As Family Services Coordinator/Assistant Center Director, the position is responsible for the general day-to-day operations of a Head Start/Early Head Start center and will maintain a caseload. The Family Service portion of the position is responsible for support services to Early Head Start and Head Start families and for assisting parents in learning about and using community resources; for working with parents on goal setting; for encouraging parent involvement and participation in their child’s education.
The Coordinator supports and assists families as they identify and meet their own goals through a case management model for developing and carrying out the program Family Partnership Agreements. This position also assists with the completion of the child health requirements and other required screenings and assessments. The Coordinator supports the larger system of social services coordinated by Head Start/Early Head Start thereby supporting the goals of the program. The position may involve reassignment of caseloads and/or center location as deemed necessary for program operations.
- Supervise site staff; facilitate resolution of conflicts; encourage and support professional development opportunities; develop and monitor center and staff schedules.
- Conduct regular staff meetings, support staff training, and monitor/provide ongoing feedback for performance improvement and appraisals.
- Works to arrange Family Nights, Parent Committee meetings and works with the staff and parents to plan and carry them out.
- Conducts regular staff meetings, during arrangement of staff training;
- Organize and implements center staff meetings.
- Provide family support services to all families in caseload, including relationship development, development of Family Partnership Agreements and goal-setting process, helping to research and obtain necessary community services and supports.
- Ensure regular communication with families regarding screening, assessments, and surveys in order to provide needed information regarding medical, and social services as needed
- Ensure health requirements are met according to Head Start Performance Standards
- Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality
- Assist in the monitoring and reporting of family related services;
- Work with the Information Specialist to enter and track information regarding family services and ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment and Attendance).
- Responsible for maintaining full enrollment, with a 72 turn around to fill vacancies, program - wide
- Provide logistical support for Policy Council meetings one time per month.
- Perform recordkeeping and data entry.
- Submit accurate information in a timely manner, including: written documentation, scheduled reports, and mandated reports
- Serve as advisor on family services for teaching staff.
- Attend case coordination meetings with other staff, in an effort to fully integrate services.
- Help to develop a program wide Leadership training f or Policy Council Members.
- Participate in an individualized continuing education plan including CPR and First Aid.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- Associates in Social Work, Family/Human Services, Counseling or a related field, required.
- Must possess or agree to obtain Early Childcare Director’s Credential and meet center director criteria as required by MS Childcare Licensing.
- One year work experience in a position that directly relates to Family Services and/or Adult Education.
- Some experience in an early childhood education classroom setting.
- Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills and ability to work collaboratively with other staff and community partners in the provision of high quality services and resources to families
- Knowledge of the basics of working with infants and toddlers and/or pre-school age students
- Knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start Program
- Ability to relate sensitively with children and to work well with staff and parents and families
- Ability to follow directions and take initiative
- Ability to keep all information on families strictly confidential
- Ability to communicate effectively with children and staff
- Ability to work with children with disabilities
- Ability to oversee and operate the day-to-day program in compliance with all local, state and federal regulations.
- Ability to communicate effectively with staff and families.
- Good time management, organizational and problem solving skills.
Experience
- 3 years: Related directly to Family Services
- 1 year: Early Childhood Education setting or Head Start/Early Head Start setting