Family Services Coordinator

Family Services Coordinator

The ECLC Family Service Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of ECLC services in the areas of the development of Individual Family Partnership Agreements (IFPA), family engagement, parent training and resource and referrals in an effort to move families out of poverty. The Family Service Coordinator plans, organizes and provides comprehensive support and services for the ECLC through training, resource and referrals, and strong community partnerships. Develop and maintain baseline, mid and post data collection on an annual basis that includes a thorough analysis which drives the goals, objectives and intended outcomes of the family service content area.

Responsibilities

Individual Family Partnership Agreement

• Collects baseline data on all enrolled ECLC families as the foundation to setting up the Individual Family Partnership Agreement (IFPA) with each family. Completes data reports monthly, quarterly and annually.
• Completes the ERSEA and IFPA process with assigned children and families, birth through age 5, at time of enrollment and enter data into ChildPlus.
• Schedule monthly follow-up with all families regarding their progress and barriers with their IFPA.
• Based upon IFPA data, actively coordinate services that involves assisting parents of eligible children in gaining access to needed resources as identified in their individual family partnership agreement.

Interoffice/Interagency Collaboration

• Collectively work with ECLC personnel and community agencies to locate resources for families and children enrolled in ECLC.
• Complete Interagency Agreements with community partners that serve the same population as ECLC. Interagency agreements must include what services/resources will be provided by the collaborating agency to ECLC, and what services/resources ECLC can provide to them.
• Conducts advocacy work (i.e., scheduling & attending meetings on behalf of families and helping families work with other programs such as TANF, Counseling, Courts, etc.)
• Schedule and attend transition meetings with Education/Disabilities/Mental Health Coordinator as an advocate for the families' best interests.

Family Engagement

• Schedule, advertise, and carry-out family engagement activities on a monthly basis.
• Provide classrooms with family engagement tracking forms and monitoring them weekly, working with all staff to strengthen family engagement efforts.
• Promote family engagement activities in and outside the classroom through carefully designed systems, plans and collaborations.
• Develop family engagement plans that strengthen family's ability to ensure that their children meet school readiness outcomes. Include Head Start priority initiatives such as father involvement. Plan celebrations that recognize family growth, success and strengths.

Family Service Duties

• Set-up and maintain the Parent Resource Room.
• Coordinate parent trainings and family activities.
• Assist with the annual Child Find through cooperative efforts of professionals related to the specific needs of the birth to age 5 populations.
• Maintain updated and current information on Child Plus software program for all assigned children and families.
• Maintain child files and documentation related to all contacts and activities undertaken with all assigned children and families.
• Gather information as needed for the Program Information Report (PIR).
• Carry out duties and responsibilities as stated in the Head Start Performance Standards.
• Facilitate transition activities including parent support, program planning and quality communication.

General:

• Provides all children enrolled in the ECLC with a safe, nurturing, engaging, enjoyable and secure learning environment.
• Maintains professionalism through effective actions supportive of the ECLC philosophy.
• Cooperates as a member of a team with all ECLC staff, volunteers and parents.
• Maintains confidentiality of all program records and communication.
• Attends training sessions locally and out of town, as well as all ECLC staff meetings and required functions.
• Abides by all ECLC and Tribal policies and procedures.
• Willing to take direction and learn new skills.
• Be willing to work a flexible schedule, including some evening hours and occasionally weekend hours.
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet the Head Start Performance Standards and to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of the ECLC.
• Maintains current CPR/First Aid certification.
• Communicates effectively with others, including giving and receiving feedback on the quality of services.
• Assist with the recruitment of families for the ECLC and promote parent involvement in all aspects of the program.
• Interacts, establishes, maintains, and coordinates ECLC program activities and planning in varying degrees with various resources in order to better serve the needs of ECLC families.
• Other duties as assigned to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of the ECLC.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Family Studies, Counseling, Family Development, or related field.
• Additional training in child development, principles of child health, safety, nutrition, adult learning and family dynamics, with experience in a childcare setting.
• Experience working with Native American families.
• Excellent attendance record and work ethic in previous positions.
• Knowledge of the Coeur d'Alene language, culture and history to develop an understanding of the families ECLC serves.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment under stressful situations.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written.)
• Ability to use word processing and database software on a personal computer at an intermediate or higher level.
• Good organization skills and the ability to plan and follow through on projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Family Studies, Counseling, Family Development, or related field.
• Ability to communicate with families in the home and in a group setting.
• Experience working with diverse racial and ethnic groups, especially Native American families.
• Working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and ECLC Policies and Procedures.
• Must be self-directed and highly motivated.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (orally and written) and use word processing, spreadsheet, and database software, as well as basic office machinery.
• Ability or willingness to work consistently in a professional manner and be an effective problem solver, and exercise good judgment under stressful situations.
• Ability or willingness to maintain an orderly work environment and learn good organization skills.
• Must pass in-depth background investigation prior to employment.
• Ability and willingness to obtain CPR/First Aid certification, Food Handlers certification, and other staff trainings as needed.
• Demonstrated excellent attendance record and work ethic in prior positions (i.e., prompt, dependable, dedicated, etc.) and willingness to develop good ethics.
• Prefer experience working with Native American populations, especially children.
• Possesses a good temperament, compassion, and a sense of humor.
• Must complete an initial pre-employment physical examination and TB test.
• Ability and willingness to learn the Coeur d'Alene language, culture and history to develop an understanding of the families ECLC serves.
• Ability of willingness to follow directions, work as a team player, and to apply energies where needed with limited or no supervision.
• Must maintain professional dress and a neat, clean appearance.
• Shows progress or willing to improve skills for working on a team.