Overview
Hill Country Community Action Association, Inc. — Family Service Representative (FSR) position within Head Start. The FSR will ensure that each Head Start child and family is offered quality services, establish positive rapport with families, act as an advocate, and provide support services as needed. The FSR will work with center staff and content area coordinators to meet Performance Standards and ensure comprehensive service delivery to families, while participating in team-building efforts and maintaining positive communication with staff and the community.
Responsibilities
- Ensure safety is a priority in performing all job responsibilities and adhere to safety policy.
- Assist with child health screenings, other required screenings and assessments; follow up on all referrals.
- Maintain a monthly health tracker for classrooms served; document health notes in health progress notes.
- Assist families with establishing a medical and dental home.
- Input family service information in data management software; document all activities related to family services including required monthly family contacts.
- Develop knowledge of community resources; coordinate and advocate for services with community agencies to promote effective community support for families.
- Establish and maintain Community Partnership Agreements annually or as needed.
- Initiate the family partnership process, schedule and conduct Parent Orientations, complete Family Service forms, and assist with identifying/setting goals (FPA) or needs for families; revisit goals as needed.
- Ensure child's photo and photo page are complete; follow up on family referrals to ensure services are provided and FPAs are achieved or needs met.
- Work with program staff to assist with the transition process into and out of the program.
- Assist in training and recruitment of parent or community volunteers; ensure background checks clearances before volunteering in the classroom/center.
- Assist in compiling content area information for PIR (Program Information Report); update and maintain Parent Board and Parent Area, including the Parent Notebook and Volunteer Notebook.
- Conduct monthly Parent Engagement Opportunities by arranging speakers and encouraging parent attendance.
- Complete the Parent, Family and Community Engagement assessment twice a year with all families to address goals, needs or concerns.
- Maintain current monthly Family Service Tracker for all classrooms served.
- Complete home visits as needed to inquire about attendance or other family needs/concerns.
- Produce monthly parent newsletters for centers served.
- Ensure Volunteer records are accurate and mailed to the appropriate office monthly.
- Assist in meeting child/staff ratios or kitchen duties when assigned; support recruitment efforts.
- Support center staff during instances of child abuse; assist with implementing support services to families suspected of child abuse; promote child abuse awareness and Texas law at parent orientations.
- Perform any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor and/or Head Start Program Director.
Job Requirements
Annual pre-service training is mandatory.
Education
- Minimum: High School diploma. Preferred: Associate's or Bachelor's in social work or related field with experience in service delivery to the underprivileged or Head Start. Other preferred education: CDA credential for preschool age children. Family Service Credential Certificate mandatory within 18 months of employment with only High School Diploma or unrelated field degree.
Experience
- Minimum 1 year's employment with Head Start preferred; knowledge of interviewing techniques and client sensitivity required. Preferred knowledge/experience in social work field.
Skills and Abilities
- Strong management and organizational skills; ability to communicate with and motivate parents; advocate for children, families, and Head Start; flexible; strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills; ability to maintain records and understand instructions; ability to work with diverse backgrounds; ability to identify and resolve issues in family situations; respectful of diverse cultures; maintain certification in hearing/vision screening and CPR/First Aid (required within 90 days of employment). CPR/First Aid is collateral to primary duties.
Other
- Professional manner and attire; no criminal conviction that would contraindicate employment; valid Class C driver's license and reliable vehicle with current insurance; Head Start physical screening within 30 days of hire; comply with agency policies and confidentiality standards.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- None.
Equipment to Be Used
Operate a computer and office machines (fax, calculator, copier, telephone); may need to drive agency vehicles.
Typical Physical Demands
Sitting, standing, bending, reaching, driving; may lift up to 40 pounds; normal hearing and vision; dexterity for office equipment operation.
Typical Mental Demands
Handle diverse work problems daily; personal maturity; ability to resolve problems, handle conflicts, and make decisions under pressure; ability to listen objectively and interact with employees at all levels; bilingual skills encouraged.
Working Conditions
Head Start school-year schedule with center hours typically 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Monday–Friday; occasional duties outside schedule; some travel and transportation of children to appointments as needed.
Employee Benefits
Accrual of sick and vacation leave, health and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, 125 Cafeteria Plan, up to 15 paid holidays per year. Benefits eligibility per Personnel Policies & Procedures; benefits subject to change.
FLSA Status
FLSA status per Fair Labor Standards Act; changes will be followed; wage adjustments based on tenure will reflect Exempt/Non-exempt status accordingly.
Acknowledgement and Receipt
I have reviewed the Family Service Representative job description and acknowledge its receipt with my signature. The job description may be updated as needed.
Employee Signature: __________________ Date: ____________
Supervisor Signature: __________________ Date: ____________
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