Early Head Start Family Worker / Float Teacher

The incumbent of this position is responsible for: Implementation of the family services, health, and family/community engagement content for the center to which they are assigned; Float coverage, as needed to support the daily operation of the center.

This position is 40 hrs/wk.

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SUPERVISION:

Received: Works under the direct supervision of the center director.

Exercised: None

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Family Worker Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate the highest standards of personnel integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and fortitude in all our Community Action activities in order to inspire confidence and trust in the Community Action movement.
• Support the mission and philosophy of the Head Start program. Work in partnership with families without judgment or bias, recognizing and respecting individual differences and backgrounds.
• Build positive and strength based partnerships with parents, within professional boundaries, coaching families in the process of identifying family development goals. Support families in creating and implementing family plans.
• Be familiar with all content areas of the Head Start Program Performance Standards and content plans. Carry out the responsibilities described in the plans.
• Provide parent education such as health & safety, nutrition, mental health, disabilities, parenting, and budgeting. Maintain communication with parents regarding children’s screening and assessment results; provide support for recommended follow-up. Document services provided.
• Complete at least 3 visits per year with assigned families focusing on family goals, identification of needs and connecting to community resources.
• Ensure an ongoing schedule of contacts with assigned families every 4-6 weeks to monitor needs, family goal progress and family engagement.
• Provide ongoing family support and case management with assigned families to address identified needs, crises, referrals and follow up.
• Create a plan for the recruitment of families for all program options with the support of the ERSEA Coordinator and other Head Start family service staff. This plan will include individualized activities such as open houses, resource fairs, community support activities designed to promote community collaboration and a strong Head Start community presence.     
• Act as a liaison and advocate between the community and the Child Development program by initiating and maintaining strong community partnerships. Keep current with local community resources and keep updated resource lists and materials. Attend appropriate community meetings as assigned.
• Maintain organization of family file. Keep family records up to date in accordance with SNHS, Inc. Child Development procedures. Responsible for data entry and tracking of health, nutrition, and assessment data utilizing the Child Plus record keeping system; compile data for the Program Information Report (PIR).
• Implement the health content to ensure that every enrolled child is up to date in their schedule of well child care according to NH EPSDT including all necessary follow up.
• Collect and track documentation on health and nutrition conditions necessary for children’s safe participation in the program; sharing information as outlined in program policies and procedures.
• As assigned by supervisor, be named as designated Center Director for State of New Hampshire Child Care Licensing Bureau.
• Utilize program wide PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) as outlined in the Behavior Management Policy, such as supporting classroom team and families around challenging behaviors or social emotional concerns.
• Be familiar with PBIS Parent Guide and CSEFEL Pre-K Parenting Modules (Positive Solutions for Families) in order to support parents individually or in groups to support parenting goals.
• Complete monthly tracking forms for health, nutrition and disabilities.
• Get to know the children by spending time in the classroom during daily activities and meal time.
• Promote family engagement in all areas. Provide family support and transportation to Policy Council functions as needed. Responsible for gathering in-kind documentation. Fully implement all family engagement initiatives and support all activities/opportunities provided by the program.
• Participate in producing and distributing a monthly newsletter for parents to include community activities and resources.
• Relate professionally and tactfully with all program participants & co-workers. Maintain positive interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work as part of a team.
• Responsible for having adequate knowledge of all SNHS programs and will gather sufficient intake information to make referrals to other SNHS programs which are beneficial to the client and his/her family. Refer families to available community services and programs and follow up as necessary.
• Will maintain professional boundaries with all current, past, and prospective clients, and maintain the confidentiality of clients and staff, in accordance with SNHS policy and procedure.
• Present professional and positive image as a representative of SNHS.
• Abide by all SNHS Safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Float responsibilities:

• Provide classroom coverage, as needed to support the daily operation of the center.
• Establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment. Develop trusting relationships with the children and families by creating a positive, nurturing environment; encourage the involvement of families and support the development of relationships between children and families.
• Provide positive guidance for children, following SNHS Child Development Program’s Behavior Management Policy, PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support); initiate referrals for mental health or behavioral concerns to support children and families.
• Attend not less than 15 clock hours of classroom focused professional development; complete not less than 18 hours of professional development annually to meet NH State Licensing Requirements; Maintain current CPR and First Aid Training.
• Know the health and nutrition conditions of the children in their care and maintain up to date   Health and Nutrition Binder.  Maintain medication records.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to relate well to children and parents
• Valid driver’s license; current adequate car insurance; reliable transportation
• Kneel to address children at eye level.
• Demonstrate motor activities that may include running, hopping, jumping, dancing, and full body motions.
• Be able to run after a child in peril.
• Lift children in emergency situations.
• Nurture children who may need consoling in the case of challenging behavior.
• Get on the ground with children in case of fire and help them crawl to safety.
• Sometimes get kicked during exuberant play.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

The candidate will have a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology or Human Services; Prior experience in case work, community organizations, and working with small groups; Ability to be flexible with time for evening home visits, meetings, and possible weekend parent activities.  Must carry adequate automobile insurance and provide proof of insurance.

Southern New Hampshire Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer