PFA/PFAE Family Support Specialist

Qualifications

AA and/or a credential or certification in social work, human services related field, Bachelor's Degree Preferred. Excellent Organizational/Time Management Skills. Data Entry Experience Preferred. Valid driver's license and insurance.

Job Goals

To support parents as they identify and meet their own goals and nurture the academic development of their children in the context of local (school readiness), state (Early Learning Standards), and federal standards. Work collaboratively with all staff toward parent's achievement of self-sufficiency as well as taking responsibility for their family's primary health care.

Performance Responsibilities

• Provide Head Start families with information and referral for emergency assistance, crisis intervention, and social services for which they qualify.
• Become familiar with and encourage use of existing community resources.
• Provide direct services as needed (transportation, advocacy, etc.).
• Complete Family Partnership Agreements if needed with all families based on the outcomes of the School Readiness and Family Stability Scales.
• Document all follow-up and progress in meeting goals.
• If necessary, plan and implement monthly meetings under the direction of the Assistant Director for Health and Family Engagement and in concert with Parent Committee officers.
• Responsible for all parent contacts regarding planned activities.
• Submit, by established deadlines, supporting documentation for all parent meetings, e.g., sign-in sheets, agendas, handouts, minutes, etc.
• Schedule and/or provide transportation as needed for meetings and trainings.
• Work cooperatively with teaching staff and other coordinators to promote parent involvement in all areas of Head Start.
• Solicit parents to volunteer and participate in all parent activities.
• Facilitate or assist in Parent Orientations and other parent training activities.
• Make continued contact with Head Start parents through home visits, telephone calls, Parent Committee meetings, etc.
• Document all contacts.
• Aid Policy Council representatives in preparing monthly reports.

Recruitment/Enrollment/Attendance

• Recruit and enroll children in accordance with the Eligibility, Recruitment, Enrollment, and Attendance Policy and federal regulations to maintain full funded enrollment per regulation.
• Participate on screening days when necessary and filling any role that is needed on that day.
• Understand all enrollment eligibility requirements including health.
• Recruit throughout the program year.
• Actively recruit during school sponsored registration.
• Make home visits as necessary for recruitment purposes.
• Submit complete intake information.
• Absenteeism: Assist as needed in submitting accurate attendance figures. Contact parents of absent students to determine reasons for absence. Review attendance on a regular basis to identify patterns for absenteeism. Determine supports needed to support regular attendance.
• Educate parents about benefits and importance of regular attendance.

Classroom Support

• Work as a team member to support academic and behavioral concerns, e.g. CICO - check in check out, SAIG groups, team/IEP meetings.
• Be a member of the classroom team, e.g. extra support during activities or substituting when needed.

Health

• Maintain and update children's individual health records in files and Child Plus (computer data entry).
• Assist families in meeting health requirements: arrange transportation, set up appointments, etc.
• If necessary, assist in securing parental consents for diagnostic evaluations.
• Link families to affordable, on-going health systems, e.g. Kankakee Junior High School Health Clinic, through referrals or direct services.
• Follow-up on nutrition assessments as identified, educating parents on Rethink your Drink and 5210 Let's Go.
• Follow-up on required medical and dental screenings as indicated by health care providers. (vision, hearing, lead, TB, hemoglobin, physical and dental, etc.).
• Notify parents of emergencies or injuries per established procedures. Immediately submit injury reports and insurance forms to the director.

Child Transportation

• Submit transportation changes on the Status Change Spreadsheet by established deadlines.
• Notify teacher that a change is taking place.
• Handle transportation issues in absence of the Transportation Specialist.
• Submit information to all involved, i.e., driver, teacher, FSS, etc.
• Rotate late days as scheduled until all bus routes are completed.
• Monitor morning and mid-day bus/car rider/walker arrivals in gym.
• Participate in car rider/walker dismissal following protocol.

General

• Share all pertinent information with teaching staff by e-mail, weekly meetings etc.
• Document on required form and submit weekly.
• Submit accurate reports on time. Attendance, weekly reports, health status, etc.
• Cook off visits as needed to support home-school connection, address attendance, health and behavior concerns and provide other family support.
• Attend required preservice and in-service activities and trainings including those offered on-line.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records.
• Maintain complete family files.
• Make necessary referrals.
• Follow dress code.
• Exhibit professional demeanor at all times with all people.
• Recognize the need for all families to be treated with dignity and respect.
• Follow universal precautions with regard to blood borne pathogens.
• Perform additional responsibilities as the Assistant Director for Health and Family Engagement may direct, including but not limited to assisting in classrooms as needed.

Working Conditions

Frequent (16-50%) of time - Noise, Heights, Temperatures, Chlorine, Cleaning Chemicals, Blood and Bodily Fluids, Child Aggression, Dust, Walking, Carrying, Pushing, Lifting, Climbing, Working Alone or Independently, Standing, Sitting, Bending, Squatting, Kneeling, Lifting.