Family Case Worker - Early Head Start program (Great opportunity and benefits) - LEO Inc

TITLE: EHS Family Case Worker

DEPARTMENT: ECD

REPORTS TO: Early Head Start Home Based Manager

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

PRIMARY FUNCTION

To provide in-home instruction as well as a group socialization experience to parents and children (infants/toddlers) which will enhance the parents' ability to fill the role of primary nurturer of their child. Maintain on-going contact with families and work with all other components (Health, Nutrition, Education, Disabilities, Mental Health, Family Engagement and Social Service) to integrate services into the family setting

KEY ROLES (Essential Job Responsibilities):

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• In conjunction with other types of contacts, makes weekly 90minute home visits to each family in the caseload.
• Assists parents in the utilization of learning opportunities for their child by the development of educational activities using available household materials and activities that naturally occur in the home

• Completes child development and family assessments to establish meaningful goals that inform family partnership agreement with in the first 45 days and provides on going follow-up as needed.
• Ensures that Early Head Start families are aware of community resources and how to access them.
• Plans, implements and evaluates with parents, group socialization experiences twice a month.
• Maintains current and accurate records in the database system and also in the child's file as required by the program and for ensuring their confidentiality.

• Coordinate with parents to ensure that prenatal, well-child exams, immunizations, health screenings, and nutrition assessments are completed within the first 45 days and necessary follow up occurs.
• Ensures safety is a priority in performing all job responsibilities.

• Performs other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or other management staff.

Compliance and Record Keeping:

• Responsible for establishing a file for each child in a format prescribed by the
• Social Services/Mental Health Manager and for maintaining the integrity of each file throughout the year. Ensure that files are maintained in secure, locked filing cabinets.
• Documents all family contacts (telephone, personal, meetings, etc.) in a prescribed, standardized manner and ensures placement in the file. Also documents case notes in the database system and flags to appropriate content area managers. .
• Provide designated staff with information regarding home visits, screenings, results, community services, referrals, resources and family needs.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative relations with other employees and service agencies.
• Ensures that the files of all children that withdraw or transition for the program are distributed to their proper location.
• Maintain up to date Emergency and Health Forms and restraining orders.
• Works with appropriate staff in the filing of a 51A (also works with and supports family as needed).

Enhance personal and professional growth

• Attends and participates in Family service worker Staff meetings held monthly.
• Attends and participates in all Home Visitor team meetings.
• Attends other in-house workshops and training sessions provided by the program.
• Encouraged to attend "out of house" workshops and training sessions (where funding allows).

Family Engagement/Community Outreach

• As family needs arise, reviews the resources available in database system for appropriate services.
• As needed services are identified, makes direct referral or ensures that the family has the information necessary to make decisions.
• Assists in identifying resources for transportation to needed services.
• Follows-up with parent or provider agency to ensure service delivery.

Skills / Knowledge Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Preferred: Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or Human Services Field.
• Home Visitor CDA or willingness to obtain credentials within one year of being hired.
• At least one college course in Human Services.
• At least two years of experience in a related field.
• Ability to make required home visits and to access various community organizations.
• Must have the capacity to work in a multifaceted team, fast paced environment and ability to
• multi-task.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local guidelines and regulations pertaining to the early childhood programs.
• Willingness to work flexible hours in order to meet program commitments.
• Strong computer skills, including internet, email and excel, and the ability to learn new systems as required.
• Positive work ethic
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; Strong time management skills.
• Must meet other qualifications as may be outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards.
• Bilingual skills a plus
• Valid Massachusetts Driver's license and access to a car (not belonging to another staff member).