Head Start Services Coordinator

SUMMARY:

The Head Start Services Coordinator is in charge of collaborating with community resources to create a successful environment that will promote the growth and development of Head Start children and families. Oversee Head Start services related to family & community engagement, health and disabilities. Maintain contact with providers, families and work with all other components health, nutrition, and family engagement, mental health and community engagement to integrate support family and educational goals. Ensure developmentally appropriate practice in the program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.A. degree in Family Services, special education, health or related field required.
• Two or more years of experience working with families is required.
• Knowledge of early childhood family education philosophy, goals and objectives.
• Ability to keep abreast of current changes in policy, regulations, and standards of practice in the field of early education specifically ERSEA Standards.
• Ability to work independently and establish work priorities.
• Ability to effectively communicate with community members and groups, managers, regulatory agencies, and family both individually and in groups.
• Ability to supervise and manage staff efficiently and effectively within the guidelines of Mille Lacs Early Education policies and procedures.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Excellent attention to details and accuracy is required.
• Experience with and understanding of American Indian culture and is able to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Loves children and can wholeheartedly engage in working with and for them.
• CPR and first aid certified or (within 30 days).
• Current Mantoux (yearly) and physical every two years.
• Continued compliance of the Mille Lacs Band drug and alcohol policy.
• Employment is conditional upon pre-hire and continued compliance of the background check policy.
• Mandated reporter required, monitor and report suspected child abuse and neglect.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially good listening skills.
• Must have current Minnesota driver’s license, reliable personal transportation, proof of current insurance coverage and insurability under the Band’s Auto Insurance Policy.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
• Must be able to pass background check.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Family Partnership Building

· Complete all home visits in the home, unless there is a safety reason, or unsolicited parent request.

· Welcome families into the program and share information about transitioning into Head Start.

· Assess family goals and provide recommendation and referral for relevant community resources.

· Develop Family Partnership goals and assess family outcomes at enrollment and two times during the school year.

· Assist with Kindergarten transition of child and family out of Head Start.

· Provide crisis intervention as needed.

· Maintain minimum monthly contacts i.e.: phone calls, group activities or set visits to promote partnership and provide for regular communication.

· Monitor progress in Family Partnership goals.

· Promote family literacy and engaging families to participate in EHS/HS activities.

· Prepare and distribute follow-up containing pertinent information requested by the family in a timely manner.

· Work flexible hours to meet the needs of the family.

Parent Involvement & Community Partnerships

· Plan and facilitate parent orientation to the program.

· Coordinate parent meeting with staff to assist parents to take leadership roles.

· Actively encourage parents to participate in the program i.e.: Parent meetings, field trips, policy council, and classroom help.

· Provide content for regular parent newsletters, memos and flyers as needed.

· Work with parents to establish and maintain regular attendance for their children.

· Advocate and collaborate to support child, family, and agency outcomes.

· Meet regularly with staff and with parents regarding each child’s status and progress.

· Work with appropriate agencies in developing specialized planning for children and families as needed.

· Participate in regularly scheduled team meetings to plan for and deliver collaborative services across all components.

· Respond appropriately to a crisis or emergency that may occur.

Individualization and Disabilities

· Assess individual and group needs, attending to special needs specific interest, strengths and concerns.

· Develop and utilize a balanced curriculum plan, which reflect mandated elements, parental and cultural influences, and promotes the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of Head Start children.

· Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making: ask open ended questions and listen respectfully to the answers.

· Document and track follow-up needs, Family Partnership goals, and health, dental, family outcome results, nutrition, hearing & vision concerns, IEP’s and IFSP’s.

Health:

· Plan, develop and administer the Mille Lacs Early Education health and nutrition services program area, ensuring an integrated and comprehensive system or services for children and families.

· Provide training and guidance to staff, parents and community members on a variety of pertinent topics in the area of health and nutrition.

· Ensure on-going monitoring, tracking follow-up and analysis of health and nutrition services, including health and nutrition plans.

· Maintain record keeping and reporting systems, including service area plan, schedules, timelines, policies and procedures for health and nutrition services in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and applicable to federal, state and local laws and regulations.

· Ensure coordination of communication with staff, parents’, program consultants and community to enhance services to children and families.

· Ensure coordination of disaster preparedness.

· Supervise and oversee work tasks and activities with in the Health Services department to ensure full delivery of integrated services.

· Collaborate with state and community partners for recruitment, and as needed to enhance Mille Lacs Early Education health and nutrition services.

· On-going professional development through education, role modeling, mentoring, and training.

· Assist in planning and preparing special events or activities.

Additional Job Responsibilities

· Attend team meetings and trainings.

· Supervise Family Service staff, Health Staff, Disability Staff and Kitchen Staff.

· Assure general maintenance and inventory for equipment and supplies.

· Train bus monitors and staff in regard to ERSEA, FAA goals and transportation standards.

· Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Nature of work is such that the incumbent experiences frequent periods of moderate stress levels. Primary sources of stress deal with the workload, children, family members and others.
• Work is exclusively in-doors in a controlled climate area.
• Little threat of personal danger or risk.
• Hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Local travel is required and out-of-state travel is limited.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $37,500.00 - $56,300.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Onamia, MN 56359: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person