About This Role
This position requires a team player to support partner providers, children, and families in delivering high-quality Head Start services and programs. The ideal candidate will be able to establish trusting relationships with families, develop strategies to achieve family goals, and promote the social, cognitive, and physical development of preschool children. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.
What You'll Do
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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Develop and maintain positive relationships with families, providing regular communication and support to promote trust, family well-being, and ongoing learning and development.
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Collaborate with families to identify needs, goals, and services, and provide referrals to community resources that support family well-being and children's learning and development.
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Implement family engagement strategies that foster parental confidence and skills in promoting children's learning and development, including activities that support parent-child relationships and child development.
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Work with program staff to support classroom and center operations, maintain active supervision, and increase knowledge of teaching practices to provide higher levels of support.
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Conduct timely checks with families regarding attendance, provide information on the importance of regular attendance, and implement strategies to improve individual attendance.
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Act as a referral coordinator, facilitating access to community services and providing ongoing support to assist families in navigating health systems and accessing health insurance.
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Facilitate parent classes, coordinate speakers, and lead activities that promote Head Start's mission and active parent engagement in the classroom or center.
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Provide all services and supports as required by the Head Start Program Performance Standards, including conducting home visits, assessments, and data entry.
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Attend IEP reviews, apply goals to meet children's needs, and facilitate the IEP process in a timely manner.
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Prepare and maintain accurate records, maintain confidentiality, and perform data entry into electronic systems and paper files.
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Understand and adhere to regulations, policies, and procedures, including Head Start Performance Standards, Arizona Child Care Licensing, and Mandated Reporters requirements.
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Assist Center Manager and classroom staff, perform duties as needed, and remain prepared and organized with necessary forms and documentation.
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Develop professionally through training and workshops, travel within the service area, and maintain reliable and predictable attendance.
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Utilize tact and discretion to maintain confidentiality and a positive image of the organization.
Requirements
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Per Head Start Program Performance Standards, currently:
Credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field within 18 months of hire.
CDA credential or comparable credential, or equivalent coursework as part of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Minimum 21 years of age
Valid Arizona Driver License, MVR Report of Acceptable Driving Record, and Proof of Vehicle Liability Insurance
Current Health Physical and TB clearance
CPR and 1st Aid Certification
Arizona Food Handler’s Certificate
Current AZ DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card/ Criminal History Affidavit/Central Registry Background Check
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment
(Ability to secure and maintain a driver’s license valid in the state of Arizona, or an acceptable alternative means of transportation. May be required to drive an agency vehicle. Employees authorized to operate a private vehicle for WACOG business are required to carry liability insurance minimums. For purposes of vehicle insurance, minimum 21 years of age.)
ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE IN FAMILY STUDIES, HUMAN SERVICES, SOCIAL WORK, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION OR RELATED DEGREE, AND TWO YEARS RELATED EXPERIENCE, OR
Combination of education and experience that meets the core competencies of the program position
BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, SOCIAL WORK, HUMAN SERVICES, FAMILY SERVICES, OR COUNSELING
Nice To Haves
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES (KSAs) The individual who holds this position must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The KSAs listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities needed for satisfactory performance.
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Ability to engage in mutually respectful goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote parent-child relationships and family well-being
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Knowledge to facilitate social networks and group activities that support families’ strengths, interests, and needs
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Ability to respect and respond appropriately to the culture, language, values, and family structures of each family served
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Ability to collect and analyze information to find new solutions to challenges as part of ongoing monitoring in order to continuously improve services; define problems, establish facts and trends, and draw valid conclusions
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Skill in improving the readiness of children for school by educating families on the importance of engagement for educational success
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Ability to support the social and emotional development of children
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Ability to interpret a wide variety of technical instructions
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Working knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and Arizona State Licensing requirements
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Ability to write technical reports that address measures of compliance and quality
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Ability to perform accurate and timely data entry
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Skill in navigating a variety of software programs
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Ability to verbally communicate, instruct, read, and write in the English language and ability to communicate in the language of the families with or without aid
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Ability to form and maintain professional and productive relationships
Benefits 