Description

Job Title: Family Service Worker

Department: Focus: HOPE Early Learning

Reports To: Program Manager of Compliance and Family Support

FLSA Status: Exempt

Summary:

Works as a member of a team to provide a continuum of services to strengthen and preserve families. This position requires one to assist in identifying individual needs, coordinating services to meet each family's areas of concern. They must have the ability and skills to input data into computer programs including MS Office and the database of record.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The job duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by the position in this job classification. The employee fulfilling this job is accountable to the assigned supervisor for completion of assignments and the high standards of accuracy, attention to detail and timely completion of work. Maintains records and confidentiality of client information. Expectations include a pleasant, empathetic, sensitive, and professional demeanor, a positive attitude and a willing spirit. Individuals must work with all members of the community regardless of race, gender, age and cultural or ethnic background or economic status. The employee must be willing to engage in professional development efforts as available to the position and required by management. They must also be able to relate to the needs and concerns of low-income children and families. Must be knowledgeable of services provided by various local social and community agencies.

It is expected that an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Inclusive of but not limited to:

1. Engages parents in identifying their needs, developing goals, supporting actions, providing referrals and follow-up.
2. Advocates for children and families by assisting in the coordination of support services.
3. Works with other staff to plan and implements activities that teach parents/guardians child development/child management, nutrition education, health education, dental education, mental health education, use of community resources and other adult education activities.
4. Monitors, updates, and maintains confidential family and child data records in the program database.
5. Provides support to parents when there are problems with attendance and initiates attendance plans.
6. Participates in staffing for identified children with special needs and coordinates any additional services.
7. Attends and participates in departmental and agency staff meetings, training, and planning sessions.
8. Notifies Nutrition Specialist and staff of new children with any food restrictions and submits completed food substitution forms.
9. Assist with the implementation and monitoring of Parent Committee meetings.
10. Recruits parents to participate in advisory committee meetings and training functions.
11. Works in cooperation with other content specialists to ensure program effectiveness and compliance.
12. Maintains a positive two-way communication system with families, staff, Policy Committee Parent committee, and the community.
13. Must be willing to complete all other tasks and duties requested by the supervisor promptly.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Requirements

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher from a four-year college or university with a specialization in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, or related fields with relevant experience is preferred.
• At least two years’ experience in a human services setting working with low-income children and families required. The individual will complete a certificate in family services, counseling, or related areas within 18 months of hire.
• Must have computer MS Office knowledge and experience working on a database.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should know Microsoft Office Suite.

Special Recruitment Events

Recruitment is everyone’s responsibility to ensure all programs are fully enrolled. To that end, all staff is responsible to participate in special community or recruitment days. Some of these days maybe on weekends and staff are still required to participate. The following days are mandatory:

• Focus: Hope Walk / March
• Spring Bling
• Family Fun day
• And specialized days that are identified from the program Director or management

In-Kind

All staff has a responsibility to support the program to meet non-federal share (in-kind). Staff is strongly encouraged to recruit parents to volunteer within the program. Additionally, staff are also encouraged when possible to support the program through recruiting community members for volunteers and personal donations. When purchases are voluntarily made to promote the program, those expenses can be used as a donation and can be claimed as in-kind.

E.E.O.C. Statement

Focus: HOPE is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Focus: HOPE not to discriminate in its employment and personnel practices because of a person's race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state or other applicable laws.