Family Development Educator

POSITION SUMMARY :

The Family Development Educator provides comprehensive family education programs via home visitation. Provides home visits and / or education groups to increase parenting skills in the target population.

Home visitation programs are for parents and their children, prenatal to five years old, who have been screened and assessed for enrollment in a Family Development Center program.

The Family Development Educator evaluates family need, refers clients to appropriate services and assists parents in linking to family services.

Creates a Family Partnership Agreement and individualized curriculum integrating an array of comprehensive services. Caseload sizes will meet the standards of the funding source.

Maintains documentation and statistics of activities and client contacts, as mandated by the program funding source.

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION

A minimum of an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Services or a related field is required.

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of one (1) year of experience working with families and children from birth to five years of age is required.
• Education may be substituted with a minimum of three (3) years home visitation experience.

COMPETENCIES

• Must have working knowledge of health, safety, nutrition and family dynamics.
• Familiarity with regional resources is required as well as cross-cultural skills and experience with clients in all socioeconomic groups.
• The position calls for strong organizational and motivational skills and strong English written and verbal communication skills;

bilingual is preferred, but not required.

• Personal computer skills and proficiency in Windows-based Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook is required.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required to travel for home visitation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITES :

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

• Participates in assessing children’s developmental needs and creates plans to meet those needs, using specified forms and formats.
• Provides consistent support to families by promoting appropriate parenting and child development curriculum and activities.
• Establishes and maintains ongoing relationships with community agencies and providers in order to strengthen program services.

Facilitates coordination of family’s services with participating providers. Regularly shares information from community and / or program meetings with members.

• Works with families and service providers to assist families in achieving attainable goals, as set forth in Family Development Plans.
• Schedules initial appointments, via telephone or mail, as established by program requirements and evidenced by records.
• Ensures participation in program activities through consistent contact and communication with families, as evidenced by program records.
• Provides opportunities for children and families to participate in family literacy activities.
• Respects and responds competently to the culture, traditions, lifestyle, language and values of each family.
• Establishes and maintains mutually respectful partnerships with families, as evidenced by home visit plans and Family Development Plans.
• Coordinates parent education / support in the method most appropriate for the individual family, as evidenced by documentation reflecting appropriate recommendations, follow-up, education and ongoing referral tracking with the family and provider.
• Supports families in accessing community resources as it relates to their specific needs.
• Maintains accurate, up-to-date client files.
• Maintains precise, clear and timely documentation and / or statistics of programmatic activities and client interactions.
• Upholds State of Connecticut requirements as a mandated reporter.

PI249617495