Family Service/ERSEA Lead
Company/Organization: RurAL CAP
Location: Anchorage
Application Dates: Until Filled
Job Description
The Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc., (RurAL CAP), founded in 1965, is a private, statewide, nonprofit organization working to improve the quality of life for low-income Alaskans.
We represent every region of the state as one of the largest and most diverse nonprofit organizations in Alaska.
We value input from and have respect for all people. We believe that Alaskans have the right to maintain their cultural heritage and close relationship to the land while protecting their economic and human potential.
Our programs in early education, housing, and health and well-being serve to alleviate the root causes of poverty. We deliver innovative, community-driven solutions in response to Alaska’s most challenging needs while supporting vulnerable individuals and communities statewide.
JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for ensuring all family service, enrollment and eligibility related tasks for assigned Head Start programs serving children 3 to 5 years of age are carried out. Design, implement, and monitor systems to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, and other applicable federal and state regulations. Provide family service and ERSEA leadership, training, and technical assistance to staff and parents.
THIS IS A 46-WEEK PER YEAR POSITION WITH A SUMMER LAYOFF FROM JUNE 15 TO AUGUST 1.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Coordinates with all components, and in conjunction with other Leads: writes, revises and implements related policies, procedures and the related Family Service/ERSEA Manual in order to ensure effective quality service delivery in which Head Start Performance Standards and all other relevant federal and state regulations are met.
- Obtain and maintain acute knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards specifically those pertaining to the Family Service and ERSEA (enrollment, recruitment, selection, eligibility, and attendance) component areas.
- Provides or arranges for requested or necessary Family Service or ERSEA related training and technical assistance to site staff and Head Start parents.
- Establishes a supportive relationship with appropriate site staff that results in increased skills and outcomes for children and families
- Advocates for responsive, timely, and effective quality services for children and their families.
- Takes a proactive, solution-oriented perspective to problem solve any challenges that may arise within the component team or at the site level.
- Reviews reports and appropriate data to ensure both team and site goals are being met or progress is moving in a positive direction.
- Under the direction of the Regional Manager, works as a member of the regional team to directly support site staff in the provision of high quality, family-friendly and community/culturally appropriate Head Start services to children and families.
- Submits required reports and information necessary for monthly, quarterly and annual reports, and other reports as requested in a timely manner.
- Actively participates in regular staff meetings, supervisory meetings and all required training.
- Continually seeks out ways to further their own professional development in ways that will increase the quality services they are able to provide to sites.
- Takes initiative to join workgroups and attend meetings with outside organizations that are working towards the same common goals.
- When faced with challenges, seeks out guidance from policies and procedures, performance standards, and other resources such as ECLKC and My Peers.
- Supports and encourages cultural diversity and values the diversity of all peoples.
- Trains and supports site staff in the completion of high-quality home visits where the needs of the family are met in a strength-based approach.
- Partners with site staff to ensure that the needs of families are being met. This may include resources and referrals to other agencies. Follow up on referrals to ensure the needs of each family were fully met.
- Assists and supports site staff in encouraging family engagement at the site and program level.
- Assist and supports site staff in holding parent training events and parenting courses that meet the Head Start Program Performance Standards requirements.
- Establishes and maintains partnerships with applicable federal, state, regional and community resources to collaborate and advocate for responsive and effective services for children and families.
- Participates in all appropriate training functions: developing and leading workshops, presenting at conferences, etc.
- Trains and supports site staff in the enrollment and eligibility process for Head Start.
- Reviews and determines eligibility for services according to the Head Start Performance Standards.
- Monitors attendance at each site and assists and supports site staff in maintaining a child’s attendance.
- Supports site staff as an advisor for the Family Development Credential. Communicates with supervisors to ensure site staff can successfully complete the course.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or hours vary with location. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
TRAVEL:
Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel is expected.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS AND REQUIRED EDUCATION:
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must pass state and federal background checks, including fingerprints.
- BA degree in a field related to human/family services plus two (2) years’ experience; OR AA degree in a field related to human/family services plus three (3) years’ experience or five (5) years equivalent qualifying experience.
- Responsible work ethic with reliable attendance.
- Experience planning and administering program services for children and families; ability to work as a member of a team; assess the quality of services and develop program services.
- Demonstrated effective oral, interpersonal and written communication skills including giving and receiving feedback on quality of services.
- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
- Must pursue an ongoing professional development plan including formal training certification or college degree as recommended by the program.
- Knowledge of family development systems.
- Must attend 15 hours of professional development training annually.
- Proven ability and willingness to be self-directed in problem solving and decision-making and perform basic assignment with little or no direct supervision while also working effectively as a team member.
- Demonstrated intermediate level of computer skills necessary in order to use and create documents and reports, spreadsheets, workshop materials and slide presentations, and to enter data into intricate database programs and proficient use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook.
- Must keep all matters concerning participants in strictest confidence as required by HIPAA privacy and the 42 CFR, Part II confidentiality regulations.
- Must provide a TB screening and basic physical exam within thirty (30) days of hire with follow-up every three (3) years at employee’s expense.
- Must complete and maintain CPR and First Aid Training certification at employer’s expense.
- Must be able to provide own transportation to meet work schedule requirements.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- BA degree plus two (2) years professional work experience coordinating long-distance services to clients in rural settings.
- Knowledge and experience in rural Alaskan lifestyles with strong competence in multi-cultural environments.
- Familiarity with Child Plus software.
- Experience in providing adult training.
- Knowledge and experience with Head Start.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT (EEO)
RurAL CAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and abides by the federal, state and local laws and regulations. These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are subject to certain federal recordkeeping/reporting requirements. In order to comply, we will request information from you regarding ethnicity, race, veteran status, and disability status. Agreeing or refusing to provide this information is completely voluntary, will not adversely impact your possible employment, and will only be considered as part of your application upon your request in compliance with our Affirmative Action Plan.
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