Family Engagement Assistant

at  Sunbeam Family Services Inc

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position plans and collaborates with other coordinators and staff in the Early Childhood Services (ECS) programs. The Family Engagement Assistant works with the ERSEA team to manage the eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA), system that meets the needs of Early Head Start/Head Start eligible families, and ECS Sites. The Family Engagement Assistant helps coordinate and document the activities of the ECS EHS/HS Policy Council/Policy Committee and oversees the implementation of Family Engagement, including Parent Committee and other Family Engagement opportunities/activities.

EDUCATION

Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Work or related field of service
Masters degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Work or related field of service

EXPERIENCE

Effective experience as a leader and working directly with at-risk families.

ABILITIES

Caring and compassionate attitude when interacting with and caring for children and families
Accepting interpersonal approach that reflects cultural sensitivity to the unique and diverse experiences of families served
Willingness to work with high-risk, low-income communities
Knowledge and understanding of Head Start Program Performance Standards and state and local child care licensing requirements
Exceptional leadership, organizational, and communications skills
Excellent command of English language and grammar, both verbal and written
Intermediate knowledge of computer operations and applications and the ability to master other computer technology/software programs, as needed
Good time management skills
Must work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Exercise independent judgment
Communicate in a professional manner, demonstrating dignity and respect for our internal, external and community members
Process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials
Sustained concentration to detail and accuracy, along with the ability to prioritize workload
Must be able to travel and work some evenings and weekends as required by the job.
Valid Oklahoma drivers license and state required vehicle insurance for any vehicle used in performance of job duties
Knowledge and understanding of Child Plus
Bilingual Spanish/English speaking ability to interact with children and families from multilingual homes

• Serve as a leader of the Early Childhood Services program and being an effective role model for developmentally appropriate practice, for the values expected within the program, and for the mission of the organization.
• Attend local, state, and regional initiatives, meetings, conferences, and trainings to represent the ECS program and to develop community partnerships.
• In consultation with Family Engagement Coordinator and Supervisors, ensure Family Advocates throughout the year to identify family goals, strengths, necessary services, and supports and to consult on the benefits of family engagement and activities in which families may choose to participate.
• In consultation with Family Engagement Coordinator and Supervisors, ensure the completion of the child health screenings, other required screens, and assessments and are familiar with referral requirements.
• In consultation with the Family Engagement Coordinator and Supervisors, ensure Family Support Specialists participate in Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), Weekly.
• In consultation with the Family Engagement Coordinator and Supervisors ensure Family Child Reviews (FCRs) meetings with appropriate staff, as needed.
• Ensure Family Advocates maintain required documentation and all family files are current.
• Develop systems through which Family Advocates work with the ERSEA Team to manage eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA) that meets the needs of Early Head Start/Head Start eligible families, and ECS Sites.
• Work with the ERSEA Team to maintain funded enrollment level and waiting list, fill vacancies as needed, and analyze enrollment data to inform the planning process.
• Work with ERSEA Team to analyze contributors to absenteeism when average daily attendance falls below 85%.
• Coordinate, facilitate, and document activities of the ECS EHS/HS Policy Council/Policy Committee.
• Encourage volunteering at center-based options and participation in ECS EHS/HS Policy Council/Policy Committee by center-based and home-based families, and community members.
• Travel locally, as required, in the performance of responsibilities.
• Perform other appropriate and related responsibilities as assigned