Family Service Associate

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency; Michigan; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency seeks a qualified individual to coordinate and deliver services to families in the Early Childhood Services Program, aligned with Head Start standards. You will ensure quality service delivery, protect confidentiality, and collaborate with teaching teams to engage families and communities.

The role requires coordinating enrollment, maintaining child files, and completing official documentation, with a focus on safety and timely data entry into program

Qualifications

• Associates degree in Early Childhood Development, Human Services, Human Development and Family Studies, or related.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Family Service Credential within 18 months of hire or first session offered thereafter.
• Must complete 16 hours of annual training in addition to CPR, First Aid and Blood Borne Pathogen training.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated ability as a strength-based leader.
• Demonstrated ability to present information to community groups.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act, Great Start Readiness Program Implementation Manual, and State Licensing Regulations.
• Knowledge of Child Plus preferred.
• Head Start/GSRP experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Family Partnership Agreements, Family Goals Sheet and other tools to provide individualized services to families.
• Coordinate and conduct application and enrollment visits and assure proper documentation for eligibility in a timely manner.
• Provide assistance to families to facilitate participation in Policy Council, parent education opportunities, workshops, support groups, family plans and other opportunities.
• Support the family by providing resources which will assist them in meeting documented needs or requests.
• Collaborate effectively with teaching teams to plan and implement parent engagement opportunities.
• Make all efforts to assure the safety and well-being of all program participants.
• Complete home visits to meet program needs.
• Responsible for organization and ongoing monitoring of child’s file and any follow up needed (attendance, health etc.).
• Work collaboratively with the Health Coordinator to obtain health/dental follow up.
• In coordination with Supervisor and Teaching Teams, schedule time for classroom coverage on a weekly basis.
• Accurately enter necessary data into Child Plus and Quality Preschool Partnership as required.
• Responsible for PIR form at enrollment and at end of enrollment, as well as monthly updates in child plus.
• Accurately complete required program documentation and record keeping in a neat and timely manner.
• Work effectively with Teaching Team, Regional Coordinator and Component Coordinators in meeting program and overall departmental monthly, quarterly and annual goals and objectives.
• Recruit families and promote agency programs within the community.
• Assist in planning community events with the help of the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator.
• Participate in personal and professional development activities, including staff meetings, conferences, training opportunities, as identified and approved by supervisors.
• Attend community events and meetings to support the agency programs; including evening and weekend events/meetings.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Leadership

Public speaking

Organization

Multi-tasking

Education

Associate degree in Early Childhood Development or related

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Family Service Credential within 18 months

16 hours annual training plus CPR/First Aid/Bloodborne Pathogen

Knowledge of Head Start/Child Plus

Head Start/GSRP experience preferred

Tools

Child Plus

Job description

General Responsibilities:

• Assist with the coordination and implementation of services to families enrolled in Early Childhood Services Program as required by the Head Start Performance Standards and state and federal mandates.
• Ensure quality program service delivery.
• Protect the privacy of customers/families and hold in confidence all information obtained in the course of service.

Specific Duties:

• Coordinate Family Partnership Agreements, Family Goals Sheet and other tools to provide individualized services to families.
• Coordinate and conduct application and enrollment visits and assure the proper documentation for eligibility in a timely manner.
• Provide assistance to families to facilitate their participation in Policy Council, parent education opportunities, workshops, support groups, family plans and other opportunities.
• Support the family by providing resources which will assist them in meeting documented needs or requests.
• Collaborate effectively with teaching teams to plan and implement parent engagement opportunities.
• Make all efforts to assure the safety and well-being of all program participants.
• Complete home visits to meet program needs.
• Responsible for organization and ongoing monitoring of child’s file and any follow up needed i.e. (attendance, health etc.)
• Work collaboratively with the Health Coordinator to obtain health/dental follow up
• In coordination with Supervisor and Teaching Teams, schedule time for classroom coverage on a weekly basis.
• Accurately enter necessary data into Child Plus and Quality Preschool Partnership as required.
• Responsible for PIR form at enrollment and at end of enrollment, as well as monthly updates in child plus.
• Accurately complete required program documentation and record keeping in a neat and timely manner.
• Work effectively with Teaching Team, Regional Coordinator and Component Coordinators in meeting program and overall departmental monthly, quarterly and annual goals and objectives.
• Recruit families and promote agency programs within the community.
• Assist in planning community events with the help of the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator.
• Participate in personal and professional development activities, including staff meetings, conferences, training opportunities, as identified and approved by supervisors.
• Attend community events and meetings to support the agency programs; including evening and weekend events/meetings.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Associates degree in an Early Childhood Development, Human Services, Human Development and Family Studies, or related.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Family Service Credential within 18 months of hire or the first session offered thereafter.
• Must complete 16 hours of annual training in addition to CPR, First Aid and Blood Borne Pathogen training.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated ability as a strength-based leader.
• Demonstrated ability to present information to community groups.
• Knowledge of the Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act, Great Start Readiness Program Implementation Manual, and State Licensing Regulations.
• Knowledge of Child Plus preferred.
• Head Start/GSRP experience preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Possess a solid knowledge base with respect to child development and family services and seek to expand knowledge at every opportunity.
• Complete additional certifications as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and code of ethics at all times.
• Must have Proficient Computer Skills. (Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet)
• Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, provide proof of insurance, and MMCAA’s “Insurance Carriers” driving record review.
• Successfully complete required background checks at time of hire and when requested.
• Shall provide written report by a physician stating their physical capability and freedom from communicable tuberculosis.
• Must have good communication and organizational skills and be able to work effectively with people.
• Must be self-directed and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Must possess the ability to prioritize and complete tasks in order to deliver desired outcomes within allocated time frames.
• Must be willing to accept new challenges.
• The ability to navigate and effectively resolve conflict.
• Must comply with Agency tobacco free and drug free policies.
• Understand the importance of daily work attendance, and its impact on coworkers, clients, and the agency.