EHS/HS Home Visitor

SUMMARY

Provide in-home instruction to parents and children, which will enhance the parent's ability to be their child's primary educator. Maintain at least weekly contact with families and work with all areas of Head Start (health, nutrition, education, safety and parent involvement) to integrate educational goals and developmentally appropriate practices into the family setting. Must be willing to work non-traditional hours to meet the needs of the families.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must be able to work cooperatively with supervisors and co-workers in a positive team effort approach.
• Must be enthusiastic, enjoy working with children and be supportive of overall goals of Benodjenh Center
• Be in compliance with GTB reporting procedures, any Federal/State procedures as required by the Director and funding policies and procedures.
• Become familiar with Early Head Start goals and objectives of the program plan.
• Develop a working relationship with parents in order to increase the level of parental involvement with the Early Head Start program and its activities through communication and weekly home visits.
• Conduct weekly home visits. During this time assist in meeting the needs of children and their families including those at risk, those with special needs, those who are gifted and those who are culturally diverse. Also, deliver educational, social and nutritional information to parents and children.
• Assist parents in establishing and implementing long and short goals for their children, facilitate in-home interactive educational activities and model effective parenting skills.
• Complete Family Needs Assessment and complete a Family Partnership Agreement yearly and update at least twice a year. Provide recommendations and referrals as needed.
• Provide information relative to Early Head Start health and nutrition requirements, and ensure that parents have completed physical and dental screenings and vaccinations for their children. Also, provide nutritional guidance, and maintain records on dental and health visits as required.
• Develop and implement with the family home visit plans which reflect both mandated elements and the unique needs and strengths of each family.
• Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making with all families and children enrolled in the program.
• Promote a home atmosphere that reinforces the parents as their child's primary teacher.
• Conduct quarterly developmental and social emotional screenings and assessments on all children enrolled in the program and make referrals as needed.
• When developmental or social emotional concerns are identified make referrals to the appropriate agency. When necessary, work with agencies and other resources to develop Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP).
• Coordinate special needs staff in the home and develop a collaborative approach that benefits all family members and the needs specified in the IFSP.
• Using developmental screenings and assessments work collaboratively with parents and develop a comprehensive Individual Educational Service Plan (IESP) for each child. The IESP should be designed to promote age appropriate development for each child and reviewed at least quarterly.
• Develop and utilize teaching methods and materials for use in the home.
• Assist in the planning and facilitating of group meetings, which provide education and information on current Early Head Start policy and curriculum development.
• Maintain accurate written records including assessments, IESP documentation, developmental screening instruments, home visit reports, and other required forms.
• Plan monthly socialization activities for all families enrolled in the program.
• Attend meetings, staffings, trainings, and professional development activities as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Effective communication with Early Head Start family members, community members and children.
• Ability to deal objectively with sensitive family issues, and have prior home visiting experience.
• Must be able to make frequent significant decisions to assure development progress of children.
• Willingness to learn and utilize Anishinaabe language in the Early Head Start Program.
• Multilingual English/Spanish language helpful.
• Good observational skills and ability to summarize observed learning/social behaviors in children.
• Good organizational and record keeping skills.
• Proficient in the use of computers and programs such as word processing.
• Able to develop and implement short and long term educational goals.
• Must possess significant problem solving ability which can translate emotionally charged family needs into recommendations and relevant community referrals.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• An Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education required. * A Bachelor's Degree and one year of direct experience preferred.
• Three (3) years of directly related experience.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a valid unrestricted Driver's license and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.
• Must have appropriate endorsements for all vehicles required to operate in the performance of duties, including home visits.
• Must have reliable transportation to perform driving requirements.
• Must obtain CPR/First Aid Certification.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

General office equipment such as calculators, computers, modem, copies, fax, phone systems, etc.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, which includes lifting children, regular kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on floors. Sitting in vehicles for long periods of time and traveling in all weather conditions is essential.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

Must be able to effectively handle stressful and compromising situations, while remaining focused and professional. Must be able to deal with difficult people without losing perspective. Must be able to work productively under strict time constraints with variable deadlines. Must be able to make quick, informed decisions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must be able to work one on one with children in families in home and group settings. Travel in vehicle for lengthy distances in a variety of weather conditions. Able to work in private residences and shared office environments. Must be able to tolerate noise levels from various children's activities.

COMMENTS

Native American preference will apply. Current and former Early Head Start and Head Start parents must receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.