Family Services Worker / Teacher Assistant

Position Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Teacher and in conjunction with the Education Coordinator and Health and Disabilities Coordinator, the Family Services Worker (FSW)/Teacher’s Assistant (TA) will provide direct on-site support.  The incumbent is responsible for both FSW and TA duties as assigned or needed at each site.  The FSW/TA will work directly with the families to create Family Service Plans that reflect each family’s needs.  They are also responsible for actively promoting the program through monthly enrollment activities. Works under close and direct supervision in a team environment, providing assistance to the classroom teacher during class hours as well. Will handle confidential information with discretion. 

 Primary Responsibilities:

1. Provides for the safety of children.
2. Carries out daily health checks on children.
3. Assists in the classroom, field trips, lunch, and playground supervision of children, including assisting during fire and earthquake drills.
4. Keeps records of participant attendance and completes in-kind paperwork daily.
5. Maintains ongoing communication with parents in a professional and respectful manner.
6. Maintains accurate files on all children enrolled.
7. Responsible for coordination with Teachers of all required screenings of children. Coordinates necessary follow-up treatment program.
8. Responsible for helping parents set up wellness check appointments and other health-related appointments.
9. Responsible for completing Monthly Reports and submitting to CRIHB Central by the established due date. Includes compiling accurate health, medical, developmental, and special needs data.
10. Responsible for obtaining parent volunteers in coordination with the Teacher.
11. Coordinates services with various local, county, state, and private agencies according to Inter-Agency Agreements.
12. Responsible for eligibility and selection of children to make sure enrollment slots are filled and communicate issues to the Site Supervisor/Coordinator and the Education Coordinator.
13. Documents all parental and children’s interactions that deal with disabilities, direct services resources garnered for family, attendance, enrollment, and other pertinent issues.
14. Responsible for completing the Family Partnership Agreements with parents and making the necessary follow-up as required. Establishes resource information file for Head Start families and update regularly.
15. Attends home visits and parent conferences with Teachers to discuss the child’s developmental progress and to establish and follow up on Family Partnership Agreements.
16. Represents and attends relevant and appropriate local meetings that would benefit the Head Start program.
17. Develop a working knowledge and understanding of all available Child Care resources in order to assist parents in meeting their childcare needs.
18. Responsible for facilitating with Teacher and Education Coordinator related parent and staff training.
19. Must perform due diligence on all direct service work with families.
20. Additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

1. Have an AA/AS Degree in Child Development, Social Science, Psychology, Human Development, Liberal Studies, or related field, plus one-year work experience in client casework and/or client eligibility setting or a BA/BS Degree in a related field.
2. Must hold a certificate in Social Work.
3. Must hold an appropriate Child Development Permit or qualify for an appropriate Child Development Permit prior to beginning employment or within 60 days of employment.
4. Have the ability to communicate effectively with parents, children, peers, and professionals.
5. Experience working with children with disabilities is desirable.
6. Have knowledge of community resources and how to access appropriate services for children and families.
7. Have the ability to work both as a team member and independently.
8. Have a valid California Driver's License, excellent driving record and properly insured vehicle for use on the job.
9. Must be able to write logically, clearly, concisely and effectively with good grammar.
10. Must be able to pass a fingerprint background check.
11. Must have T.B. Test.
12. Must be CPR and First Aid Certified.

*Units in ECE/CD include coursework in early childhood education/child development and at least one course in each of the following core areas 1.) Child/human growth and development 2.) Child, family and community, or child and family relations 3.) Programs/curriculum. Must have received a passing grade of “C” or better or credit.

 Position Requires:

1. Current physical exam, tuberculosis test clearance, and criminal background fingerprint clearance.
2. Valid, unrestricted California driver’s license and ability to be insurable under CRIHB’s automobile insurance. 
3. The position requires occasional overnight travel within CRIHB’s service area. Requires the ability to drive up to 7 hours a day.

 The position requires awareness and a keen appreciation of American Indian traditions, customs, and socioeconomic needs and the ability always to meet and deal effectively in contact with Indian health organizations consisting of numerous tribes with varied cultures which require tact, courtesy, discretion, resourcefulness, and good judgment in handling functions in a sensitive manner.

Preference in hiring is given to qualified American Indian applicants in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473).  Applicants claiming Indian preference must submit verification of Indian heritage certified by a Tribe of affiliation or other acceptable documentation of Indian heritage.