(Montcalm: Greenville)
Position Title: Family Service Worker
Classification: HS 01 - 04 ($16.14 - $17.21 - $18.21 - $19.33*)
Work Hours: 40/week Work Weeks: 48 - 52
Supervisor: 0-5 Family Service Coordinator
Positions Supervised: None
Essential Function of the Job
The Family Service Worker is responsible for the enrollment and case management of families in the 0-5 Head Start program. Actively encourages parents in their role as their children’s first and most important teacher, offering an array of opportunities to build a foundation for lifetime learning. Provides support to families to help identify their own strengths and needs.
Examples of Work
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in the position of this class.)
- Develop professional relationships with families and structure services to encourage trust and respectful, ongoing two-way communication.
- Enroll eligible center-based children for the 0-5 Head Start program; assuring vacancies are filled within required timeframes.
- Obtain required documents from families and accurately complete enrollment and family partnership paperwork using program software and databases.
- Collaborate with families in the family partnership process to identify needs, interests, strengths, goals, services, and resources that support family well-being, safety, health, and economic stability.
- Participate in program activities that support and encourage parent-child relationships and child development.
- Actively monitor individual child attendance and provide parents with information about the importance of their child’s regular attendance and partner with them to reduce attendance barriers.
- Offer opportunities for 0-5 Head Start families to participate in a research-based parenting curriculum.
- Case manage the health requirements of enrolled children.
- Offer services, resources, and referrals to help families access local support services, as needed.
- Lead recruitment efforts for the 0-5 Head Start program.
- Communicate regularly with teachers, home visitors, and other support staff, as appropriate, to promote effective case management.
- Attend staff meetings and trainings, as directed.
- When necessary, fill-in as a substitute caregiver for 0-5 Head Start classrooms and busses, as directed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements of Work
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
- Ability to relate positively with staff, parents, and community members.
- Knowledge and experience in human services and resource development.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Capacity to organize and maintain accurate records.
- An initial health examination (that includes screening for tuberculosis) and a periodic re-examination (as recommended by health care provider or as mandated by State or local laws).
- A valid Michigan driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
- Absence of exclusionary findings on a Comprehensive Criminal History Check.
- Ability to lift 40 pounds consistently and safely.
Required Minimum Training and Experience
- Associate degree in social work, family studies, or human services, OR a Child Development Associates (CDA) or associate degree in a related field with a minimum of three years of professional experience working in a comprehensive human service agency. Must obtain the Family Service Credential within 18 months of hire.
- Knowledge of the Head Start Performance Standards and the PFCE Framework.
- Successful completion of all training topics, as required by Child Day Care Licensing, within specified timeframes.
- Completion of 16 clock hours of professional development training, annually.
*In order to be eligible for H.S. 04 level, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a field related to your position.
EightCAP, Inc. is an equal Employment Opportunity Agency. Auxiliary aides and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Information contained in this posting is available in alternative format for individuals with disabilities. To request alternate format posting information, write to the above address, or call (616) 754-9315, or 1-800-649-3777. (Telephonic Device for the Deaf, TDD)
