Head Start Service Specialist

SERVICE SPECIALIST: Under the supervision of the Center Director, monitors service area performance and assists with its implementation in accordance with the revised Performance Standards and work plans(s).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

*** Bachelors Degree in the Social Sciences, or related field of study, plus 1 year of experience. provides case management to assigned Head Start children and their families.

Must have 45-hour entry level certificate, 3 credit hours in Early Childhood field of study, or be willing to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Must have working knowledge of single parent, low income, culturally diverse, non-traditional families and their needs.

Must have working knowledge of New Mexico Children's Code, child abuse reporting procedures and protocol.

Ability to establish an effective professional manner in all dealings with clients and the general public.

Ability to exhibit emotional maturity and good judgment, to include high standards of morals and speech.

Must be dependable and flexible with regard to working hours.

JOB CHARACTERISTICS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is a professional position, which requires organizational, and communication skills, as well as judgment, tact and diplomacy in contacts with Head Start employees, community residents, parents and local government agencies. Strict adherence is required to all regulations concerning confidentiality.

Ability to lift and carry 55 lbs. are essential. Background investigation to include fingerprinting is required. Physical and TB test is required upon hire, and may be required intermittently.

Frequent travel is required by employee and proof of satisfactory car insurance is required.

Youth Development, Inc. is an at-will employer. Employment is by mutual consent of the company and employee, and either may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause or advance notice. This job is contingent upon funding; however, availability of funding is not a guarantee of continued employment, nor does it imply any specific term of employment.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides case management services to assigned Head Start children and their families which include the monitoring of Head Start service areas delivered to them according to the revised Performance Standards and work plan(s).

2. Participates in weekly cluster support meetings.

3. Provides support for teaching staff with the implementation of the service areas as determined by the program, revised Performance Standards, and work plan(s) into the daily curriculum and activities in the classroom.

4. Is responsible for all required documentation in the childs Head Start file and that it is timely, complete, and kept in an orderly fashion as determined by the program.

5. Active participation in the organization, discussion, and writing of the Service Area Work Plan(s) according to the revised Performance Standards.

6. Active participation in the organization and activities of the recruitment process which includes dissemination of information and assisting prospective families with the application process.

7. Organization and active participation in parent meetings.

8. Is responsible for the classroom attendance records, analysis and follow-up.

9. Functions as an agency representative.

10. Advocates with Head Start families in the community, with service providers, and governmental entities to enhance the role of partnerships and increase quality services for families.

11. Responsible for meal counts and monitoring of nutrition services.

12. Provide resources, training, and assistance based on area of expertise.

13. Will be assigned to support in classroom as needed.

14. Submits monthly reports to Center Director.

15. This job description is not all-inclusive and may evolve based on the revised Performance Standards and work plan(s), which may require other duties as assigned.

    SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

    Supervision by the Center Director.