POSITION: FAMILY SERVICE WORKER

RESPONSIBLE TO: Program Manager

MAIN FUNCTION: The Family Service Worker will provide Social Service/Parent Involvement services to all

families at specified sites.

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS:

• Contribute to the implementation of the Head Start Plan according to the Head Start Program Performance Standards and Agency Policies.

• Participate in the annual Head Start self-assessment process.

• Recruits and enrolls eligible children and families in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. Initiate the intake process for Head Start families. Participates in orientation programs and gradual entry for parents and children.

• Conduct with all families at least (2 Head Start) (3 Head Start/Child Care) home visits per program year to indentify and access family strengths and set family goals. Develop an ongoing relationship with family.

• Acts as a liaison and advocate between community resources and families, connecting families with opportunities that support safety, financial literacy, health and wellness and childcare when necessary. Act as a resource and referral link for families. Follow up on the effectiveness of referrals. Prepare and make available a community resource list to staff and families. Assist families in obtaining emergency assistance or crisis intervention when needed.

Link parents to trainings that contribute to self sufficiency and reaching goals around their education and career training.

• Promote parental involvement in all parent meetings and activities. Ensures and supports family involvement in program governance and in all aspects of the Head Start Program. Encourage family members to visit, observe and volunteer in the program. Assist in developing and implementing a parent incentive system for volunteering.

• Ensure that pertinent knowledge about families is appropriately and respectfully shared with colleagues and professionals in a way that assures confidentiality and service coordination.

• Completes documentation and submits all appropriate paperwork and reports as required. Performs effective recordkeeping and tracks individual family and program progress.

• Works as a team player with agency staff, parents and other community organizations to ensure all services and requirements are met to carry out the goals and objectives of the Head Start Program.

• Participate fully in the training of staff, parents and the parent committee at each specified site.

• Coordinates and attends Head Start Parent Meetings and family engagement activities.

• Arranges for transportation for Head Start parents to attend meetings, trainings, workshops and medical appointments.

• Create along with supervisor an individual professional development plan to gain new insights and knowledge about relationships with families and other relevant skills.

• Serves on advisory Committees as needed.

• Review children's attendance records regularly and follow up on absences in accordance with Head Start policies.

Maintain communication between Program and parents.
Assist in the revision of the information booklet for parents.

• Communicate with families in their spoken language or make accommodations and work closely with an interpreter.

• Follow agency policy reporting all suspected cases of child abuse/neglect. Inform supervisor of all reports.

• Ensure all health/dental screenings and follow up for children per performance standards. Assist families in acquiring a medical/dental home. Provide transportation as needed.

Visit classrooms regularly.

• Assist families with bus usage and provide up to date emergency contact form.

• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

B.A./B.S. Degree in Social Work or related field, with emphasis in

social work.

Experience with low-income families with young children. Ability to:

be tactful and cooperative; develop and maintain effective working

relationships with supervisors, peers, employees, volunteers, and the

general public.

Knowledge of community resources available.

Current Pennsylvania Driver's License required and must have

access to transportation daily in order to perform specific job

functions.