Lampasas Head Start Family Service Representative

Lampasas Head Start Family Service Representative

Job Title: Family Service Representative

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Assigned Content Area Coordinator

Assignment Date: _____________

Designated Headquarters: __________________________

Position Summary:

The Family Service Representative (FSR) will ensure that each Head Start child and family is offered quality services. Strive to establish and maintain a positive rapport with each family, acting as an advocate and providing support services as needed. The FSR will work closely with center staff and content area coordinators to meet pertinent Performance Standards, share information and ensure comprehensive service delivery to families.

The FSR will assist in the team-building efforts of each locally assigned center by attending center staff meetings and parent events, and by maintaining positive communication with the center staff and the community.

Essential Job Functions:

• Ensuring safety is a priority in performing all job responsibilities. Ensure adherence to the safety policy.
• Assist with the completion of the child health screening, other required screenings, and assessments and follow up on all referrals.
• Complete and maintain a monthly health tracker for classrooms served. Document health anecdotal notes in health progress notes.
• Assist families with establishing a medical and dental home.
• Input family service information in the data management software; document all activities that relate to family services to include required monthly family contacts.
• Develop a working knowledge of community resources. Promote effective community support for families by coordination and advocacy for services with community agencies.
• Establish and maintain Community Partnership Agreements annually or as needed.
• Initiate the family partnership process, to include scheduling and conducting Parent Orientations to complete Family Service forms and to assist with identifying/setting goals (FPA) or needs for families.
• Revisit setting goals with families if a goal is not set.
• Ensure child's photo and photo page are complete.
• Follow up family referrals (FPAs) to make certain that services are adequately provided and provide resource referrals to families to ensure that the FPA is achieved, or that family needs are met.
• Work with all program staff to assist with the transition process into and out of the program.
• Assist in the training and recruitment of parent or community volunteers; must ensure background checks clearances before volunteering in the classroom/center.
• Assist in compiling content area information for PIR (Program Information Report).
• Update and maintain Parent Board and Parent Area to include the Parent Notebook and Volunteer Notebook.
• Responsible for conducting monthly Parent Engagement Opportunities by setting up speakers and encouraging parents to attend.
• Complete the Parent, Family and Community Engagement assessment two times a year with all families to address goals, needs or concerns.
• Complete and keep the current monthly Family Service Tracker for all classrooms served.
• Complete home visits as needed to inquire about a child's attendance or other family needs/concerns.
• Responsible for completing monthly parent newsletter for center served.
• Ensure Volunteer records are accurate and mailed to the appropriate office at the end of each month.
• Assist in the child/staff ratio or kitchen when assigned.
• Assist in recruitment efforts.
• Support center staff when instances of child abuse occur.
• Assist with the implementation of support services to families suspected of child abuse.
• Promote child abuse awareness and stress the Texas Law pertaining to abuse/neglect at parent orientation.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor and/or Head Start Program Director.

Job Requirements:

Annual Pre-Service Training Is Mandatory.

Education: Minimum:
High School diploma.

Preferred education:

Associate's or Bachelor's in social work or in a related field with experience in service delivery to the underprivileged, or experience in the Head Start program. Other preferred education: A CDA credential for preschool age children. Family Service Credential Certificate is mandatory within 18 months of employment with only High School Diploma or unrelated field degree.

Experience: A minimum of 1 year’s employment with the Head Start program is preferred; knowledge of interviewing techniques and client sensitivity is required. Preferred knowledge and experience in social work field.

Skills and Abilities: Strong management and organizational skills, as well as an understanding of developmentally appropriate practice. The FSR must have the ability to communicate with and to motivate parents. Be a strong advocate for the children, families, and the Head Start program. Must be flexible and have well-developed written, verbal, and interpersonal skills. Must be able to maintain records, assist with reports, and clearly understand written or verbal instruction.

Ability to work effectively with individuals…