach
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to engage in a variety of tasks simultaneously to meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Bilingual, English/Spanish highly desirable
• Must hold a valid New York State driver’s license, have access to a personal vehicle for use during working hours, and be willing to travel within Onondaga County
• Available to work occasional evenings and weekends within a flexible scheduling arrangement

The ECA Onondaga is an equal opportunity employer. The ECA Onondaga does not discriminate and encourages qualified candidates of any gender, race, class, sexual orientation, faith, disability, or age to apply. All candidates are evaluated on a merit basis.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• Associate (Required)

License/Certification:

• New York State Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $26