Family Support Specialist, Expectant Moms na Greater Bergen Community Action

Every Child Deserves a Head Start

Greater Bergen Community Action’s (GBCA) Head Start Preschool program is a rewarding environment for individuals passionate about helping others who seek to advance their careers while making a positive impact. Our mission is to provide a quality, comprehensive educational program that prepares children and their families for kindergarten and life beyond. With its origins in the War on Poverty, Head Start is one of the longest-running federally funded programs. The Head Start model has been praised and emulated throughout the country. 

At GBCA, our Head Start Preschool program collaborates with local school districts to provide quality education.  Our compensation package is competitive.  We offer a supportive work environment that recognizes the value of every employee, and our focus is continually on staff wellness.  

If you are new to the social work field or an experienced professional, we welcome you to join our Head Start program. Come make a difference. Discover what it is like to teach children and reach families through the Head Start approach. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field
• Prior experience preferred.
• Communicates clearly and effectively.
• Must demonstrate English proficiency - both oral and written
• Demonstrates good computer skills. 
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including recruitment and community outreach efforts during evening hours and weekends as needed.
• Ability to physically care for the needs of the children in the classroom. This includes sitting, standing, bending, and lifting to fifty (50) pounds. 
• Valid NJ driver’s license preferred and use of own vehicle for self-transportation; local travel is required.

Responsibilities include:

• Learn and adhere to the philosophy and mandates of Head Start and Early Head Start as outlined in the Performance Standards, licensing requirements, and the Policies and Procedures of Greater Bergen Community Action (GBCA).
• Understand how children develop and learn in a variety of school, family, and community contexts and provide opportunities that support their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development.
• Responsible for setting up and maintaining children’s files.
• Enters and updates relevant social service information in the data management system. 
• Provide a minimum of two (2) home visits per month for each expectant mom. Each visit must be at least one (1) hour in duration, with a minimum of twenty-two (22) visits per 11 months.
• Help plan and carry out parent training activities, support groups, and expectant moms' socialization; facilitates expectant families' participation in center activities, educational workshops, and socialization. 
• Become familiar with available resources in the area served.  Connects parents to community referrals as needed.
• Responsible for infant, toddler, child, and expectant mothers recruitment and maintaining funded enrollment numbers.
• Actively participate in at least two (2) recruitment events each semester outside of traditional working hours, perform community outreach, and are responsible for program options transitions.  Schedules may be flexed at the supervisor's direction to accommodate hours worked for events.
• Attend pre-service,  in-service, and all staff meetings and any other additional meetings deemed appropriate and necessary by the supervisors and/or any other administrative team member. 
• Complete all family partnership plans promptly.
• Keep track of parent volunteer reports.
• Share information with health and special services staff concerning individual needs and/or concerns regarding each expectant mom.
• May carry a center-based caseload as needed.
• Establish and maintain a harmonious relationship with fellow staff and parents.
• Is responsible for the overall safety of each child in the GBCA Head Start program. 
• Provide office and/or phone coverage and assist with classroom coverage as needed.
• Is punctual and adheres to the work schedule assigned.
• Perform any other duties as assigned. 
  
  Benefits offered for full-time employees include:
• Healthcare: medical, dental, and vision
• Life insurance
• Participation is a retirement account, 403(B)/403(B) Roth with matching after one year
• Participation in tax savings plans: medical, dependent care, and commuter
• Paid Time off: vacation, paid holidays, and sick time

Greater Bergen Community Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer, serving the community since 1967