Head Start Family Partner

Job Summary: 

The Family Partners primary role is to partner with families, teaching staff, managers, coordinators, community, consultants and anyone else that is beneficial in engaging families towards positive goals for themselves and their children; within the Head Start program, as well as each family’s individual home setting. This role will be performed by providing the following objectives, and by overseeing Parent Meetings/Functions. Family Partners will assist families with transportation to Policy Council meetings, and they will focus on community activities around recruitment as well as taking applications from families.

Job Objectives:

• Encourage parents to participate in a Family Partnership Agreement with Head Start, with consideration and respect to cultural/religious traditions, lifestyle, language and values of each family and community.
• Build on the family’s current strengths
• Assist the families with setting goals (family plans) directed by them
• Provide opportunities for parents to participate in educational trainings, meetings, Head Start functions and governing boards.
• Collaborate with the community to assist families with resources, and being aware of community opportunities and needs that may affect the families we serve.

The above duties will be performed by:

• Providing at least 2 Home Visits each program year that focus’ on identifying and maintaining family goals (family plans). (Visit times may include reviewing health or other child development information that teaching staff or managers need shared with families). *Visits may need be virtual to ensure safety. Family Partners and the Family Service Manager will discuss safety issues.
• Facilitate a monthly Case Management meeting, with teaching staff, and/or other necessary staff, to discuss any updates, concerns or challenges for each family.
• Provide Family Engagement Activities that include Parent Association Meeting time. (see further details below)
Facilitate at least one Parenting Workshop that is researched based. Currently we have used Positive Solutions (six sessions) or Supporting the Resilience of Families: Your Journey Together (four weeks).
• Researching and participating in Community Partnership Services (i.e. being on community committees, boards, attending meetings/trainings that will enhance service information for families; and provide this information to staff and families.
• Assist the Health Support Coordinator with health screenings, and gathering/sharing information with parents regarding medical, dental and nutrition service providers.
• Be available for transporting families, when no other alternative is available, to medical/dental appointments.
• Monthly check-in (phone call or note home) to each family and document efforts. **This is the time to update the Family Profile, Family Plans, ask about medical and dental follow-ups, as well as any screening results that need follow up.
• Encourage families to participate in Policy Council.
• Perform record keeping, (in the Family Section of the file and in our data processing system, Go-Engage.) that includes documentation of visits, Family Partnership Agreements, Family Assessments, parent contacts, and any health- related supports.
• Complete monthly ROMA reports for each center and send to Head Start Director.

Other Duties:

• Participate in Recruiting Activities with the ERSEA Coordinator, and assisting each site to maintain full enrollment and a waiting list.
• Maintain a monthly tracking system of recruitment activities for the classrooms you serve, and send a copy to the ERSEA Coordinator each month.
• Participate in Staff meetings on a weekly basis.
• Participate in annual Pre-Service, monthly In-Service trainings, and SEVCA quarterly meetings.
• Participate as a member of the Family and Health Services Advisory Committees
• Participate in monthly Family Partner meetings with the Family Service Manager and the Family Service Assistant
• Contribute to Monthly Newsletter
• Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in the Child Abuse and Neglect Policy.

Parent Association Meetings (in conjunction with Family Engagement activities):

• In conjunction with other staff at each site, organize in accordance with the Parent Education Timeline; a monthly parent meeting at each Head Start site.
• Research Community Services and invite guest speakers to provide information for families that they have identified through their profiles as having interest in or wanting training, resources or referrals.
• Facilitate parents in choosing officers and running meetings.
• Create reminders to send home to all parents before each meeting.
• Create (or review if done by a secretary) minutes of each meeting. *Send copies of reminders and minutes to the Family Service Manager with your monthly reports.

Working Conditions:

This is a 40 hour, benefited position that will follow the program year, beginning the end of July- May The hours can be flexible to assure that the needs of each family can be met by scheduling evening visits when necessary. The Family Partner will report daily to the Head Start site they are assigned to.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Associates Degree in Human Services preferred or certification of Family Services and experience working with Head Start families. *If a staff was employed in this position prior to November 8, 2015, he/she will be grandfathered in if they do not have a degree or certification.
• Experience with home visiting preferred.
• An ability to identify and promote family strengths.
• An ability to effectively work with families, staff and community agencies.
• Knowledge of the Head Start philosophy.
• Knowledge of community resources and how to access them.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable, insured vehicle
• Willingness to commit to a flexible schedule that includes some evenings and weekend hours.
• Positive attitude.
• Flexibility – ability to adapt quickly and responsively to changing client’s needs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding children and families at all times.
• Ability to work as a team player with center teaching staff.