Early Head Start Home Visitor

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

 Responsible for providing quality home-based services to parents that support their role as their child’s first and most important teacher. Responsible for providing ongoing, intensive, and comprehensive child development and family support services that will enhance the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of participating children. Responsible for planning and implementing activities and educational opportunities for parents.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree minimum in Early Childhood or development (or other equivalent), Early Childhood Certifications, or CDA equivalents, also willing to consider total credits in Early Childhood
• High School Diploma or equivalent accepted with willingness to complete ECE Certification or CDA requirements upon hire

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Engage in a warm and accepting relationship with parents and support a strong and secure attachment between the parent and child.
• Plan, carry out and maintain records of home-based education to include providing educational activities for the child and parent in the child’s home
• In partnership with parents use observation, screening tools and assessments to evaluate children’s development and make referrals to the appropriate area agency when needed
• Ensure formal linkage with providers of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities. Support and encourage parents to advocate for their child and incorporate and emphasize IEP/IFSP goals into weekly home visit plans.
• Plan and implement socialization opportunities for families and children to include both child and parent education. Encourage and model good early childhood practices and support parents to actively engage with their children during socialization.
• Actively supports and encourages parents with their involvement in Parent committees, Policy Council, Health Advisory Board, and other parent involvement activities.
• leading and facilitating groups through funded grant program or in collaboration for CAPSC FRC
• Participate in training and continuing educational opportunities as they relate to the improvement of our services to low-income families. Utilizing the information and knowledge gained to enhance professional practice.
• Provide social services to parents that help the family move towards self-sufficiency, including educational and employment services as appropriate.
•  Develop knowledge of and working relationships with community agencies and resources.
•  Plan activities and provide educational resources and opportunities for prenatal woman during visits with the goal of a healthy pregnancy outcome.
• Transports Early Head Start parents when necessary.
• In partnership with parents, appropriate EHS/HS staff, and the community, develop and implement an individualized plan for transitioning the child and family out of EHS services.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• Respects confidentiality of information about agency staff, personnel issues, and other program operations.
• Strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Plan, assign, coordinate, organize and prioritize work.
• Models direct, positive, honest, and respectful behavior in every aspect of work with children, families, staff and community members.
• Energetically engages people, issues and work.
• Applies the highest ethical standards to themselves and others on a daily basis.
• Supports other in their efforts to be productive and effective and succeed in work and life.
• Actively participates in teambuilding, which includes sharing ideas and mutual support of team members.
• Consistently uses interpersonal skills that are appropriate for individual styles, personalities, cultures, the nature of the work, and the environment in which the work is being done.
• Practices honest, respectful and direct communication as well as active listening.

EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

Valid Driver's License and insured vehicle (100/300 minimum coverage) for use on the job or acceptable alternative, driving record check, criminal record check, randomized drug screening.

Head Start, Early Head Start, Childcare, and Home Visiting Programs are also subject to the following: 

Head Start and child care licensing requires a criminal record check and finger printing to be completed prior to employment.  An initial physical examination record must be obtained upon hire, updated every three years and kept on file with Human Resources. An initial driving record check will be conducted.  License information will also be submitted to the agency’s automobile insurance carrier.