Head Start Family Worker

SCHEDULE: Full-time, 47 weeks per year (5-week unpaid layoff every summer with eligibility for unemployment benefits)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrated formal education in a relevant field:

Level I - High School Diploma or GED plus a Family Development Credential (FDC) or equivalent formal post-secondary training.

Level II - Completed two-year college degree or equivalent in Human Services, Child & Family Services, Social Work, Psychology or a related field.

Level III - Completed four-year college degree or equivalent in Human Services, Child & Family Services, Social Work, Psychology or a related field.

Also requires :one year of experience in social work, human services or in a community family service organization; a valid New York State driver license and reliable transportation; experience working with low-income families, knowledge of agencies and services available to address the needs of families in Onondaga County. Preschool child development experience also preferred.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop and conduct Family Partnership Agreements that provide for appropriate action plans within 60 days of enrollment and follow-up after 30-45 days and as needed.
2. Provide crisis intervention, emergency assistance, counseling, information, and referral services. Ensure provision of referrals, and follow-up of needed services.
3. Conduct home visits as needed, with a minimum of three visits for each family per year.
4. Work with program staff to plan and implement parent meetings and other parent activities. Encourage parent involvement in all areas of the program.
5. Attend placement meetings, and assist with orientation and final registration of assigned families to their classroom site.
6. Conduct follow up with family when their child is absent from school.
7. Document all interactions with families and maintain case notes in files and database.
8. Maintain data and statistics for monthly and annual reports.
9. Establish and maintain successful working relationships with community resources.

EOE/AA/M/F/D/V