Family Case Manager

FAMILY CASE MANAGER

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Provide social services and parent engagement opportunities to Head Start and Early Head Start families. In partnership with families, the Family Support Manager will develop mutually trusting relationships, act as an advocate for families and provide support services as needed.  The Family Support Manager will assist families in determining their strengths and needs in order to develop goals and progress toward meeting those goals. Actively recruit participants for Head Start and Early Head Start, assist in securing and documenting in-kind, create and follow through on career and position goals. Maintain confidentiality. Perform additional duties deemed necessary by the Director or designee.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in carrying out program goals, policies and activities designed to meet the needs of families enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start.

• Develop and monitor the progress of family assessments, family partnership agreements, referrals, and goals.

• Encourage caregivers to enroll eligible children in Head Start and Early Head Start by explaining the merits of the programs.

• Follow written procedures for referrals and inquiries for enrollment.

• Correctly complete applications throughout the year in a timely manner in order to maintain an active waiting list in all four counties.

• Correctly complete applications with interested families in a timely manner including follow-up on needed documents.

• Plan and implement parent engagement activities per federal performance standards and parent interests. Facilitate parent meetings, educational workshops, and Family Fun Nights. Arrange babysitting and assist families needing transportation. Make arrangements for facilities, presenters, and support parent government as needed.

• Serve as an advocate between community resources and Head Start / Early Head Start families, assisting families in accessing those resources.

• Assist with recruiting volunteers and/or in-kind services and contributions.

• Assist in obtaining and tracking child health appointments. Notify the Information Systems Assistant of any concerns regarding a child’s health.

• Maintain timely, proper and precise documentation both written and in the child tracking system. Maintain an up-to-date record keeping system with adequate provisions for confidentiality.

• Confer with Behavior Support Specialist regarding children or families’ mental health needs.

• Engage families in volunteering within program and community.

• Organize and implement Head Start events such as pictures, yearbook, Ready-Set-Read program, holiday assistance, and food distribution.

• Build lasting, reciprocal relationships with community partners through communication, education, and collaboration.

• Establish relationships with families through regular contact, home visits, and celebrations.

• Assist families with crisis situations through direct services or referrals.

• Accurately complete two assessments on families per year, enter data in child tracking database per guidance, and provide opportunities for families to improve assessment score by offering individualized and group coaching in family outcome areas.

• Insure that parent orientation is completed with all parents according to guidance and per day care licensing regulations.

• Insure that recruitment and election of parent government and policy council representation is conducted according to the written procedure.

• Maintain and submit complete and accurate weekly and monthly reports to supervisor prior to or by deadline.

• Monitor children’s attendance and follow up per written procedure. Document all follow up.

• Report any cases of suspected child abuse or neglect, as required by law, in accordance with agency policies and procedures. Notify Early Education Specialist of any reports made.

• Assist with gathering and accurately documenting in-kind.

• Maintain confidentiality at all times.

• Participate in pre-service and in-service trainings, workshops, seminars and conferences to up-date professional growth and development.

• Create and adhere to career and position goals.

• Perform additional duties as deemed necessary by the Director of Children’s Services or designee.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED. An associate or bachelor’s degree in social work or human services is preferred.

• Must obtain a Basic Family Services Credential within 18 months of hire if an acceptable associate or bachelor’s degree is not held.

• One year case management, home visiting or working with at-risk families is preferred.

• Must have a valid Indiana Driver’s License and proof of insurance. Must have a reliable personal vehicle available for use in business related travel.

• Must submit to a criminal history background check.

• Must submit and pass a substance abuse screening test according to Indiana Child Care Licensing regulations.

• Must obtain a physical within 30 days of hire and update every five years.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Frequent significant decision and problem solving abilities.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Intermediate computer skills, internet and e-mail.

• Strong organizational and time management skills, sensitivity to detail, ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure.

• Ability to perform mathematical skills including calculating decimals and percentages.

• Must be flexible and non-resistant to change.

• Knowledge of community resources and how to access services for children and families.

• Ability to form and maintain effective and working relationships with parents, colleagues, and community partners.

• Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries with families.

• Ability to respond appropriately to an emergency or a crisis situation.

• Must be able to understand and follow policies and procedures.

• Daily kneeling, stooping, bending and sitting on the floor.

• Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.

• Must be available for overnight travel, evening and weekend work as required.

• Must be supportive of the missions of Hoosier Uplands Economic Development Corporation and the Children’s Services Division.