Family Support Assistant I

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

Limits of Authority :

Able to implement with little supervision the standards mandated by Head Start Program Performance Standards. Works in close communication with Family Services Specialists and Registered Nurse (RN).

SUMMARY

The role of the Family Support Assistant is a highly visible role in the Head Start program per Head Start Program Performance Standards, philosophy and mission. The Family Support Assistant is primarily responsible for the delivery of direct services, which include : outreach and recruitment, application for Head Start, attendance, home visits, healthy living, overall well-being, and creating family partnerships. The Family Support Assistant encourages self-sufficiency by way of advocacy.

Assist in the fulfillment of the agency's vision, "For Those We Serve," by empowering individuals who thrive as healthy, self-sufficient and contributing members of our communities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Welcomes families to the Head Start program by providing high quality customer service and explains the Head Start program regulations and guidelines.

Participates in the recruitment and outreach of families for the Head Start program, completes applications, and follows up on all inquiries.

Performs recruitment duties to increase enrollment and awareness of the Head Start Program and its services, as assigned.

Supports families in assessing community resources and makes appropriate referrals when needed.

Collaborates with community agencies to support child, family, and agency outcomes.

Assists families in locating sources of health, dental, mental health care and encourages their involvement in the health care systems.

Conducts, tracks, and maintains accurate records of all Head Start Program Performance Standards mandated screenings which include health, dental, nutrition and mental health.

Must maintain confidentially of records and information on Early Head Start / Head Start staff, children and families.

Attends all Local Parent Committee (LPC) meetings.

Provides support, encouragement, and guidance to all parents by informing families of community agencies, resources, workshops and classes.

Notifies families of meeting / appointment dates / times and provides transportation as needed.

Promotes, coordinates, and encourages family participation in the classroom and program / community events.

Assists families in the development of Family Partnership goals and supports the family's efforts to reach their goals by completing regular follow-ups with individual families.

Works with families to maintain regular attendance for their child. Contacts families and documents reasons for the absence.

Maintains accurate and complete documentation of services to families and children; ensures electronic records, paper documentation, and files are maintained and are up to date.

Attends and participates in conferences, meetings and trainings as required.

Translates as needed (if bilingual).

Observes classroom activities and child's interactions to become familiar with the child's needs.

Maintains confidentiality of records and information on Early Head Start / Head Start staff, children and families.

Actively encourages and embraces diversity.

Models professionalism for staff, parents, children, clients, and community members. Promotes a collaborative environment within the service areas, program, and agency.

Participates in activities designed to ensure program quality.

Travels for agency business using personal vehicle.

Maintains regular attendance and punctuality.

Works evenings and weekends as required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To execute this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION :

High school diploma or GED.

Twelve (12) college units in Social Work, Human Services Psychology, Human Development, Health or related field required OR Medical Assistant (MA) / Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certification required.

EXPERIENCE :

One (1) year experience in customer service or social services required.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS :

Knowledge of general office skills and organization (i.e. copying, filing, scanning, calculator, phone etiquette).

Effective presentation, written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related business software.

Ability to work well with preschool children / families and diverse population, and with contracted service providers and representatives of collaborating agencies.

Ability to multitask and prioritize work, and do so with limited supervision.

Bilingual English / Spanish or other secondary language preferred based on the needs of the clients and the program.

Maintain a valid California driver's license, reliable transportation and adequate auto insurance as required by State law. Proof of insurance will be required.

Pass required reference checks and fingerprint clearance under Title 22 regulations : Department of Justice / FBI, Criminal Record Statement, Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) and background investigation as needed prior to employment.

Physical examination, TB screening clearance and signed federal criminal record declaration are required within 7 days after employment.

Obtain a valid AB 1207 Mandated Reporter Certification prior to first day of employment.

Pass and maintain Basic Pest Management in a Child Care Settings annual certification as required by the California Healthy Schools Act (HSA).

Attend and pass the Family Development Credentialing Program within 18 months of employment.

Immunized against influenza (flu), pertussis (whooping cough) and measles. The influenza vaccination must be obtained annually during flu season, August 1st through December 1st. A person is exempt from the immunization requirements for the following circumstances :

• The person submits a written statement from a licensed physical declaring that because of the person's physical condition or medical circumstances, the immunization is not safe.
• The person submits a written statement from a licensed physician providing that the person has evidence of current immunity to pertussis (whooping cough) and / or measles.
• The person submits in writing declaration that he or she has declined the influenza (flu) vaccination. This exemption only apples to the influenza (flu) vaccine.

Former Early Head Start / Head Start parents preferred.

Employment in Head Start (0 to 5) is contingent upon approval of the County-Wide Policy Council (CWPC).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and / or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and / or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and / or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

REV. 4 / 11 / 2023