Social Service Aide; Headstart; Continuous

PLUS DIFFERENTIAL PAY

The Social Service Aide assists with the implementation of the objectives of the Social Services Component as specified in the Performance Standards of the Head Start Program. This position involves direct contact with Head Start children and their families.

Provides for the establishment, maintenance, and confidentiality of family records.

Maintains and updates pertinent family data that should include: completed enrollment forms, referrals, follow-up, and family needs assessment.

Participates in recruitment and screening of applications for Head Start children.

Conducts home visits to all enrollees to:

Completes written home visit reports.

Discusses reports and plans for follow‑up with supervisor.

Accompanies families and children to agencies when necessary.

Visits assigned centers to:

Submits social services monthly statistical report to Social Services Manager, and other required Social Services Component’s reports.

Encourages parents to attend parent meetings and workshops.

Attends workshops, seminars, and training sessions as assigned by the Social Services Manager.

Initiates center conferences with teaching staff to discuss ways of assisting parents and families with problems.

Interviews parents and families to facilitate information gathering in, filling out, and completing Community Needs Assessments (CNA) Report and other needed data.

Performs other related duties.

A high school diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of experience in community service field work.

• Knowledge of community resources and programs.
• Knowledge of public and private social services providers within the community resources and programs available to clients.
• Knowledge of current information and resources pertaining to social services to engage families and create family plans.
• Ability to express oneself, clearly and concisely, orally and in writing for reporting.
• Ability to write reports.
• Skill in good interviewing techniques.
• Ability to work with different ethnic groups.
• Ability to establish rapport with families and sensitivity to their needs.
• Understanding of confidentiality.

An employee in this role will report to the Social Services Manager, and refers to supervisor all difficult cases of family problems where emergency exists.

Guidelines include the Head Start Performance Standards.

An employee must report clearly and concisely, and demonstrate effective interviewing skills. The incumbent is expected to perform with considerable independence of action and exercise a high degree of initiative and creativity.

The purpose of the work is to recruit and enroll children in the Head Start Program and ensure that Head Start program services and community resources are available to enrolled children and their families.

Contacts are with children, parents/families, preschool teachers, activity centers personnel and community programs professionals.

Contacts are made to provide information to parents and engage families and create family plans.

Work is sedentary and requires minimal standing, lifting, kneeling and reaching.

Work is performed in an office setting with some home visits to clients as needed.