Head Start Family Services Facilitator

Reports To: Head Start Director
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt
Pay Grade: AP 2
Department: Campus Assigned
Employment Contract: 210 Days

Primary Purpose:

Under the supervision and direction of the Head Start Director/Social Worker, the Family Services Facilitator will manage family caseloads, provide support, and technical assistance to HS direct service staff in the content areas of family partnerships and engagement, community resources and collaborations, support service delivery, training and mentoring, monitoring and reporting, and providing best practices in working with families. This position requires compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.

Qualifications
Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Family and Humans Services or closely related degree(preferred)
• Family Services Credential(required after employment)
• Strong knowledge of local community resources
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, internet and e-mail
• Valid Texas Driver’s License, proof of current auto insurance and access to transportation
• Must have flexible schedule to accommodate family needs, may include some evening or weekend hours
• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to utilize district resources, technology and library to appropriately answer questions and provides guidance to staff and parents
• Ability to train and provide presentations to large and small groups as well as individuals
• Ability to collaborate with and have working knowledge of local community resources related to disability services
• Ability to communicate (verbal and written) effectively and appropriately with others
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Sustained concentration and attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to prioritize and manage a complex work load and deadlines
• Excellent diagnostic and problem solving skills
• Ability to meet the needs of all families specifically those with special needs and with culturally diverse populations
• Frequent driving to sites, training and home visits sometimes within the SSAISD boundaries
• Regular sitting, working at computer keyboard and desk, standing to file misc. documents in filing cabinet. Occasional bending, stooping and lifting up to 15 lb
• Minimum 1 year experience of working in a Head Start or family service based organization, specifically with parents/families
• Experience in providing support to families, regarding strengths, needs, and interests; and encouraging the development of relationships between children and their families

Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Technical Assistance: Content Development and Consultation

• Maintains above content development expertise and disseminates such knowledge by providing ongoing quality assistance to staff.
• Research computerized and other library searches for current materials in field to support staff in above content areas.
• Promote continuous improvement and quality assurance efforts for the program at the campus level.
• Provide resources and referrals to families as requested to support their efforts and family partnership agreements
• Support and assist with program wide events, such as recruitment, and site based family activity nights as requested by supervisor
• Recruit speakers and provide resources for family events as indicated through utilization of parent education and interest surveys
• Inform families and staff about resources available through donations and assist with the distribution of items
• Provide support and resources to families transitioning out of the program
• Be aware of, understand and be able to articulate:
  a. Current community service resources,
  b. Head Start performance standards
  c. Other regulations/protocols for the provision of quality services

Coaching and Mentoring

• Provide support and coordination for parent orientations
• Provide support in the area of documentation and proper use of the child and family database system(ChildPlus)
• Conduct parent committee meetings and training in areas of parent education, family engagement and community resources
• Provide support and referrals for crisis intervention as needed
• Support Policy Council representatives in their role and encourage acquisition of leadership roles within the program and the community
• Promote family literacy
• Encourage and support fatherhood involvement

Quality Assurance: Evaluation and Assessment

• Provide results of monitoring efforts to HS Director/Social Worker on a regular basis to ensure compliance
• Share observations/findings of parent committee meetings, FPA’s, and resources with Social Worker
• Ensure that follow up and screenings requirements are met in accordance with time lines in policies and procedures
• Contribute to the development of action plans for continuous quality improvement

Compliance and Review

• Assist with the coordination of the annual program self-assessment and the follow-up reporting
• Assist with the development and maintaining written policies and procedures that are in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards to include weekly attendance reports, FPA(open/close) and PIR questions.

Site Coordination

• Oversee caseloads of highest needs HS families as identified throughout the year.
• Provide results of site monitoring, including direct service activities and status to Social Worker to ensure compliance.
• Ensure program compliance with codes of all Federal and grant requirements.
• Attend regular meetings and professional development activities as needed or requested by supervisor.
• Provide staff and parent training in areas of parent education, family engagement, and community resources
• All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
None

Working Conditions: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment
Posture: Prolonged standing/walking; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
Motion: Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing, walking, Sensory ability needs - significant; hearing, near vision, peripheral vision color discrimination, depth perception
Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
Environment: Work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise, frequent cold and heat
Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours; Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned

The Superintendent reserves the right to waive any requirements for any qualified applicant. Not all applicants will be interviewed. Your resume, letter of interest, and other available information will be considered in the screening process.

Salary : $54,869 - $80,611