Family Case Worker

JOB SUMMARY This position provides support for Head Start families, connecting them with resources and helping them achieve their goals. This role involves recruitment and enrollment, needs assessment, family goal setting, and providing on-going support and case management. This position acts as the liaison between the program, families, and the community.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Primary Responsibilities:

• Recruits, identifies and enrolls eligible families in the Head Start Program.
• Maintains attendance records and ensures that funded enrollment is maintained.
• Works with families to identify their strengths, needs, and goals as they work towards self sufficiency.
• Acts as liaison between the program, families, and the community.
• Completes screening and interviews during the application and enrollment process and assigns children to classrooms.
• Conducts health screenings including growth and developmental assessments, blood pressure,vision, and hearing, obtain information for children with suspected disabilities, and ensures that all identified children receive medical and/or dental treatment.
• Provides health/mental health education to children, parents, and staff.
• Maintains enrollment records, health data tracking system, immunization surveys, Individualized Family Partnership Agreements (IFPA), nutrition assessments, and parent interest survey forms.
• Prepares data for computer entry including Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)
• Prepares Program Information Reports (PIF), health summaries, in-kind reports, and correspondence with families.
• Develop and maintain a network of community resources for families and children to be referred toand follow up with those agencies on progress.
• Coordinates with staff to ensure parental participation in classroom activities and field trips.
• Assists staff and parents develop community projects.
• Assists with classroom and other coverage when needed, including center emergencies (closings,children who are ill, evacuations), field trips providing first aid when needed, and accompanies children and/or staff to hospital to obtain emergency treatment when necessary.
• Maintains the parent area in a neat and inviting manner.
• Maintains and stocks first aid kits.
• Remains with children left after school or returned by the bus.
• Provides transportation for parents using agency or privately owned vehicle.

CAO of WNY, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
• Participates in Child/Family Study Team process.
• Attend agency and community meetings, workshops, and trainings.

Secondary Responsibilities:
• Must present a professional image in conduct, attitude, and attire.
• Satisfactory completion of mandatory trainings.
• Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Associates degree in Social Work, Social Services, Sociology, Human Services, Psychology, Early Childhood Development or related field or equivalent training and experience (Bachelors degree preferred)
• Previous experience with community work and working with diverse families.
• Nursing/health related skills required or education in child development
• Head Start/Early Head Start experience is desirable.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Active listening, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, and best practices in family support and early childhood development.
• Knowledge of child and family healthcare.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with families from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Physical Demands:
• Active listening, hearing, and verbal communication…