Family Sup Worker

Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence—delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities. 

OVERVIEW OF POSITION: Under general supervision, coordinates and implements or facilitates family development, community development, parent involvement, staff development for Early Head Start and Head Start Services. Provides comprehensive services to strengthen and support family relationships and provides links to community resources. Integrates all program service areas into family and community engagement. May provide training and mentorship to Family Support Worker staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

• Conducts recruitment activities to find eligible families; completes intake and enrollment process. Completes assigned paperwork per Title V and Head Start Program performance standard regulations; completes tracking rosters and inputs data in a timely manner. Maintains caseload at all times.
• Serves as a role model for family and community involvement activities. Coordinates appropriate referrals for family and community development services. Coordinates the development, implementation, and ongoing updates of Family Partnership Agreements. Creates goals in collaboration with families.
• Mentors and/or assists in the training of Family Support Staff on eligibility and enrollment documentation; Department of Education; Title 22; and Head Start Program performance standards.
• Ensures implementation of Family and Community engagement services in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, policies and procedures.
• Identifies and incorporates resources into the program, information and/or referrals for families in the following areas: mental health, childcare, substance abuse treatment, education, employment training, income support, transportation, pregnancy, health needs, safety, nutrition and other topics as requested by family.
• Coordinates parent education, training and support for pregnant women including prenatal education, breast-feeding information, and other health resources.
• Coordinates completion of family strengths and needs assessments within required timelines. Assists management with parent meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in social services, family development, mental health, or similar field.
• Must complete California-mandated Child Abuse Reporter Training.
• Pesticide Safety Training (per Healthy Schools Act) prior to beginning work.
• Must possess or obtain credential/certification in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling, or related field within 18 months of tenure, unless grandfathered under Federal regulations.
• Must possess and maintain current pediatric (infant/toddler) CPR and first aid certificate.
• Must possess a food handler’s certificate.

EXPERIENCE:

• 3-5 years’ experience working with diverse families of very young children, or equivalent combination of training, education and experience to perform the job successfully.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office applications (e.g. Outlook, Excel, and Skype).
• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office applications (e.g. Outlook, Excel).
• Ability to properly interpret and implement regulations of the California Department of Education, Funding Terms and Conditions (Title 5), Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing (Title 22), Head Start Performance Standards, and of Easterseals policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, through oral and written skills, and work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups. Must relate well to children and their families.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, plan, establish and meet timelines.
• Ability to pass a post-offer physical examination and a TB test.
• Ability to provide any/all current immunizations as required by the State of California for child development centers and staff.
• Ability to stand for extended periods. Ability to lift 40 lbs. continuously. Ability to reach, bend, stoop and squat. Possess fine manual dexterity, can push, pull, talk/hear, with near and far visual acuity/depth perception/color vision/field of vision.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation per Easter Seals Southern California and/or program requirements. Must have sex offender index clearance.

Carrying/Lifting: Occasional / 0-40 lbs.
Standing: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day
Sitting: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day
Walking: Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day
Repetitive Motion/Activity: Keyboard activity, telephone use, writing
Visual Acuity: Ability to view computer monitor and read newsprint
Travel: None
Environmental Exposure: Regular exposure to unpleasant or hazardous working conditions (noise, heat, dust, bodily fluids, etc.).