Family Engagement Specialist

Department Summary:

The Mission of Head Start and Early Head Start is a noble one: "Better preparing young children and their families for now and in the future." Drake University Head Start and Early Head Start programs support the comprehensive development of children from birth to Age 5, in classroom settings, home-based programs, and child care partner locations.

Job Summary:

An ideal candidate will be resourceful and culturally competent. This position works with an assigned group of families in both the Head Start and Early Head Start programs by providing parent education, assisting in the development of Family Partnership Plans and family-driven goals, and assisting with providing social service information and community resource referrals to families. This position would support programs across our 6-county service area, but the primary assignment will be Ames and Boone.

Minimum Qualifications:

B.S. or B.A. in social work, psychology, sociology, human services, child, parent and family services or related field required.

1 to 3 years’ experience working with families on a professional basis.

Current Driver's License and ability to be insured by University's insurance carrier.

Preferred Qualifications:

Head Start Experience

Job Duties:

• 35% - Implement a comprehensive, individualized and developmentally appropriate parent engagement and education program responsive to parent needs, concerns, and requests, and that supports parents in their role as the primary influence and advocate in their children’s lives. Support Family wellbeing, strengthen resiliency, and healthy development of child. Develop and deliver family involvement programs and educational events and encourage families to participate in the Head Start and Early Head Start programs and to become leaders in program governance. Utilize evaluation tools and complete documentation to determine effectiveness of family involvement programs and educational events. 
• 25% - Liaison with teaching staff, nurse, and mental health consultant to promote and maintain family wellbeing. In collaboration with other staff, assess each family’s need for social services to provide comprehensive community resource information to families, individualizing to respond to the family’s need and concerns to the maximum extent possible. Partner with families to develop an individualized plan with family driven goals in response to the family’s need. Review and update goals, plan, and resource needs as appropriate. Follow up on health, attendance, and other documentation as necessary. Ensure timely and accurate paper and electronic documentation. 
• 10% - Work with the ERSEA team to recruit infants and toddlers and their families in Polk County preschoolers and their families in 6 county service area for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs, assisting with the development and dissemination of recruitment materials. Initiate the enrollment process by helping the family complete required documentation. 
• 10% - Assist parents with the process of transition into Head Start from home or another setting, within Head Start, and from Head Start to kindergarten or another setting.
• 5% - Maintain regularly scheduled times at drop off and pick up to meet and greet families, build rapport and relationships, and provide additional parent education. Oversee and administer center level governance at assigned locations.
• 5% - Develop partnerships and collaborative relationships with outside agencies to develop resources to enhance the quality of services for families. 
• 5% - Refer families to community agencies/program assess accessibility, relevance, and usefulness of assistance received and document follow-up with families regarding effectiveness of referrals. 
• 5% - Federal Head Start Program Performance Standards, state and local regulations, rules, and requirements compliance. Maintain strict confidentiality of all records and documents. Maintain department records and reports in a secure manner. Represent Drake University and Drake University Head Start in a professional manner. Treat clients, co-workers, staff, parents and community members with respect and civility and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. React to change productively, maintain prompt and regular attendance, and perform all other duties as assigned. Promote Head Start philosophy and initiatives.