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Title Family Service Worker (EHS)
Employment Type Regular Full Time
City Detroit
State MI
Description Summary

Works as a member of a team with program staff and community resources to provide a continuum of services to children and families in an effort to strengthen and preserve families, assist in identifying individual needs, providing and assisting in coordinating services to meet each family's needs. Must have knowledge and skills to input data into computer programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The job duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by the position in this job classification. Not all duties are included: It is expected that an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Inputs designated data into computer programs.
2. Through the Family Service Assessment and Family Partnership Agreement, engages parents in identifying their needs, developing goals and providing referrals and follow-up.
3. Upon registering, informs parents/guardians of all program requirements.
4. Advocates for children and families by assisting in the identification and coordination of support services.
5. Provides support and crisis intervention with families and children involved with the program.
6. Plans and implements activities that teach parents/guardians child development/child management, nutrition education, health education, dental education, mental health education, use of community resources and other adult education activities.
7. Coordinates recruitment, registration, screenings, and enrollment and selection activities.
8. Conducts and tracks children's screening status and follows up accordingly. Assist in the preparation of the weekly score card.
9. Intervenes and contacts parents when there are problems with attendance.
10. Conducts home visits to provide support and/or meet the families identified needs.
11. Works in a collaborative effort with agency/community resources to provide wrap around and follow up services to families in order to strengthen and enable them to function independently, to improve their capacity to function as a healthy families, or if needed, to find appropriate alternatives for the care of the children.
12. Keeps abreast of local, state and national requirements and changes that affect component.
13. Facilitates parent meetings and/or support groups.
14. Conducts parent, children, and staff training sessions.
15. Works cooperatively as a member of a team with program staff and community resources.
16. Responsible for keeping client files in order and up to date.
17. Responsible for working with team members, supervisor, children, families and community contacts in a manner that is conducive to the philosophy and mission of the program and agency.
18. Seeks and receives continued professional training.
19. Resourceful, flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the center and the clients.
20. Identifies, follows up and monitors weekly health, nutrition, mental health, social service, special education and dental needs for each child; participates in developing plans, providing activities, conducting in home visits and ensuring all requirements are met, and documents all contacts with parent/ guardian.
21. Works flexible hours to accommodate the needs of the program and clients.
22. Facilitates and implements parent involvement in program (i.e. family packs, parent meetings, etc.)
23. Participates in staffing for identified children. If necessary, coordinates any additional services needed to ensure that all areas required are in place. Responsible for follow-up with parents to ensure resources and/or referrals were helpful.
24. Assists with the implementation and monitoring of all required screenings. Documents all follow-up with families.
25. Cooperates in any investigation related to personnel, licensing, accreditation, or other circumstances.
26. Attends and participates in departmental and agency staff meetings, training, and planning sessions.
27. Notifies Health Specialist, nutrition and education staff of new and withdrawn children with any food restrictions.
28. Submits completed food substitution forms to Health Specialist.
29. Updates community resource directory annually, keeping abreast of new resources for families.
30. Typing, filing and maintaining all records as it relates to the Early Head Start/ Head Start program operation.
31. Assists Fiscal Manager with volunteer and in-kind donations, record keeping and contacts families to encourage volunteer participation.
32. Assists Site Leader in special tasks as it relates to program operations.
33. Assist with plans and implements of a strong, ongoing recruitment program for the enrollment of eligible children, including children suspected or diagnosed as having a handicapping condition. Develops and implements selection process.
34. Assist with the plans and implementation of a system to identify the social service needs of participating families.
35. Establishes and maintains records to facilitate follow-up services to families.
36. Establishes and maintains confidential family data records, which include completed forms, referrals, follow-up, agency contacts and family contact reports.
37. Provides information and counseling on available community services and their use.
38. Monitors attendance of children enrolled in an Early Head Start program and submit weekly scorecard information only.
39. Prepares and maintain a community resource guide for staff and family to access.
40. Assists parents and volunteers in obtaining social service, educational and community assistance as necessary.
41. Implements and monitors activities of services relative to the Family Community Partnership component.
42. Plans and conducts training sessions for parents, volunteers and staff on topics which support quality programming, and foster positive working relationships.
43. Plans and implements activities which teach parents and volunteers child development/child management, nutrition education, health education, dental education, mental health education, use of community resources and adult education.
44. Assist with the development of a planned program of experiences and activities, which support and enhance the parents' role as the principal influence in their child's education and development that encourages parent involvement in the classroom and other activities.
45. Assist with the Implementation and monitoring of Parent Committee meetings and Parent meetings to ensure compliant program operations. Provide technical assistance as needed.
46. Prepares reports on goals, accomplishments and activities and maintain a variety of program records.
47. Recruits parents to participate in advisory committee meetings and training functions.
48. Works in cooperation with other component specialist to ensure maximum program effectiveness and in compliance with all applicable guidelines.
49. Sets-up and supervises mental health consultants contracted to conduct mental health observations in all classrooms.
50. Establishes and maintains a positive two-way communication system with families, staff, Policy Committee and Parent committee and community.
51. Makes home visits as required to ensure program compliance, i.e. flyers, calendars, letters, etc.
52. Maintains records and confidentiality of client information.
53. Recruits, coordinate and implement a volunteer plan.
54. Monitors and review children's monthly attendance records and address deficiencies resulting in less than 85% attendance.
55. Assures all staff is up-to-date and current with child abuse & neglect procedures and policies.
56. Attends staff meetings and training.
57. Coordinates and implements parent education activities.
58. Tracks collaborations with outside agencies, businesses, departments and groups.
59. Cooperates in any investigations related to personnel, licensing, accreditation, or other circumstances.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Other Skills and Abilities

The employee fulfilling this job is accountable to the assigned supervisor for completion of assignments and to the high standards of accuracy, attention to detail and timely completion of work. Expectations include: a pleasant, empathetic, sensitive and professional demeanor, a positive attitude and a willing spirit. The employee must be willing to engage in professional development efforts as available to the position and required by management.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Requirements Education and/or Experience

1. Bachelor’s Degree or higher from a four year college or university with specialization in social work, psychology, sociology counseling or related field with relevant experience required.

2. At least two years’ experience in a Human Services setting working with low income children and families required.

3. Computer knowledge and abilities.

Other Qualifications

Must be able to: 1) work with all members of the community regardless of race, gender, age and cultural or ethnic background; 2) work cooperatively with supervisors, colleagues and all agency staff; 3) accept supervision and demonstrate an interest and willingness to continue his/her personal and professional growth and skill development; 4) demonstrate a commitment to the welfare of the children and families the program serves and to the delivery of quality services; 5) work as a positive and productive member of a team; 6) represent the agency in a professional manner 7.) Strong Commitment to civil and human rights.

Must be able to relate to the needs and concerns of low-income children and families. Must be knowledgeable of services provided by various local social service agencies.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Design - Demonstrates attention to detail.

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Project Management - Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time.

Technical Skills - Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.

Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings.

Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Able to read and interpret written information.

Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust.

Change Management - Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance.

Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.

Managing People - Be available to staff and parents; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Improves processes, products and services.

Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality.

Cost Consciousness - Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational resources.

Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment.

Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.

Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.

Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives.

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.

Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions.

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.

Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Qualifications

Must be able to: 1) work with all members of the community regardless of race, gender, age and cultural or ethnic background; 2) work cooperatively with supervisors, colleagues and all agency staff; 3) accept supervision and demonstrate an interest and willingness to continue his/her personal and professional growth and skill development; 4) demonstrate a commitment to the welfare of the children and families the program serves and to the delivery of quality services; 5) work as a positive and productive member of a team; 6) represent the agency in a professional manner. 7) Strong commitment to civil and human rights.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyzes, and interprets general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Special Licenses/Certifications Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

None.
Additional Comments E.E.O.C. Statement

Focus: HOPE is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Focus: HOPE not to discriminate in its employment and personnel practices because of a person's race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, disability or any other basis protected by federal, state or other applicable laws.
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An Equal Opportunity Employer