Title: Family Worker, Early Childhood Discovery Center

Location: WHEDco Early Childhood Discover Center (ECDC)/Head Start

Reports to: Center Director

About Us:

The Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) is a community development organization founded on the radically simple idea that all people deserve to live in healthy, vibrant communities. We build award-winning, sustainable, affordable homes – but our work is not over when our buildings are complete. WHEDco believes that to be successful, affordable housing must be anchored in strong communities of which residents can be proud. WHEDco’s mission is to create and bridge access to resources in the South Bronx that support thriving neighborhoods – from high-quality early education and after-school programs, to fresh, healthy food, cultural programming, and economic opportunity. See www.whedco.org for more information.

Job Summary:

The Family Worker position at the Early Childhood Discovery Center is within the Social Service/Parent Involvement department. The role involves closely collaborating with families to develop a strengths profile and action plan. The Family Worker advocates for families, making referrals to external agencies when necessary.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute recruitment efforts to attract children to the Early Childhood Discovery Center, focusing on outreach and community engagement to build a vibrant and diverse group of participants.
• Participate in the selection process
• Ensure enrollment and intake are properly conducted
• Monitor daily drop-off and pick-up times.
• Ensure completion of screening questionnaires
• Ensure parents sign-in and sign-out their children daily.
• Assist in collecting data and supervising family literacy programs.
• Review daily attendance for absences and contact parents.
• Conduct periodic home visits, utilizing public transportation and walking when necessary.
• Act as a liaison between parents and internal/external programs.
• Advocate for families' needs and rights.
• Serve as an escort for children in emergency situations.
• Participate in community involvement committees and outreach activities.
• Collaborate with parent groups, DAPC, and other committees.
• Work closely with Program staff to support the program.
• Assist in classrooms when necessary.
• Participate in making referrals for children with special needs.
• Attend staff meetings, supervisory conferences, workshops, and conferences to increase knowledge in social work.
• Explore further educational opportunities independently.
• Maintain updated files and databases.
• Assist in planning and distributing donations.
• Perform other related duties assigned by supervisory staff.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED required; AA in Psychology preferred.
• Proficiency in English and Spanish (reading, writing, speaking).
• Strong advocacy and outreach skills.
• Ability to handle conflicts objectively.
• Excellent multitasking abilities to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of social services, welfare reform, immigration, housing, and entitlement programs.
• Proficiency in computer usage, email communication, and organizational practices.
• Completion of required medical examinations and screenings.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and conduct home visits using public transportation, which may involve climbing stairs.

Excellent benefits and competitive salary ($31,503.65 - $35,460) based on education and experience. After 60 days of employment, Center Staff working 15 hours or more per week are represented by Local 95, DC 37, AFSCME, and are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

WHEDco affords all qualified applicants equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed (religion), color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic, marital status or domestic violence victim status, or any other category protected by law. WHEDco follows the requirements of the New York Human Rights Law with regard to non-discrimination on the basis of prior criminal conviction and prior arrest.

WHEDco is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information entered by an employer from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm employment eligibility.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $31,503.65 - $35,460.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you have knowledge of social services, welfare reform, immigration, housing, and entitlement programs?
• Are you able to conduct home visits using public transportation?

Language:

• read and write in English and Spanish (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Bronx, NY 10452 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Bronx, NY 10452: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person