POSITION SUMMARY:
Centers, with a community provider contract within a school district, will employ a Family Worker at a ratio of 1 for every 45 children/families enrolled in the DOE Preschool Program. S/he will use the philosophy of the YMCA mission and the four core values of character development (caring, honesty, respect and responsibility) to develop and implement a program of the highest quality and to support and be a resource for the families and children the center serves.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Conduct outreach and meet with every family to engage them in an assessment process that identifies individual family needs.
- With family consent, locate and help facilitate access to community resources such as housing, food assistance, healthcare, mental health services, and educational supports.
- Maintain ongoing contact with families to monitor utilization of resources and ensure their needs are being addressed effectively.
- Reach out to each family at least three times per program year to provide consistent support and relationship building.
- Plan and coordinate family engagement initiatives in collaboration with the Center Director, including family/center events, parent training classes, and parent support groups.
- Work with the Director and staff to develop a parent group that encourages active involvement and supports child development.
- Assist in registering children into the District program and updating required documentation, including annual lease renewals.
- Collaborate closely with the District Nurse to follow up on required physicals, immunizations (e.g., flu, kindergarten entry), medication needs, referrals, and documentation for excluded children.
- Partner with the District Social Worker and other district personnel (e.g., Master Teacher) to attend meetings, support special needs referrals, and ensure communication and resource-sharing.
- Be in regular communication with administrative staff from both the District and the YMCA.
- Input and maintain accurate daily District attendance records.
- Assist families in identifying and resolving concerns that may impact their child’s development or participation.
- Complete all required documentation and reports for the District, State Agencies, YMCA, and the Child Care Center.
- Participate in all staff meetings and professional development sessions as required.
- Follow all health, safety, and sanitation protocols consistently.
- Work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team to support overall program quality and family well-being.
REQUIREMENTS:
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Associate degree, preferred but strong prior work experience and a High School Degree or its equivalent can be substituted.
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Experience working with families, particularly families with children (preschool age)
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Knowledge of social services, agencies and community resources.
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Experience or knowledge of the community the center is located in.
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Able to read, speak, write and communicate in the predominant language(s) of the enrolled families
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Computer proficiency and familiar with basic computer programs.
PHYSICAL REQURIEMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
Normal amounts of walking, standing, sitting, lifting, pushing, pulling, reading, typing, talking, listening, filing, able to lift a maximum of 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
