Family Service Associate

at  Mid Michigan Community Action Agency

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates degree in an Early Childhood Development, Human Services, Human Development and Family Studies, or related.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Family Service Credential within 18 months of hire or the first session offered thereafter.
• Must complete 16 hours of annual training in addition to CPR, First Aid and Blood Borne Pathogen training.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated ability as a strength-based leader.
• Demonstrated ability to present information to community groups.
• Knowledge of the Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act, Great Start Readiness Program Implementation Manual, and State Licensing Regulations.
• Knowledge of Child Plus preferred.
• Head Start/GSRP experience preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possess a solid knowledge base with respect to child development and family services and seek to expand knowledge at every opportunity.
• Complete additional certifications as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and code of ethics at all times.
• Must have Proficient Computer Skills. (Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet)
• Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, provide proof of insurance, and MMCAA’s “Insurance Carriers” driving record review.
• Successfully complete required background checks at time of hire and when requested.
• Shall provide written report by a physician stating their physical capability and freedom from communicable tuberculosis.
• Must have good communication and organizational skills and be able to work effectively with people.
• Must be self-directed and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Must possess the ability to prioritize and complete tasks in order to deliver desired outcomes within allocated time frames.
• Must be willing to accept new challenges.
• The ability to navigate and effectively resolve conflict.
• Must comply with Agency tobacco free and drug free policies.
• Understand the importance of daily work attendance, and its impact on coworkers, clients, and the agency.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with the coordination and implementation of services to families enrolled in Early Childhood Services Program as required by the Head Start Performance Standards and state and federal mandates.
• Ensure quality program service delivery.
• Protect the privacy of customers/families and hold in confidence all information obtained in the course of service.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Coordinate Family Partnership Agreements, Family Goals Sheet and other tools to provide individualized services to families.
• Coordinate and conduct application and enrollment visits and assure the proper documentation for eligibility in a timely manner.
• Provide assistance to families to facilitate their participation in Policy Council, parent education opportunities, workshops, support groups, family plans and other opportunities.
• Support the family by providing resources which will assist them in meeting documented needs or requests.
• Collaborate effectively with teaching teams to plan and implement parent engagement opportunities.
• Make all efforts to assure the safety and well-being of all program participants.
• Complete home visits to meet program needs.
• Responsible for organization and ongoing monitoring of child’s file and any follow up needed i.e. (attendance, health etc.)
• Work collaboratively with the Health Coordinator to obtain health/dental follow up
• In coordination with Supervisor and Teaching Teams, schedule time for classroom coverage on a weekly basis.
• Accurately enter necessary data into Child Plus and Quality Preschool Partnership as required.
• Responsible for PIR form at enrollment and at end of enrollment, as well as monthly updates in child plus.
• Accurately complete required program documentation and record keeping in a neat and timely manner.
• Work effectively with Teaching Team, Regional Coordinator and Component Coordinators in meeting program and overall departmental monthly, quarterly and annual goals and objectives.
• Recruit families and promote agency programs within the community.
• Assist in planning community events with the help of the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator.
• Participate in personal and professional development activities, including staff meetings, conferences, training opportunities, as identified and approved by supervisors.
• Attend community events and meetings to support the agency programs; including evening and weekend events/meetings.
• All other duties as assigned.