SOUTHEAST ALABAMA REGIONAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (SEARPDC)
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Family Services Specialist
Department: Head Start / Early Head Start (HS/EHS)
Grade: 5HS
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive Job: Yes
Security Sensitive Job: No
Job Description Prepared: November 2021
Note: : Statements included in this description are intended to reflect in general the duties and responsibilities of this job and are not to be interpreted as being all-inclusive. The employee may be assigned other duties that are not specifically included.
Relationships
Reports to: Center Director
Subordinate Staff: None
Internal Contacts: Family Services Manager; Disabilities-Mental Health-Health Services Manager
External Contacts: Alabama Department of Human Resources (OHR)
Job Summary
Under the supervision of the Family and Community Services Manager, the employee performs a range of tasks and duties associated with the effective and efficient delivery of family services for children attending classes at the Center. These tasks and duties include, but are not limited to, processing enrollment applications (including helping parents complete application documents and needed information), encouraging parent involvement in their child’s participation in the Head Start program, maintaining files on enrolled children, tracking all records for children’s attendance, interacting with children’s parents, serving as a classroom teacher/monitor when needed, monitors classrooms and other areas to ensure child and staff safety and security . Performs cleaning and janitorial tasks when needed. Attends professional development training programs and workshops.
This job is considered safety-sensitive and is subject to a pre-employment background check and random drug screens.
Essential Functions: : The following list was developed through a job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned. A person with a disability which is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) must be able to perform the essential functions of the job unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Family Support. Employee performs a range of family support tasks and duties associated with the effective and efficient delivery of childhood education and developmental services at the Center.
- Processes enrollment applications.
- Assists parents in completing enrollment documents and securing needed enrollment materials or documents.
- Encourages parental involvement with child’s Head Start education experiences.
- Interacts and communicates with parents concerning their child’s accomplishments and challenges.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Classroom and Operational Activities. Employee performs tasks and duties associated with the operations of Center classrooms and facilities.
- Monitors classroom and other areas to ensure safety and security of children and staff.
- Maintains files and records for enrolled children using established guidelines .
Non-Essential Function
- Performs cleaning and janitorial tasks when required (when regular cleaning and janitorial staff are not available).
- Serves as classroom teacher/monitor when needed.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Can be acquired on the job)
- *Knowledge of SEARPDC and OHR rules, regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
- *Knowledge of early childhood education and development practices and methods.
- *Knowledge of available community services for children and families.
- Knowledge of safety rules including accident causation and prevention.
- Communication skills to effectively communicate internally and externally, both orally and in writing.
- Verbal skills to effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors , and parents over the telephone and in person.
- Writing skills to develop professional reports, and other materials using correct English, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
- Reading skills to understand and interpret SEARPDC, state, and federal directives, procedures, and instructions .
- Math skills to perform basic mathematical calculations.
- Ability to use computers and office productivity software.
- Ability to effectively apply cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid procedures when needed.
- Ability to maintain professional attitude.
- Ability to use a multiline and cellular telephones.
- Ability to deal with all contacts in a courteous and patient manner.
- Ability to handle upset or irate individuals.
- Ability to handle dynamic situations in a calm and courteous manner.
- Ability to prioritize work projects and multi-task.
- Ability to organize files and records.
- Ability to drive.
Minimum Qualifications
- Possess a high school diploma or GED; prefer post-secondary education in early childhood education or child development.
- Minimum of one (1) year of work experience; prefer experience in childhood education or child development.
- Possess a current and valid driver’s license; must be insurable.
- Obtain , within eighteen (18) months of hiring, a credential or certification in social work , human services, family services, counseling, or related fields.
- Ability to acquire and maintain cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid certifications.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and an initial drug screen.
Physical Demands
The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work . However, there may be some walking ; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, books, small parts; driving an automobile, etc. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.
Work Environment
The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, libraries, and residences or commercial vehicles, e.g., use of safe work practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals, etc. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated .
