Funding for this position available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) through September 2011.

QUALIFICATIONS:

B.S. in Social Work, Human Services or other related field, or: A.A.S. in Social Work, Human Services or other related field, plus one year of experience in social work, human services or in a community family service organization.

Must possess strong written and oral communication skills, and have computer knowledge. Experience working with low-income families, knowledge of agencies and services available to address the needs of families in Onondaga County, flexibility to work some evenings and weekends, a valid New York State driver license and accessibility by telephone. Also, possess strong self starting skills and compassion for clients. Preschool child development experience also preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide family development services to Center Base Head Start participants.
A. Identify, in conjunction with each family, the families social service needs and conduct Family Partnership Agreements that provide for appropriate family action plans and follow-up as needed.
B. Utilize family action plans to assist each assigned Head Start family in efforts to improve the conditions and quality of family life.
C. Provide crisis intervention, emergency assistance, counseling, information and referral services to Head Start families. Ensure provision of referrals, and follow-up of needed services.
D. Conduct home visits with a minimum of 3 for each family.
E. Advocate on behalf of families to assure complete utilization of available services.

2. Support child/teacher by monitoring attendance, attending child related meetings and communicating regularly with child’s teacher. Conduct follow up when a child is absent from program.

3. Maintain and document change of status related to family and child to initiate change in PROMIS. Document change in child’s file (contact /demographic form) and on emergency contact cards in class and office.

4. Utilize community resources.
A. Establish and maintain successful working relationships with community resources.
B. Increase family awareness of community resources and facilitate their use.

5. Work in conjunction with program staff to plan and implement parent meetings and other parent activities.
A. Provide adult education program information and referrals.
B. Attend all centers based and component meetings and serve as the liaison between center staff and parents as required.
C. Participate in the planning and implementation of Parent Involvement activities, In-kind documentation, including getting volunteers for the program, center activities, and other in-kind contributions.
D. Encourage and monitor parent involvement in all areas of the program.

6. Participate in training and in-service sessions to further knowledge and experiences as they relate to the Head Start Performance Standards.

7. Maintain confidentiality of all family and child records and all other matters relating to families.

8. Document case notes within 24 hours of contact.

9. Perform all other duties as they relate to the comprehensive team approach of the Head Start philosophy.

10. Attend placement meetings as scheduled.

11. Build relationship with families as assigned having first contact within 2 weeks to identify self.

12. Participate in Site Recruitment Plan activities as scheduled.