Family Worker

Job Details Job Location Joyce Kilmer ECC - New Brunswick, NJ Position Type Full Time Education Level 4 Year Degree Travel Percentage None Job Shift Day Job Category Nonprofit - Social Services Description Family Worker REPORTS TO: Site Director, Early Childhood Programs SUMMARY The Puerto Rican Action Board (PRAB) is a comprehensive human services organization in Middlesex County, New Jersey. We provide a comprehensive range of essential services for children, youth, families, and senior citizens. We deliver need-based assistance to low and moderate-income residents of Central New Jersey and serve as advocates for those seeking to live productive, self-sufficient lives. The Family Worker is responsible for providing family support for enrolled children at the Preschool Center. S/he is has a basic knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices for preschool children. S/he works in collaboration with the teaching team to provide overall family support. S/he reports to the Site Director and follows his/her guidance and direction in a collaborative manner with respect to the organization as a whole. S/he is able to thrive in a fast-paced, complex, dynamic environment, and promotes entrepreneurism, creative problem-solving, and respect and compassion for staff members and the populations PRAB serves. RESPONSIBILITIES Administration Follow NJ state requirement as per NJ Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing, Chapter 122 Manual of Requirement for Child Care Centers. Prepare room prior to group sessions and clean up after group sessions for Parent Meetings. Perform new student intakes. Maintain attendance log as needed. Maintain well organized student records and complete documentation immediately after meetings. Complete FOP Monthly Activity Report with required attachments and per FOP guidelines. Assist the Child Study Team with the evaluation of the child as needed. (for special needs) Plan, prepare and conduct Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meetings. Participate in fund raising activities. Monitor E-Child Care System on a daily basis; follow up with parents regarding incorrect or incomplete attendance records. Family / Community Relations Serve as a resource person to the families and staff. Provide crisis intervention, counseling, comprehensive social services and client advocacy. Schedule and conduct meetings with parents. (min 3 visits / family / year) Complete Family Development Plan / goals annually as per FOP Establish positive relationship with parents and children and center staff and serve as a liaison between home, Center and District's early Childhood Education Office. Work collaboratively with PIRT and CST in completing RFA and required follow-up documentations as recommended by teams. Coordinate and integrate support services for children and their parents. Support teachers as well as PIRT and CST members with translation if needed. Relate assessment information to parents and offer support for dealing with children at different developmental stages. Support parents with translation if needed on PIRT, CST or other school meetings. Assist Teachers in conduction parent-teacher conferences and if necessary, help with translating. Encourage parents to participate in the program. Communicate with children at their development level. Encourage children to be independent. Use appropriate and positive discipline. Ensure to support parents with outside school appointments as needed. Seek supervisor's approval prior scheduling these meetings. Communication Maintain and safeguard the rights of each family/child to privacy, respect and confidentiality. Promote communication with parents. Maintain contact with parents to promote regular student attendance. Develop good communication with co-workers and supervisors. Maintain regular contact with center directors, center staff, family worker coordinators and district PIRT and CST members and other's involved in families and children's well-being. Safety and Security Follow Center policy for the discipline and care of students in accordance with the DCP&P and PRAB manual & procedures. Distribute, receive and request medical, educational, and therapeutic information and reports as directed. Administer medication to children as needed. Ensure parent follow-up on health service referrals and identify health resources for families. Participate and maintain a safe and healthy learning environment. Understand and follow center's Crisis Management Plan and Procedures. Responsible for the opening or closing of assigned building. Professionalism Insure compliance with PRAB rules, regulations and procedures accordance with Employee Handbook. Exercise leadership within the school and community to deal with changing needs and concerns. Provide professional assistance to the Site Director, the school and community, by keeping informed about changing needs and concerns within the school's area of family development and community service responsibility. Ensure confidentiality to all children and families. Work in collaboration with staff and supervisors. Grow professionally and actively participate in the school's professional learning community. Attend on Staff Meetings as well as required FOP meetings. Understand the need of flexibility to support families in need. Demonstrate consistent and reliable attendance and punctuality. Performs other duties as assigned. General Conduct, attend, and participate in internal meetings to maintain and improve professional competence Work diplomatically to solve problems within the organization Maintain professional appearance and behavior Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as needed. Perform other duties as assigned by Site Director or Senior Director of Early Childhood Programs. Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS BA in Social Work or related field in preferred. Two years of experience with an early childhood program or related field. Experience working with low-income/urban population. Preferably bilingual: Spanish/English. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Fully committed to PRAB's vision, mission, and strategic goals and outcomes Excellent organizational, analytical, oral and written communications skills Follow NJ state requirement as per NJ Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing, Chapter 122 Manual of Requirement for Child Care Centers. Follow Center policy for the discipline and care of students in accordance with the DCP&P and PRAB manual & procedures. Insure compliance with PRAB rules, regulations and procedures accordance with PRAB Employee Handbook. Basic knowledge of children's physical, emotional and developmental patterns. Basic knowledge of general learning theories and curriculum development alternatives. Evidence of emotional maturity and stability. Evidence of sufficient security and judgment to handle crisis situations. Ability to seek supervision and use it constructively. Ability to communicate with parents effectively. Demonstrated involvement in community organizations or advocacy Ability to work collaboratively with a fast paced, highly interactive staff Proven ability to work effectively in a team setting Proven ability to work well with diverse groups Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively under pressure Proven ability to meet strict deadlines within time constraints Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications Bilingual English/Spanish recommended Demonstrated maturity, integrity, and sound judgment Physical Demands and Working Environment Regularly stand, sit, and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds School staff will be working in a busy and occasionally noisy environment that is typical to the school environment Compensation and Hours This is a full-time, non-exempt, salaried position Salary is based on an pre-established range and is commensurate with experience Includes some early evening and weekend work hours Benefits are generous, including paid employee health and dental insurance (some employee contribution required); voluntary vision and retirement plans are also available Paid time off includes sick, and personal days, and holidays PRAB IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Created: 2024-11-12