Head Start Home Visitor

Summary

This position is responsible for supporting families who are not in a class setting to move toward school readiness. The Home Visitor works with families to assesses and identify barriers that impede school readiness and strengths that encourage school readiness. This position involves case management, advocacy and education to families on an assigned caseload. Will be working with typically and atypically developing children and families. Socialization, education, health & nutrition, family services and social emotional needs are all addressed by the Home Visitor and further supported through the Home-Based Region of LifeWorks Community Action Head Start program.

The position is mobile and requires staff to complete home visits as described.



Duties

• Provide each family on the caseload with a weekly home visit to provide family-centered services that facilitate child development, support parental roles and promote self-sufficiency.
• Meet the required number of socializations for families per calendar year in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards. Complete all mandated screenings within the 45 day requirement.
• Develop developmentally appropriate activities related to the individual child. Work with the parent to develop an individual plan for his/her child to include goal setting based on identified needs and prescriptions for objectives and activities to meet established goals (outcomes).
• Identify child and family needs. Support social and emotional development and provides positive guidance and discipline.
• Support parent involvement in program activities. Encourage parent involvement in Head Start and other agency programs
• Participates in any special events put on by Head Start
• Maintain strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and an understanding /willingness to learn about systemic barriers to economic mobility.

Requirements

• Minimum of a home-based CDA credential or comparable credential, or equivalent coursework (12 Early Childhood Education credits) as part of an Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
• Knowledge and experience in Child Development and Early Childhood Education; the principles of child health, safety and nutrition; adult learning principles; and family dynamics.
• Experience working with preschool age children is a must.
• Must be skilled in communicating and motivating people. Position requires strong advocacy skills relating to health and social services in support of families. Must have knowledge of community resources and the skills to link families to the appropriate agencies and services. Working knowledge of governmental and social services programs is a must.
• Above average organizational and communication skills, ability to work independently, good interpersonal skills, and ability to maintain a positive attitude with staff and clientele.
• Provide customer service that is responsive to the unique needs and culture of families, such as single parents, grandparents as caregivers, co-parenting relationships, LGTBQ families, non-English speaking, teen parents, domestic violence situations and more.
• Ability to work under pressure and exercise good judgment. Ability to communicate effectively with people of diverse social and economic backgrounds.
• Computer skills and knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel, Google Docs, Zoom or other online meeting platforms. Familiarity with mobile devices, online training platforms and software applications helpful.
• Acceptable tuberculosis screening results and an initial health exam are required post job offer and prior to employment.
• Must have a valid license, possess a vehicle for shopping as needed and be insurable to drive an agency vehicle on roads in varying weather conditions.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage

Employer Paid Life Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Vacation, Paid Personal, Paid Sick Time

Paid School Breaks

Employee Assistance Plan

Mileage Reimbursement

About Us

LifeWorks Community Action, formerly Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, is a nonprofit that helps thousands of neighbors each year overcome the challenges of poverty by providing food, early childhood education, energy services, health and wellness, and immigrant services. Popular programs include The Pantry in Ballston Spa and The Kitchen in Saratoga Springs, as well as Head Start, WIC and Weatherization. Help Starts Here.

LifeWorks Community Action promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in all agency programs and services. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds who embrace and support an inclusive and equitable work environment.