Parent Educator

The purpose of this classification is to provide educational support and counseling activities to families enrolled in the evidence-based Parents as Teachers (PAT) home visitation program with a focus on healthy pregnancies, parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting and family well-being.

• Service Delivery:
  Provides education and support to families with a focus on building confidence, increasing independence in managing challenges, and fostering success.
• Program Fidelity:
  Delivers all PAT model components with fidelity using PAT Foundational Curricula, including PAT Essential Requirements and Quality Assurance Guidelines; maintains required caseload and visit schedule.
• Visit Planning:
  Prepares for visits by reviewing parent educator resources; gathers and adapts materials for family education and activities.
• Screening and Assessment:
  Conducts family assessments and screenings, evaluating factors related to prenatal health, parenting behavior, and early development progress.
• Data and Documentation:
  Maintains accurate electronic and paper records; completes home-visit notes, PAT event attendance, screening summaries and other reports within required timelines; keeps daily calendar up to date.
• Family Service Planning:
  Develops and implements family plans, regularly evaluating family progress and engaging family members to facilitate outcomes.
• Resource Connection:
  Connects families to community agencies based on needs identified in assessments; coordinates access to services and resources; follows up on referrals made and actions to be taken by families.
• Outreach and Recruitment:
  Recruits families for program; coordinates outreach events with the Outreach and Family Engagement Coordinator to build PAT presence and reputation in the community.
• Professional Development:
  Participates in staff meetings, trainings, and regular reflective supervision at a minimum of two hours per month; contributes to continuous quality improvement (CQI).
• Event Planning and Participation:
  Plans, conducts and participates in educational parent group activities and/or targeted community-based events.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Studies, Education, Psychology, Social Work, or related field
• Certifications (Required By Hire):
  None
• Certifications (Required After Hire):
  Complete Parents as Teachers certification training within six (6) months of hire
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of three (3) years' related experience
• Preferences:
  Ability to communicate bilingually (English and Spanish); non-smoking and non-vaping; experience working in home visiting; familiarity with community services and resources
• Other Requirements:
  Must possess and maintain a valid TN State Driver's License; must have reliable transportation and maintain automobile liability insurance that meets Tennessee’s financial responsibility law on personal automobile; must have reliable home internet; must be able to enter homes of clients.
• Substitutes for Requirements:
  Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered for employment into the position.
• Background check will be conducted prior to hire.
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review will be conducted prior to being authorized to drive for county business.

• Knowledge of prenatal and child growth/development (birth to age five), parent-child relationships, and related parenting needs.
• Knowledge of Knox County health, social service, and educational resources.

• Proficient in Windows OS and Microsoft Office.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving
• Team-oriented with excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Capable of handling moderately complex tasks.
• Effective verbal and written communicator.
• Culturally sensitive and respectful to clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Quick to learn new public health software.

• This position requires the ability to engage in occasional moderate physical activity.

• Local and occasional overnight travel are required.
• Occasional after…