Family Service Associate I

MEXICAN AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY FOUNDATION

Job Description

Title: Family Service Associate I

Program: MAOF Head Start/Early Head Start (Contra Costa County)

Salary: $24.62-$27.86 per hour

Openings: 1 Position

Status: Non-Exempt, Full Time

Closing Date: Open until filled

Job Summary

The Family Service Associate I (FSA I) links families to services needed such as health, disabilities, nutrition, social services, mental health, and family engagement. Supports families in making decisions, choices, and setting family goals that best meet their needs. Will use a case management approach to share information with families regarding family support, and access to resources within the community. Will recruit, determine eligibility, and enroll families for state and federal programs.

Responsibilities:

• Establishes a supportive, collaborative, engaging relationship with families.
• Conducts family assessments and develops individualized Family Partnership Agreements to provide necessary services, resources, and follow-ups.
• Supports families with emergency assistance or crisis intervention.
• Serves as a liaison to initiate referrals and ensures follow through to confirm that services are beneficial and effective within the program and with community agencies.
• Orients parents to the comprehensive services of the program including but not limited to: Health, Nutrition, Education, Disabilities and Mental health, parent engagement, and ERSEA.
• Discusses with families the importance of coordinating health, social, and educational services for supporting children?s ongoing learning and development and family well-being.
• Assists families in locating sources of health and dental care and encourages their involvement in the health care system.
• Completes required screenings and maintains accurate health, nutrition, and other required records. Will do follow-ups as requested by Content Experts and Coordinators/Managers.
• Recruits, determines eligibility, and enrolls children into the federally funded Head Start and state funded Child Care programs. Ensures eligibility compliance with both the federal and state programs.
• Completes initial certification and recertification interviews. Processes verification needs and eligibility requests from parents.
• Prepares childcare contracts, sends Notice of Action, and Requests for Eligibility Verification.
• Completes data entry for all required services and will use the program?s record-keeping system to maintain an accurate database for both the state and federal programs.
• Maintains all information, records, and database confidential and follows the program?s record-keeping policies and procedures.
• Prepares and submits weekly and monthly required reports, including attendance.
• Collaborates effectively with others in a multidisciplinary approach.
• Meets with appropriate program staff as required for planning, guidance and training.
• Will participate in Multi-Disciplinary Team Meetings.
• Attends in-service trainings, unit meetings at sites and staff meetings, including parent meetings.
• Attends different local and community events, fairs, and other events as needed to meet the needs of the community.
• Makes home visits as required and as scheduled.
• Travels to centers, partner sites, community agencies, conferences and trainings.

Requirements:

Knowledge

• Ability to work with an ethnically and linguistically diverse population.
• Awareness and sensitivity to individual differences and cultures.
• Good interpersonal skills to communicate in an effective manner.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Good record-keeping skills.
• Ability to maintain positive work environment and relationships
• Ability to ensure confidentiality.
• Good computer skills.
• Bilingual - Spanish speaking preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of AA degree in social work or related field or Family Development Credential.
• Minimum two (2) years of paid experience working with low-income groups is required; experience in a preschool environment is preferred.

• Any combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Required to drive and travel.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work may include evenings and weekends.

MAOF Sponsored Benefits:

At MAOF, we are committed to supporting the overall well-being of our employees. We are proud to offer a comprehensive package of benefits and perks for full-time employees, with select benefits also available to part-time employees.

• Personal Time Off (PTO) ? (Vacation/personal days or sick time).
• Paid Sick Time ? 48 hours.
• Paid Holidays per Calendar Year - 12 paid holidays.
• Bereavement Leave ? 5 paid days.
• Jury Duty ? 5 paid days.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance Paid 100% by MAOF.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan - 5% employer match ? 100% vested.
• Basic Life and Accidental Insurance.
• Pet Insurance.
• Supplemental life insurance.
• Professional development opportunities.