Parents as Teachers Caseworker

Location: Bright Beginnings

Payment Rate: Hourly range of $17.61 - $29.34, in accordance with the USD 443 Salary Schedule. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt.

Purpose

To provide student or family education and support services for establishing and maintaining successful participation in the educational program for both students and parents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood and a CDA within one year of hire if degree is not in early childhood education, with the intent of continuity towards a Bachelor’s Degree.
• At least 1 year of direct experience working with children and/or families strongly preferred.
• Effective communication skills; bilingual literacy in reading, writing, and speaking may be required in some positions. Fluency in the languages spoken by the families that the program serves is preferred.
• Clerical and/or tutorial skills required; basic administrative skills helpful on a limited basis.
• Computer skills including data entry, report generation, word processing, etc.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent human relations skills with desire to interact with parents, students, staff, and the public.
• Commitment and discretion to maintain confidentiality.
• Knowledge and experience in child development and early childhood education; in the principles of child health, safety, nutrition; in adult learning principles; and in family dynamics.
• Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Strong assessment and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to work independently or under supervision.
• Problem solving and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Be knowledgeable on all local, state, and/or federal regulations concerning home visiting program operations.
• Plan and conduct parent home visits and group connections in accordance with the PAT model guidelines.
• Use the Parents As Teachers curriculum, implementing lessons with curriculum from other nutrition, mental health, and health resources.
• Assist in developing ways of using household resources in educational activities with children.
• Work with parents to develop the next home visit and weekly activity plan based on each child’s assessment and identified family needs.
• Use PAT approved developmental, social-emotional, vision, and hearing screening tools with children at recommended intervals.
• Use PAT approved assessments and screeners for adult and family well-being and strength needs.
• Monitor and update PAT data records of the child’s health status, assisting the parent maintain a timely child wellness schedule as recommended.
• Monitor developmental milestones and assist parents in completing follow-up required as a result of failed health activities.
• Be knowledgeable of community social services and family support agencies in order to provide appropriate referral information to individuals and/or families.
• Assist families in connecting with community resources to help meet their needs.
• Assist parents in utilizing all community services offices such as family planning, food stamps, employment, health services, vocational rehabilitation, psychological services, etc., by referring, transporting, and advocating.
• Encourage and promote the family’s achievement of self-sufficiency.
• Assist families in establishing and implementing long- and short-range goals for their children.
• Assist with the planning and coordination of special programs and activities.
• Encourage parents to attend monthly program parent meetings and transport them when necessary.
• Provide parents and children with monthly group connections.
• Plan and assist parents in the transition process for PAT students to subsequent programs.
• Provide collaboration in planning and participation in parent meetings scheduled at least once per month.
• Maintain fidelity to the 21 Essential Requirements for the Parents as Teachers Program.
• Maintain timely and accurate records regarding student data and other program requirements in the program’s PAT data system and required reports (Visit Tracker).
• Maintain training of program record keeping requirements and procedures.
• Recruit and maintain a caseload of PAT families and ensure that documentation is accurate.
• Attend the PAT monthly meetings, coachings, and professional development.
• Model typical work ethics and activities for the Supervisor on home visit as scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Regularly required to sit; use hands.
• Occasionally required to stand; walk and reach with hands and arms.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment is in an office setting; noise level is usually moderate.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.