Family Partner

Description

SEVCA’s mission is to empower and partner with individuals and communities to alleviate the hardships of poverty, provide opportunities to thrive, and eliminate root causes of poverty in southeastern Vermont. Our core values serve as the foundation for how we work with our communities and each other. 

Respect & Kindness: We treat everyone with dignity and compassion 

Accountability: We do what we say we will do 

Equity & Justice: We strive for fairness and celebrate diversity 

Learning & Growth: We embrace change and invest in growth 

Collaboration: We work together – across SEVCA and with our community 

Service Excellence: We put people and community first 

Position Summary  

The Head Start Family Partner serves as a primary connector between families and community partners, consultants and anyone else who is beneficial in supporting families’ progress toward the goals they have set for themselves and their children. Essential to this role is working with families in a supportive, culturally competent, and respectful manner. The Family Partner operates from a strength-based and family-centered perspective. A key component of their work is helping families increase awareness of and engagement with resources, information, and community functions that support their stated goals and interests.  

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Provide at least two (2) Home Visits for each program year that focus on identifying and maintaining family goals (i.e., family plans).  
• Serve as liaison between families and other community resources of interest to the family.  
• Facilitate a monthly Case Management meeting with teaching staff to discuss any updates, concerns, or challenges for each family.  
• Provide Family Engagement Activities.  
• Organize and facilitate Parent Association Meetings which include inviting guest speakers on topics of interest to parents, assisting parents in running meetings, and supporting meetings with correspondence before and after. 
• Plan, schedule and facilitate two researched-based parent curriculums (“Your Journey Together” and “Positive Solutions”) for all families in Head Start (Chester and Springfield).  
• Participate in Community Partnership (i.e. serve on community committees or boards, attend meetings and trainings, etc.) that will enhance service information for families and share this information back to staff and families. 
• Assist the Health/Nutrition Services Manager with health screenings as well as gathering and sharing information with parents, medical, dental and nutrition service providers.  
• As needed, transport families, when no other alternative is available, to medical/dental appointments. 
• Maintain regular (i.e., monthly) communications with each family and document efforts.  
• Encourage families to participate in Policy Council. 
• Maintain accurate and current records for all students and families including but not limited to: Family Section of the student file, Head Start data processing system, home visits, Family Partnership Agreements, Family Assessments, parent contacts, and any health or mental health related supports.  
• Updating the Head Start Web site with updated forms, Family Library, notices of dates (meetings, closings, program calendar). 
• Complete and submit monthly ROMA reports for assigned center. 
• Comply with all requirements as a mandated reporter as stated in the Child Abuse and Neglect Policy. 

Other Duties: 

• Maintain a minimum of 15 hours of professional development activities each year. 
• Participate in Recruiting Activities and assist each site in maintaining full enrollment. 
• Maintain a monthly tracking binder of recruitment activities for the classrooms you serve. 
• Participate in all required meetings and trainings.  
• Participate as a member of the Family and Health Services Advisory Committees. 
• Contribute to Monthly Newsletter 

Job Standards/Accountability: 

The Family Partner will follow the Head Start Performance Standards and the State of Vermont Licensing Regulations for Early Childhood programs, the SEVCA Personnel Policies and SEVCA/WCHS Policies and Procedures. The Family Partner will report directly to the Family Services Manager and coordinate with other managers as needed. 

Working Conditions: 

The Family Partner position is based primarily in an office setting and requires regular travel for home visits, client transportation, community events, and meetings held in a variety of locations. Limited public speaking is required (i.e., facilitating meetings with families). The role involves routine use of standard office equipment, the ability to navigate varied terrain, and the ability to climb stairs. Fluency in written and spoken English is also required. 

This is a full-time and non-exempt, benefit-eligible position. The pay range is $20.00-26.52 per hour, depending on experience. Please see our list of benefits here. 

Requirements

• Required: 12-week course for Certification of Family Services 
• Preferred: Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in Human Services and experience working with families. 
• Experience with home visiting preferred. 
• The ability to identify and promote family strengths. 
• The ability to effectively work with families, staff, and community agencies. 
• Knowledge of the Head Start philosophy. 
• Knowledge of community resources and how to access them. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• A valid driver’s license and reliable, insured vehicle. 
• Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekend hours.   
• Ability to adapt quickly and responsively to clients’ changing needs. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding children and families at all times. 
• Ability to work as a team player with center teaching staff. 

SEVCA is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to recruit a broad pool of candidates for open positions, and to hire and promote qualified individuals whose personal experiences, characteristics, and talents reasonably reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Our equal employment opportunities apply to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We encourage applications from women, minority groups, veterans, and people with disabilities. Qualifications for positions are determined by the duties and responsibilities of the position itself.