Family Service Specialist bei Porter-Leath

Under the direction of the EHS Director, the Family Service Specialist supervises, coordinates and monitors family services for Early Head Start children and families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Child Development or related field required
• Minimum three years of experience working with families in a Head Start or Early Head Start program required. 

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises and monitors assigned Family Service Workers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding, motivating and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. 

Essential Job Functions

1. Provides monitoring, support and technical assistance as needed to Family Service Workers at Early Head Start locations to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Porter-Leath, the State of Tennessee Department of Human Services regulations, and other standards promulgated for enrolled children and families.
2. Ensures implementation of the Family and Community Partnership service plans and procedures which will include goals and strategies from the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework (PFCE).
3. Monitors use of family partnership documentation and the tracking system for PFCE framework to better track family goal attainment through family records and Child Plus.
4. Assists with the coordination of Family Service activities that may include: identifying community partners, parenting workshops/monthly meetings, male involvement activities, conducting community outreach, ERSEA, etc.
5. Assists with providing technical assistance and professional development to staff on documentation, Family and Community Partnership roles and responsibilities, Child Plus data entry, Family Engagement, motivational interviewing, relationship-based strategies. etc.
6. Monitors and evaluate family service records, family support services, enrollment applications, family transition plans, extended care services, needs assessments and community support to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Pre- K, Tennessee Department of Human Services, Porter-Leath, and other standards promulgated for children and families.
7. Monitors and ensures timely follow-up on community referrals to assure program eligibility and the receipt of services.
8. Provide guidance to family services staff providing extensive case management services required by enrolled families.
9. Ensures that enrollees have access to needed services such as transportation, Families First, Earned Benefits, WIC, job training, and housing.
10. Coordinates services with social service providers, social workers and drug counselors in relation to family services. Build community partnerships to enhance services to families.
11. Develops and maintains relationships and partnerships with community service providers to share information, coordinate resources, and respond to community needs and changes.
12. Develops and maintains up to date resources available to families in areas served.
13. Identifies and ensures optimal utilization by families and staff of all local, State and Federal resources.
14. Promotes high quality interpersonal communication and relationships between children, families, peers, support/management staff, and community services/schools, and community helpers
15. Demonstrates self-awareness, self-regulation and motivation to assess own skills.
16. Assists with parenting classes, parent engagement activities, and with providing parenting information for individual families as needed.
17. Models appropriate advocacy skills for parents in dealing with community agencies, professionals, and schools.
18. Assists with the timely completion of professional, accurate and thorough progress reports including monthly reports on Family Partnerships, PFCE goals, Male Involvement, etc.
19. Assists with enrolling families and in the planning of transition activities to assist families in making a smooth transition to Head Start or Kindergarten, as appropriate for child's age.
20. Monitors activities designed to implement the parent engagement/involvement performance standards. Assure that parent engagement/involvement activities are provided that are responsive to the ongoing and expressed needs of parents.
21. Works with the Site Manager to organize parent meetings, coordinate Parent Committee activities, assist in the development and implementation of parent involvement and engagement strategies.
22. Communicates programmatic issues with Supervisor.
23. Assists Supervisor in conducting strategic planning and developing systems of continuous program improvement as it relates to family services and community partnerships.
24. Attends conferences and meetings for professional development.
25. Contributes to team effort by performing other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger/handle/feel. Occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required: close and color vision. Work in a non-smoking environment.

Special Conditions

Maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record with appropriate level of insurance.