Family Development Program Specialist (Early Head Start)

Position SummaryThe Family Development Program Specialist assumes a number of required program support functions of the Early Head start program. Conducts eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment and attendance (ERSEA) process for the program. Supports and assists content area specialists. Maintains and updates community partnerships and agreements, attending community meetings as necessary. Assists in completing required program data-gathering and reporting processes, such as annual self-assessment, community assessment and annual program information report (PIR). Assists in updating program policies guidelines and forms. Assists staff with statistical tracking system. Maintains a home visit caseload of at least four (4) families.Education/CertificationBachelor's degree in early childhood education, social work, family studies, child development, psychology or related field.ExperienceMinimum of two (2) years experience working with families and children from birth to three years of age.Working knowledge of health, safety, nutrition and family dynamics, with advocacy experience in special needs/disabilities population preferred.Cross-cultural competence, plus experience with clients in all socioeconomic groups.Experience in Head Start preferred.CompetenciesStrong written and verbal English communication skills, as well as solid organizational, motivational and advocacy skills.Competency in working with people from a variety of cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds; bilingual (Spanish) capabilities a plus.Knowledge of Manchester and Vernon community resources a plus.Comfort in initiating contact with a variety of community resources and negotiating partnership agreements.Skills in and comfort with public speaking.Skills in and comfort with facilitating groups.Personal computer skills and proficiency in the use of Windows-based Word, Outlook and Excel.Employee must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple work sites in order to perform essential duties. Proof of valid driver license, current auto insurance identification card, current vehicle registration and a driving record free of any major violations is required to make home visits to monitor program staff, which may involve exposure to a variety of neighborhoods and home environments, young children and possible pets. ResponsibilitiesESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: Disclaimer: Job descriptions are not intended, nor should they be construed to be exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. They are intended to be accurate reflections of the principal duties and responsibilities of this position. These responsibilities and competencies listed below may change from time to time.Job-Specific Competency Conducts Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment and Attendance (ERSEA) process for Early Head Start program; maintains, updates and distributes program client list and waitlist; inputs family application information into data system upon enrollment. Supports and assists content area specialists; conducts monthly specialist meetings; assists specialists in using data input system. Maintains and updates community partnership agreements and agreements; meets with prospective community partners and negotiates agreements; represents program at community meetings, as necessary and assigned. Facilitates bi-monthly case conferences with home visitors and content area specialists. Assists in completing required program data collection and reporting, to include but not limited to: annual Self-Assessment; annual Program Information Report (PIR); Community Assessment. Assists in updating program policies, procedures and forms, as needed. Assists staff in utilizing statistical tracking system. Maintains a home visit caseload of at least 4 families.