Description

Starting Salary Range: $40,000 - $43,500

Agape currently has an opening for an Early Childhood Connector. As a poverty-reduction initiative, Agape, through its place-based strategy, Powerlines Community Network (PCN), implements a Two Generation paradigm. PCN is a place-based, collective impact community transformation initiative, modeled, in part, after the nationally acclaimed Harlem Children's Zone. PCN is focused on serving at-risk neighborhoods by connecting residents with resources that will help create a more nurturing environment for children and families. The Early Childhood Connector supports the implementation of an Early Childhood site-based program in designated areas served by Agape. Works in partnerships and relationships with key community leaders, supporters and advocates to provide holistic wraparound services for both parents and children, using the 2-Gen focus based largely on Aspen Institutes work: Early Childhood Education, Postsecondary Education and Workforce, Economic Supports, Health and Well-Being, and Social Capital.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Specific responsibilities of the Early Childhood Connector include:

1. Partnering with families to Identify and address the needs of their children, birth to age 5, in all aspects of early childhood development and Kindergarten-readiness as defined by Shelby County and the State of Tennessee;
2. Leveraging comprehensive resources needed to support the goal that all children enter Kindergarten ready to learn;
3. Building relationships with key community partners and stakeholders to leverage resources in response to the familys wishes.
4. Collaborating with families to administer Early Childhood assessment tools, including Ages and Stages (ASQ) and the Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire (ACE).
5. Accurately recording and reporting on expected outcomes;
6. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date case notes;
7. Promoting family voice and choice in decision-making processes.
8. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams within Agape to promote child and family success.
9. Must be able to work with a flexible schedule, which would allow for the needed interaction and involvement for this position's tasks, i.e., weekend and evening work hours, etc.
10. Must maintain all necessary and generally expected records on a timely basis.
11. Adheres to agency policies and procedures.
12. Attend and represent Agape in appropriate meetings and trainings with other agencies.
13. Attend Multidisciplinary Team Meetings and other in-service trainings provided by the agency.
14. Attend regular supervisory and team meetings.
15. Will perform all other duties, within the general scope of this position, as requested by the Coordinator, PCN Operations Director, or other members of Agape Leadership.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer.
• Prolonged walking and standing, and climbing stairs within schools and community sites.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at a time.

Qualifications

Bachelors degree in child development and family studies or related degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, or abilities for this position. A minimum of two years of demonstrated experience in the implementation of Early Childhood initiatives and data analysis; Sensitivity to family case-management relationships and cultural competency; Ability to work with a wide range of people with diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds; Experience identifying and connecting families with Early Childhood systems and resources; Demonstrated experience providing case management for a caseload of clients; Knowledge of and experience with the administration and reporting of Early Childhood assessment tools such as Ages and Stages (ASQ) and the Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire (ACE; Knowledge of and experience working with social services computer-based delivery systems; Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Ability to work well independently as well as part of a team; Proven ability as a problem solver and a self-starter; and Excellent computer, organizational, and time management skills. Must have an automobile available for business use and maintain a current drivers license and current auto insurance with acceptable coverage levels. Will be required to work a flexible schedule to include evenings and weekends as needed. The candidate must be willing to engage in Agapes Performance Quality and Improvement (also known as Continuous Quality Improvement) standards of quality & excellence.