Hill Country Community Action Association, Inc.

Head Start Job Description

JOB TITLE: Family Service Representative FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Assigned Content Area Coordinator ASSIGNMENT DATE: _____________

DESIGNATED HEADQUARTERS: __________________________

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POSITION SUMMARY:

The Family Service Representative (FSR) will ensure that each Head Start child and family is offered quality services. Strive to establish and maintain a positive rapport with each family, acting as an advocate and providing support services as needed. The FSR will work closely with center staff and content area coordinators to meet pertinent Performance Standards, share information and ensure comprehensive service delivery to families. The FSR will assist in the team-building efforts of each locally assigned center by attending center staff meetings and parent events, and by maintaining positive communication with the center staff and the community.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Ensuring safety is a priority in performing all job responsibilities. Ensure adherence to the safety policy.
• Assist with the completion of the child health screening, other required screenings, and assessments and follow up on all referrals.
• Complete and maintain a monthly health tracker for classrooms served. Document health anecdotal notes in health progress notes.
• Assist families with establishing a medical and dental home.
• Input family service information in the data management software; document all activities that relate to family services to include required monthly family contacts.
• Develop a working knowledge of community resources. Promotes effective community support for families by coordination and advocacy for services with community agencies.
• Establish and maintain Community Partnership Agreements annually or as needed.
• Initiate the family partnership process, to include scheduling and conducting Parent Orientations to complete Family Service forms and to assist with identifying/setting goals (FPA) or needs for families.
• Revisit setting goals with families if a goal is not set.
• Ensure child's photo and photo page are complete.
• Follow up family referrals (FPA's) to make certain that services are adequately provided and provide resource referrals to families to ensure that the FPA is achieved, or that family needs are met.
• Work with all program staff to assist with the transition process into and out of the program.
• Assist in the training and recruitment of parent or community volunteers; must ensure background checks clearances before volunteering in the classroom/center.
• Assist in compiling content area information for PIR. (Program Information Report).
• Update and maintain Parent Board and Parent Area to include the Parent Notebook and Volunteer Notebook.
• Responsible for conducting monthly Parent Engagement Opportunities by setting up speakers and encouraging parents to attend.
• Complete the Parent, Family and Community Engagement assessment two times a year with all families to address goals, needs or concerns.
• Complete and keep the current monthly Family Service Tracker for all classrooms served.
• Complete home visits as needed to inquire about a child's attendance or other family needs/concerns.
• Responsible for completing monthly parent newsletter for center served.
• Ensure Volunteer records are accurate and mailed to the appropriate office at the end of each month.
• Assist in the child/staff ratio or kitchen when assigned.
• Assist in recruitment efforts.
• Support center staff when instances of child abuse occur.
• Assist with the implementation of support services to families suspected of child abuse.
• Promote child abuse awareness and stress the Texas Law pertaining to abuse/neglect at parent orientation.
Perform any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor and/or Head Start Program Director.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

ANNUAL IN-SERVICE TRAINING IS MANDATORY

EDUCATION: Minimum: High School diploma. Preferred education: Associate's or Bachelor's in social work or in a related field with experience in service delivery to the underprivileged, or experience in the Head Start program. Other preferred education: A CDA credential for preschool age children. Family Service Credential Certificate is mandatory within 18 months of employment with only High School Diploma or unrelated field degree.

EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 1 year's employment with the Head Start program is preferred; knowledge of interviewing techniques and client sensitivity is required. Preferred knowledge and experience in social work field.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Strong management and organizational skills, as well as an understanding of developmentally appropriate practice. The FSR must have the ability to communicate with and to motivate parents. Be a strong advocate for the children, families, and the Head Start program. Must be flexible and have well-developed written, verbal, and interpersonal skills. Must be able to maintain records, assist with reports, and clearly understand written or verbal instruction. Ability to work effectively with individuals from various ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, and cultural backgrounds. Ability to identify, assimilate, comprehend, and solve critical elements of various family situations (initiate solutions without constant supervision). Must be respectful of diverse cultural backgrounds; non-judgmental. Must maintain certification in hearing and vision screening, and in CPR/First Aid (received within 90 days of employment.) CPR/First Aid certification is a collateral rather than primary duty of this position.

OTHER: Professional manner and attire. No record of a conviction which would contraindicate employment. Must have a valid Class C driver's license and a reliable vehicle with current vehicle liability insurance; insurable under HCCAA's vehicle insurance policy. An initial Head Start physical screening within 30 days of hire. Must comply with all HCCAA policies and maintain agency standards of confidentiality and courtesy in all phases of agency operations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED:

Must be able to operate a computer and other office machines such as fax, calculator, copier, and telephone. Must be able to drive agency vehicles.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Requires sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and driving. May require lifting to 40 pounds. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, telephones, and other office equipment. Requires a normal range of hearing and vision.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS:

Must handle new and diverse work problems daily. Personal maturity is an important attribute. Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure. Must have the ability to listen objectively to people, perceive real problems and assist in bringing issues to a successful conclusion. Must relate and interact with employees at all levels within the Agency. Bilingual skills are encouraged.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

During the Head Start school year the classroom staff is scheduled to work an alternate work schedule to coincide with the center's hours of operation. (As assigned for those working less than full time). The center hours of operation are typically 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday. The Center Director will plan the work schedule for each employee. To meet program goals, classroom staff will occasionally be required to perform duties outside their alternate work schedule. Some out-of-town and overnight travel are required. Regularly travel to centers located in designated area while school is in session, or to meetings as required. Transport children to medical appointments as needed.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

Accrual of sick and vacation leave, health insurance, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, 125 Cafeteria Plan, up to 15 paid holidays per year. Options for employee paid benefits. Note: Eligibility for benefits is based on Personnel Policies & Procedures and benefits are subject to change.

FLSA STATUS DISCLAIMER:

FLSA status is based in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. Any changes in the act which will affect the FLSA status will be adhered to. When wages exceed the position entry level due to tenure, the Exempt/Non-exempt status will be designated accordingly.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND RECEIPT:

I have reviewed the Family Service Representative Job description and acknowledge its receipt with my signature below. I understand that my job may not necessarily be limited to those listed, as their exact nature may vary as program, project elements, and priorities change in the future. I understand that this job description may be updated as needed.