Parents as Teachers Caseworker

Parents as Teachers Caseworker

Location:

Bright Beginnings

Payment Rate:
In accordance with the USD 443 Salary Schedule - Hourly Range - $17.61 - $29.34

Evaluation & Benefits:
In accordance with the USD 443 Classified Handbook

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Reports To:

Head Start Director/Principal and PAT Coordinator

PURPOSE:

To provide student or family education/support services for establishing and maintaining successful participation in the educational program for both students and parents.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor's degree preferred; or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood and a CDA within one year of hire if degree is not in early childhood education, with the intent of continuity towards a Bachelor's Degree.
• Experience:
  
  At least 1 year of direct experience working with children and/or families strongly preferred.
• Effective communication skills; bilingual literacy in reading, writing, and speaking may be required in some positions.
• Fluency in the languages spoken by the families that the program serves is preferred.
• Clerical and/or tutorial skills required; basic administrative skills helpful on a limited basis.
• Computer skills including data entry, report generation, word processing, etc.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Excellent human relations skills with desire to interact with parents, students, staff, and the public.
• Commitment and discretion to maintain confidentiality.
• Must have knowledge and experience in child development and early childhood education; in the principles of child health, safety, nutrition; in adult learning principles; and in family dynamics.
• Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Strong assessment and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to work independently or under supervision.
• The ability to keep information confidential.
• Problem solving and organizational skills.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Be knowledgeable on all local, state, and/or federal regulations concerning home visiting program operations.
• Plan and conduct parent home visits and group connections in accordance with the PAT model guidelines.
• Use the Parents As Teachers curriculum, implementing lessons with curriculum from other nutrition, mental health and health resources.
• Assist in developing ways of using household resources in educational activities with their children.
• Work with parents to develop the next home visit and weekly activity plan based on each child's assessment and identified family needs.
• Use PAT approved developmental, social-emotional, vision, and hearing screening tools with children at recommended intervals.
• Use PAT approved assessments and screeners for adult and family well-being and strength needs.
• Monitor and update PAT data records of the child's health status, assisting the parent maintain a timely child wellness schedule as recommended.
• Monitor developmental milestones and assist parents in completing follow-up required as a result of failed health activities.
• Be knowledgeable of community social services and family support agencies in order to provide appropriate referral information to individuals and/or families.
• Assist families in connecting with community resources to help meet their needs.
• Assist parents in utilizing all community services offices such as family planning, food stamps, employment, health services, vocational rehabilitation, psychological services, etc., by referring, transporting and advocating.
• Encourage and promote the family's achievement of self-sufficiency.
• Assist families in establishing and implementing long- and short-range goals for their children.
• Assist with the planning and coordination of special programs and activities.
• Encourage parents to attend monthly program parent meetings and transport them when necessary.
• Provide parents and children with monthly group connections.
• Plan and assist parents in the transition process for PAT students to subsequent programs.
• Provide collaboration in planning and participation in parent meetings scheduled at least once per month.
• As a Parent Educator, maintain fidelity to the 21 Essential Requirements for the Parents as Teachers Program.
• Maintain timely and accurate records regarding student data and other program requirements in the program's PAT data system and required reports.
• Maintain training of program record keeping requirements and procedures.
• Recruit and maintain a caseload of PAT families and ensure that documentation is accurate.
• Attend the PAT monthly meetings, coachings, and professional development.
• Model typical work ethics and activities for the Supervisor on home visit as scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth…