Family Service Worker

THE SALVATION ARMY

North and Central Illinois Division – Child Care

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:                      Family Service Worker

LOCATION/DEPT:                     Child Care

REPORTS TO:                          Site Director

FLSA CATEGORY:                    Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE:                         RFT

OUTCOMES

Provides services to children and their families – referrals for counseling, food, clothing, education, etc. and gives direct assistance where applicable. Assists in the planning and implementation of assigned Head Start parent activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Family

1. Participates in recruitment process along with Director, Teachers, and Teacher Assistants
   1. Creates and distributes flyers with the assistance of parents.
   2. Creates partnerships with community agencies in order to recruit children.
   3. Distributes and collects registration and enrollment forms.
2. Works to meet the needs of parents
   1. Completes Family Assessment upon enrollment and annually at the beginning of each new program year.
   2. Provides family referrals to assist families with supportive services at various community resources.
   3. Conducts home visits when child has been absent for more than 3 consecutive days with no response from family.
   4. Serves as liaison between the parent and the classroom teacher as needed.
   5. Participates in staffings or discussions related to children with special needs.
3. Involves parents in group sessions
   1. Promotes parent participation in parent meetings through publicizing events by flyers, notes home, monthly calendar, and/or monthly newsletter.
   2. Facilitates meetings by working together with parents and staff to develop agendas and schedule speakers.

Resource and Referral

1. Assists parents in becoming involved with community resources.
   1. Maintains the Community Resource Directory by updating annually.
   2. Supports parents as they establish relationships with community resources.
   3. When a referral has been facilitated, follows up with parents to obtain results.
   4. Establishes and maintains relationships with community agencies.

Record Keeping

1. Monitors and maintains family and child records along with assistance from the Site Director.
   1. Uses records to assure appropriate and timely services to families throughout the program year.

Component Coordination

1. Demonstrates knowledge of Head Start components with appropriate professional development and training opportunities.
   1. Informs parents about all of the service provided by the variety of Head Start components
   2. Demonstrates knowledge of the 70.2—Parents Rights and Responsibilities

Other Duties

1. Participates in Reflective Supervision.
2. Any additional duties are at the discretion of the Site Director

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This individual reports to the Site Director.

In contacts related to this position’s duties, this individual acts as a representative of the Army and its mission.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved, as well as the timeliness, accuracy and completeness of accomplishing assigned tasks.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors Degree in Social Work or other related field.
• Six hours of child development college credit preferred.
• One year in a closely related field with case management experience.

COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of area-based social service agencies and community resources.
• Written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to use initiative and be a self starter.
• Ability to be flexible in light of changing job situations and/or priorities.
• Demonstrates an understanding of diverse populations and the populations which the program serves
• Maintains a professional attitude by:
• Adhering to personnel policies
• Supporting and enforcing program regulations
• Assuming and thoroughly completing all duties in a professional and timely manner
• Demonstrating enthusiasm for the program
• Responding objectively to change
• Respecting confidentiality of parents, children, and other staff members
• A commitment to support and uphold the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Willingness to work as a team player.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Site Director informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do light physical work and must be able to lift 40lbs.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC.
• The work environment for this position includes an office or classroom environment with a low to moderate noise level.

THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.  Its message is based on the Bible.  Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.  Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.