Head Start Family Service Worker; Family Advocate Job Topeka area,Kansas USA,Social Work

Position: Head Start Family Service Worker (Family Advocate)

Position

Purpose:

Under the supervision of the Head Start Principal/Director and the Family Service Coordinator, the Family Service Worker (Family Advocate) provides a vital role to the Head Start Family Services process. This position ensures program success in meeting the Family Engagement Outcomes on the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED

Maintain or obtain a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field within 18 months of hire

Preference given for former or current Head Start parents

Preference given for Head Start experience

Experience and knowledge in social services field

Knowledge of community resources

Ability to connect and communicate with families in a positive, healthy way

Duties/Responsibilities:

ERSEA - Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, Attendance (35%):

Assist families in application and enrollment process
Process application and assist families with paperwork and documentation requirements
Track student attendance and assist families in overcoming attendance barriers
Participate in recruitment efforts for the program
Initiate follow-up phone calls with families

Family Partnership Agreement Process (50%):

Maintain an active caseload of up to 60 families
Interview families on the Family Needs Assessment Survey helping families identify areas of strength and possible areas of need
Help families identify areas of need based on the Family Needs Assessment and areas where the family wants to form a goal.
Support families in efforts to complete family plan as part of the family partnership agreement, this may include, but not limited to:
Seeking/making community referrals for families, such as food, clothing, housing, education, etc. through community resources available
Providing contact information, referrals, helping families schedule appointments, etc.
Providing crisis intervention partnerships (i.e., good relationship with the Rescue Mission to assist families in housing crisis-homelessness)
Home visits (or where safety is an identified concern, a neutral safe setting) that the family and family service worker have an opportunity to form a trusting relationship in which families are encouraged to share current situations, barriers, etc. that may be impacting their ability to make progress towards their Family Partnership Agreement.
On-going documentation - records of attendance/attendance data, phone calls, referrals, changes of family information, and goal progress

Professional Responsibilities (15%):

Documentation and reporting of family interactions and communication
Building duties (i.e., answering phones, greeting students and families)
Participate in the creation of program School Readiness Goals
Attend building, grant, and district required meetings (i.e., pertinent faculty meetings, family meetings, professional development opportunities)
Stay current on Head Start Performance Standards and Program Instructions
Provide support in the area of health documentation
Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Basic computer skills in Google and Microsoft Office

Documentation skills

Experience and comfort with making presentations

Ability to collaborate and work constructively in a team

Thorough written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work independently as well as in a team

Good attention to detail

Ability to work with families with special needs, challenging behaviors, and who are culturally diverse

Experience following confidentiality guidelines

Enhance the effectiveness of Head Start Services

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with program staff

Positive attitude, compassionate, and dedicated to helping others

This is a 9-month, 8 hour/day classified position.

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