Head Start Social Worker

The Family Coach is responsible for delivering high quality services in education, family engagement, health, and wellness through a program coaching model mandated by the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS). Ensure that service delivery is conducted in the home environment with families enrolled in the home base program model.

School Readiness/Inclusion

1. Engage enrolled families in discussions about educational program options for their child, plan for transition to kindergarten and/or other program enrollment and provide support to the family during the transition process.
2. May be asked to participate in IEP and IFSP meetings as needed.
3. May be asked to participate and plan FSP meetings.
4. Directly provide education, coaching and support families in the areas of child development, family development, health, safety, nutrition, and mental health/wellness.
5. Conduct weekly 90-minute home visits with children birth-five years old and their families who are enrolled in the home base program option.
6. Directly coach and support the family in developing skills to have positive, meaningful interactions with their child.
7. Complete ongoing child assessments, review data, and adjust teaching practices to support each child's unique learning style
8. Assist family with creating lesson plans for each visit.

Family Engagement and Community Partnerships

1. Initiate collaborative partnerships with families to establish mutual trust and respect.
2. Implement, document and report on the recruitment, selection and enrollment of eligible children and their families.
3. Directly coach and support the parent in developing skills to have positive, meaningful interactions with their child.
4. Meet with families twice a year for in person goal sitting and assessments with families. Directly coach and support the parent in developing skills to have positive, meaningful interactions with their child.
5. Directly provide education, coaching and support to parents/guardians in the areas of child development, family development, health, safety, nutrition, and mental health/wellness.
6. Provide resources and referrals as needed for individual families, connecting families in ways that will support their family goals.
7. Maintain professional relationship and/or contact with local service providers, organizations and/or agencies who provide resources to families.
8. Provide appropriate supports and resources for emotional well-being, nurturing, responsive caregiving, and family engagement to support positive child outcomes.
9. Coordinate with Center Based Family Coaches and Family Committee to plan Group Connections/Family Events for children and families based on Head Start Policy.
10. Build partnerships with community partners and families.
11. Recruit throughout the community and host recruitment events.
12. Collaborate with the family to ensure and/or facilitate obtaining an ongoing source of continuous, accessible health care provided by a health care professional and, as appropriate, health insurance coverage.
13. Coordinate, plan, and facilitate 2 Group Connections monthly for enrolled families.

Health and Safety

1. Collaborate with the family to ensure and/or facilitate obtaining an ongoing source of continuous, accessible health care provided by a health care professional and, as appropriate, health insurance coverage.
2. Facilitate access to comprehensive services that include, but are not limited to school readiness, health, nutrition, food assistance, oral health care, mental health/wellness services, counseling, substance abuse, prevention and/or treatment, and/or emergency shelter/housing.

Documentation

1. Monitor and document attendance concerns and follow up with families.
2. Complete and maintain timely and accurate data entry and/or documentation as required.
3. Ensure the strategies, skills, support, and procedures are delivered in accordance with HSPPS, program policies, philosophies, and goals.
4. Ensure accurate and timely documentation of home visits, socialization experiences, and other relevant activities as required by HSPPS.
5. Complete Developmental and Social Emotional screenings as required.

Professional Development

1. Participate in professional development as required.
2. May be asked to be an advisor for FDC
3. May be asked to support other staff as needed
4. Maintain confidentiality of family records and/or all program information.
5. Must report to a workstation on a regular basis.
6. Perform other duties as assigned.

Please upload any relevant transcripts. We do require references, please enter any reference information when applying as this will speed up the review process.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS;

1. Minimum of Associates degree in social sciences, human services, or related field with a minimum of 9 social service credits; or 2 years work experience in social services may be substituted for associate degree.
2. At least 2 years documented work experience in early childhood development required
3. Experience working with low-income families, childcare, child or family preferred.
4. FDC Credential (provided by the program) must be obtained within 18 months of hire.

OTHER REQUIRED CAPABILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Ability to problem solve, handle crisis, and work with families and children of various cultures and low-income backgrounds.
2. Ability to work primarily in the homes with families residing in high-risk communities.
3. Ability to establish positive working relationships with families, agency staff, and community members.
4. Physically able to stand for long periods of time as well as stooping, squatting, running, and lifting an estimated 50 lbs.
5. Must have a valid/active driver's license and will be required to travel in or out of community with own transportation.
6. Advanced computer skills. (Word, Excel, Outlook)