BRHS Family Development Assistant

KEY FUNCTION:

Under the direction of the Family Development Coordinator, direct supervision may be assigned according to program needs. The Family Development Assistant will assist in providing services to children and families through family engagement strategies. The Assistant will be involved in making monthly home visits, providing information and referrals as needed, and supporting families in developing and attaining family partnership goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but not limited to):

• Assist in promoting parent participation.
• Assessment of family strengths and needs through the Family Assessment. Support the family in developing and attaining goals in areas of need identified in the Family Assessment.
• Be aware of community services available in the community. Assist parents with information about community resources and make referrals as needed. Assist with follow-up on all referrals. Ensure that families receive the services they need.
• Assist in maintaining accurate and thorough documentation in Child Plus of home visits, all contacts with families, referrals, mental health updates, information given, PIR, etc.
• Assist parents in establishing a medical and dental home. Ensure children receive required initial medical and dental examinations and follow-up as needed. Provide appointment dates and documentation to the Health Specialist through monthly meetings.
• Keep Family Development Coordinator informed of families’ needs and status.
• Attend and facilitate monthly Parent Committee Meetings in service area, as needed.
• Participate in planning and presenting workshops, seminars and other trainings for parents, as needed.
• Assist in facilitating and promoting Parent Involvement activities.
• Keep food handler’s permit current, if necessary.
• Provide support to the Disabilities Specialist by assisting with Developmental Screenings and attending IEP & IFSP meetings when needed.
• Become familiar with the Performance Standards, especially those in Family Engagement.
• Promote inclusion of both parents in all aspects of Head Start and encourage participation in: Home Visits, Parent Committee Activities, Parenting classes, etc.
• Meet regularly with the Family Development Coordinator and other staff to review Child Plus, documentation, medical, dental and mental health needs, discuss family concerns and problem solving strategies.
• Meet with other staff, including teachers, make assignments and follow-up.
• Attend all mandatory team meetings, trainings, etc.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism in all job-related settings.
• Assist in recruitment of eligible children for Head Start in all service areas.
• Fill-in where needed to ensure continued quality program operations.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Family services staff qualification requirements: A program must ensure staff who work directly with families on the family partnership process hired after November 7, 2016, have within eighteen months of hire, at a minimum, a credential or certification in social work, human services, counseling or a related field.
• Bear River Head Start will give preference to applicants with a BS or BA degree in the Human Service Field, i.e., Social Work, Family Human Development, Sociology, etc., preferred.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Ability to be flexible and willing to travel throughout program service area (Utah/Idaho).
• Ability to work with adults and children from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
• Understand the special challenges faced by lesser income families.
• Ability to advocate for Head Start children and families in the community.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, i.e., evenings & weekends as needed.
• Previous experience working with families preferred.
• Creative problem solving skills.
• People orientated personality.
• Must be highly motivated.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Must maintain a high level of professional ethics at all times.
• Spanish speaking preferred or required for most areas.