Muskegon Area Intermediate School District Job Description

JOB TITLE: Family Services Worker, Early Head Start

CLASSIFICATION: Professional

REPORTS TO: Services Specialist - Early Head Start

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:

All candidates must apply online at www.muskegonisd.org/jobs/.

TERMS:

This position is a 260 total paid days position offering single subscriber medical, dental, and vision benefits. Dental, vision, and life insurance are paid by the district at no cost to the employee. Vacation, personal business days, holidays and sick time paid. Retirement through the Office of Retirement Services (Pension Plus or Defined Contribution).

SALARY RANGE:

This position is on the Early Childhood Center Scale that is grant funded, $19.1514-23.0008 per hour based on education. Due to grant funding, there are no negotiations available on this hourly rate.

GENERAL JOB FUNCTION:

The Early Head Start Family Service Worker provides in-home intensive visitation services to up to 12 pregnant women and families with children ages birth to three. Visitation services occur weekly throughout the calendar year concentrating on a broad array of child development and family self-sufficiency issues.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Weekly home visitation with each assigned family.

a. Partners with families to develop family partnership goals which promote healthy pregnancy and birth, promote a child’s development, and enhance school readiness. Actively monitors progress toward achievement of family partnership goals.

2. Document child, family and visit information in program database in order to track compliance with program regulations and monitor family progress.

3. Ability to develop professional relationships with assigned families which results in meaningful change of family outcomes and early child development.

4. Ability to convey early childhood development and family self-sufficiency concepts and information to client population.

5. Partner with community service agencies in order to best serve client population.

6. Works effectively as a member of the Early Childhood Center team to educate children, engage families, enhance school readiness, and provide for a safe, secure and nurturing environment.

7. Upholds Head Start Code of Conduct.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Home-based child development associate (CDA) or comparable credential, or equivalent coursework as part of an associate’s degree or higher program; demonstrated competency to ensure effective implementation of home visiting curriculum; and successful history working with families with infants and toddlers in ‘at-risk’ situations.

a. Preference in hiring shall be provided to those applicants who:

i. Possess an associate’s degree or higher in early childhood development or related field,

ii. Have coursework and/or training focused in infant and toddler development.

iii. Have a successful employment history working with families with infants and toddlers living in ‘at-risk’ situations.

2. Knowledge in child development and early childhood education; the principles of child health, safety and nutrition; family dynamics, and adult learning principles.

3. Skilled in communicating and motivating parents of young children. It is critical they possess knowledge of community resources and skills.

4. Home visitation experience preferred, particularly with young families.

5. Knowledge of and working relationship with local community service agencies in order to link families with appropriate resources and services in order to accomplish goals.

6. Successful pre-employment physical exam including tuberculosis screening and criminal records background check.

PREFERRED COMPETENCIES: A MAISD Instructional Employee Skillfully Demonstrates . . .

● Understanding the Organization:

○ Serves as a strategic partner to build, grow and maintain profitable and long-lasting relationships with key stakeholders

● Building Collaborative Relationships:

○ Finds common ground and drives to consensus

○ Takes a proactive approach to relate, build and maintain rapport with stakeholders

○ Understands interpersonal and group dynamics and responds in an effective manner

● Making Complex Decisions:

○ Is respected by others for displaying student-focused decisions

○ Takes a proactive approach as an effective liaison between multiple and diverse stakeholders

● Taking Initiative:

○ Identifies and seizes new opportunities with a student focus

○ Adapts quickly to changing resource requirements

● Being Authentic:

○ Provides direct and actionable feedback

○ Shows consistency between words and actions

● Being Flexible and Adaptable:

○ Remains calm and productive in uncertain situations

○ Takes on the challenge of unfamiliar tasks

NOTABLE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The in-home environment requires much standing, sitting, bending, twisting, and squatting throughout a typical day. Driving is required for home visitations. Occasionally required to lift up to 30 pounds.

TYPICAL WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Most work is performed in the home environment. Office work conducted at the early childhood center or home with organizational consent.

EVALUATION:

Employees in this classification are evaluated prior to the completion of probationary status and according to Board policy thereafter.

TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS:

Occasional local and non-local travel.

It is the policy of the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District that no staff member, candidate for employment, program participant, or recipient of services shall experience discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity) disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively "Protected Classes”), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. Inquiries related to issues of discrimination on the basis of disability should be directed to the Assistant Director for Special Education at (231) 767-7249. All other discrimination inquiries or requests for special accommodations to participate in a program, event, or activity should be directed to the Human Resources Director at (231) 767-7213.