Family/Community Services Specialist

Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission•Fresno, CA

About The Position

Responsible for providing services to Head Start Families; to facilitate relationship between home, classroom and community and to assist in the coordination and organization of Local Parent Committees (LPC) per Head Start Program Performance Standards, philosophy and mission. Assist in achieving the agency’s vision, “For Those We Serve,” by empowering individuals who thrive as healthy, self-sufficient and contributing members of our communities.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Social Science or related field required.
Minimum of Two (2) years of related work experience in social services program or related field required.
Minimum of Two (2) years of direct staff supervision required.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related business software.
Effective presentation, written and verbal communication skills.
Maintain a valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation and adequate auto insurance as required by State law. Proof of insurance will be required.
Pass required reference checks and fingerprint clearance under Title 22 regulations: Department of Justice/FBI, Criminal Record Statement Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) and background investigation as needed prior to employment.
Physical examination, TB screening clearance and signed federal criminal record declaration are required within 7 days after employment.
Obtain a valid AB 1207 Mandated Reporter Certification prior to first day of employment.
Pass and maintain Basic Pest Management in a Child Care Settings annual certification as required by the California Healthy Schools Act (HSA).
Attend and pass the Family Development Credentialing Program within 18 months of employment.
Immunized against influenza (flu), pertussis (whooping cough) and measles. The influenza vaccination must be obtained annually during flu season, August 1 through December 1. A person is exempt from the immunization requirements for the following circumstances: 1. The person submits a written statement from a licensed physician declaring that because of the person’s physical condition or medical circumstances, the immunization is not safe. 2. The person submits a written statement from a licensed physician providing that the person has evidence of current immunity to pertussis (whooping cough) and/or measles. 3. The person submits in writing declaration that he or she has declined the influenza (flu) vaccination. This exemption only applies to the influenza (flu) vaccine.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish or other secondary language preferred based on the needs of the clients and the program.
Former Early Head Start/Head Start parents preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintains systems to identify children and families in greatest need of Head Start Services.
Ensures program compliance with current State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.
Recruits, certifies and enrolls eligible children in compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards.
Completes and reviews enrollment applications for completion and accuracy.
Contributes to effective program practices and maintains a commitment of professionalism.
Explains, interprets, and clarifies Head Start program regulations, guidelines, and objectives.
Establishes and maintains a confidential record-keeping system, which includes entering and updating pertinent children/family data.
Works with and embraces a diverse community.
Establishes a mutually respectful partnership with families and acts in a support role as an advocate for families and children in the Head Start program.
Works with parent(s) to establish and maintain regular attendance for their child(ren).
Supports families’ efforts to reach their goals and conducts regular follow up with individual families on established goals.
Makes home visits and provides referral for supportive counseling, emergency assistance and/or crisis intervention when necessary. Conducts follow-up to ensure delivery of needed assistance.
Coordinates transportation for children and families, when necessary.
Coordinates parent engagement program activities by offering parent(s) opportunities to be involved in group activities, including but not limited to parent committees, policy councils, classroom activities and educational activities based on interest and needs.
Works with other program area staff in a coordinated effort to involve Head Start parents in the program.
Performs supervisory functions such as completing forms, reviewing employment applications, interviewing, issuing corrective action, completing performance evaluations, and generating separation forms etc.
Plans, develops and implements staff development and in-service training programs related to applicable social services.
Promotes and encourages team building by working with staff in assessing the needs of families and developing plans to help them achieve self-sufficiency.
Establishes and maintains partnerships with community resources and serves as a liaison with other agencies and school districts, to follow up and ensure completion of services to families.
Completes paperwork in compliance with the Head Start program including weekly, monthly, quarterly and year-end reports.
Attends and participates in conferences, meetings and trainings, as required.
Reports and documents suspected child abuse.
Maintains confidentiality of records and information on Early Head Start/Head Start staff, children and families.
Adheres to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA-2010) which prohibits discriminatory actions toward children and/or adult with disabilities. In particular, children with disabilities enrolled in the classroom as mandated by Federal Law.
Travels for agency business using personal vehicle.
Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.
Works evenings and weekends as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.