Family Services Assistant - Wills Elementary - Amarillo Independent School District

Open Until Filled

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Provide support services to families, students and teachers in compliance with federal Head Start Performance Standards, local Head Start Policies, and district policies. Assist campus and teachers in building strong relationships and providing excellent support to families of children in the program. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Certification:

Two years of study at an institution of higher learning or

An associates (or higher) degree or

High School Diploma/GED & meet the District’s formal academic assessment required by Every Student Succeeds Act

Valid Driver’s License is required

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Sufficient education to have basic skills in reading, writing and math

Knowledge of child development

Basic knowledge of curriculum and instruction

Ability to work with children and parents

Strong communication, public relations, organizational and interpersonal skills

Effective verbal and written communications skills

Ability to follow written and/or oral directions, interpret policy and exercise good judgement are required

Work effectively and harmoniously with students, parents and school personnel

Ability to instruct small groups

Conduct home visits and appropriately interact with/interview adults and children

Work Conditions:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office/educational equipment including personal computer, tablets, Smart Board, etc.

Posture: Prolonged sitting, standing and walking; bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Prolonged walking, repetitive hand motions

Lifting: Lifting and carrying (less than 50 pounds)

Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases), work with frequent interruptions in a variety of educational settings and maintain professional demeanor under stress

Travel: Frequent district-wide travel

Regular attendance is an essential function.   

Minimum Experience:

Experience with a public school district- preferred

Experience working with children aged 3-5 year- preferred. This experience may be work in childcare facilities, church-related schools, day camps, youth groups, athletics, private schools, or similar experiences.

Bilingual/ Multilingual Preferred

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Engage in respectful goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote student success and family well-being.
2. Support families in using community resources that enhance family well-being and children’s learning and development.
3. Act as a member of the comprehensive services team to problem solve potential barriers.
4. Work in cooperation with campus staff in assessing needs of children and families for medical, dental, nutrition, social services, safety, and transportation needs.
5. Assist families in accessing social services programs with the data from initial Life Skills Progression screening.
6. Assist with notifying families of medical, dental, and special appointments for Head Start children and supports them in attending those appointments.
7. Assist families with accessing transportation to agencies as needed.
8. Maintain documentation on program forms and share information with parents as required.
9. Make contact with parents each week (face-to-face, by phone or virtually) and maintain appropriate detailed and accurate documentation of these contacts and all services to families. 

1. Assist families to achieve goals by building and maintaining relationships, encouraging them in developing necessary skills, and supporting goal attainment by reviewing the Life Skills Progression assessment tool and Family Partnership Agreement regularly.
2. Promote engagement in well-being, parent child relationships, as lifelong educators and learners, in transitions and connections to peers and the community, and as advocates and leaders. Engagement may include parent committee meetings, child development and behavioral training, events and workshops, parent/teacher conferences, providing input into their child’s education and volunteerism in all program options.
3. Facilitate year-round recruitment, application, and enrollment of Head Start children and pregnant women for vacancies and or waiting lists.
4. Conduct home visits as needed.
5. Attend all assigned District and Region parent engagement events, meetings, and other program sponsored events.
6. Assist teachers in the preparations of lessons and securing materials as needed.
7. Demonstrate respect and accepts differences for each child and their family.
8. Maintain a professional level of confidentiality regarding children and their families.
9. Participate in District staff development programs.
10. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
11. Ensure compliance with all local policies and state and federal statutes including the Educator Code of Ethics.
12. Perform such other tasks and accepts such other responsibilities as may be assigned.