Head Start - Family Services Associate

Crystal Stairs, Inc.

Improving the Lives of Families through

Child Care Services, Research, and Advocacy

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Head Start - Family Services Associate

100% Onsite - Location: Los Angeles, CA 90056

What We're Looking For:

We are seeking a Family Services Associate who supports Head Start families in making choices and decisions, and taking actions that will improve the conditions and quality of life for all family members; creates opportunities for meaningful family engagement with Head Start for all families, uses a case management approach to share information with families regarding resources, program options, sources of professional and parental support, and ways of accessing resources within the community; recruits Head Start children, and links families with services such as health, disabilities, nutrition, social services/mental health, and family engagement services. The ideal candidate will support and coordinate program services in the following areas:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implements the family needs assessment process, consolidates the results, develops appropriate recommendations in response to the expressed needs of families.
• Networks with key community organizations and agencies to provide parent training in developing life skills, including parenting, income generation/entrepreneurship, improvement of communication skills, literacy, mental and physical health care, financial planning, and resolving conflicts or violence.
• Recommends specific procedures for responding to emergency needs of families, works with existing community agencies and resources to design and implement an effective emergency needs response system.
• Identifies and explores cooperative relationships community resources and agencies that provide employment/job skills training, job placement, on-the-job training opportunities, apprenticeships, and job preparation activities.
• Recruits prospective families and assists with enrollment process.
• Conducts home visits to facilitate family plans, assists families in achieving identified goals and follow-up on referrals. Acts as a case manager and works cooperatively with local agencies to assist families to linkup with services in the local community.
• Promotes effective community support for families by coordination and advocacy for services with community agencies.
• Assists families in making the transition into and out of the Early Head Start/Head Start Program and into Kindergarten.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES YOU SHOULD POSSESS:

• BA/BS degree or AA/AS degree in social work, human services, liberal studies or related field required. Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus.
• Expert in Microsoft Office computer skills required.
• Successfully completes and maintains Basic First Aid and CPR certification.
• Knowledge of Child Care Licensing Regulations and Head Start Performance Standards and best practices related to education and early childhood development, staffing and program options as well as services to children with disabilities.
• Knowledge of social service delivery, community resources, requirements, and procedures.
• Knowledge of family dynamics, strategies for male involvement and family-centered practice.
• Knowledge of the immediate business communities and private industries
• Experience in community outreach, community health or family-focused intervention.
• Experience working or volunteering in social or community services required.
• Experience in planning and conducting workshops and training programs.
• Experience working in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic setting.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid California driver's license, have use of a motor vehicle and provide evidence of automobile liability insurance.
• Must meet State health requirements, including TB clearance.
• Fingerprints must be on file with the Justice Department.

Total Package of Benefits

• Medical/ Dental/ Vision - 95% paid by employer
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary Life and AD&D for Employee, Spouse and Children
• 401k Matching Options
• Flex Spending (Health Care and Dependent Care)
• Mutual of Omaha (STD, Accident, & Critical Illness)
• Generous Sick and Vacation Time
• Paid Holidays + Paid Winter Break from 12/24 - 1/1 (for select positions)
• Opportunity for Growth and Development
• Robust Learning Management System offering the following continuing education units: PDC, HRCI, CEU, CPE, PDU, SHRM

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Crystal Stairs is committed to building and sustaining a fully vaccinated, diverse workforce and culture. As part of this commitment, Crystal Stairs provides equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, medical condition as defined by state law, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, ethnic group identification, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other legally protected status.

For more information about Crystal Stairs, please visit our website at: www.crystalstairs.org

All Head Start positions are implemented in accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards in each service area.