Kent Youth & Family Services is currently accepting applications for full-time, school calendar Family Support positions in the Early Learning Program. This position is responsible for providing comprehensive child/family support services to children 3 to 5 years and their families; provide support, training, and case management to assist parents in meeting their family's needs; enhance parents' role as the primary influence on their child's education and development; support parents in increasing their economic stability; determine eligibility and enroll families in the program completing centralized intake responsibilities; enlist parental involvement in child educational programs; work with parents in identifying and achieving goals; and facilitate positive parent, school, and student relationships. DUTIES and

RESPONSIBILITIES

: Recruit, select, and enroll eligible low income families based upon State and Federal Performance Standards to ensure compliance with mandated regulations and maintain full enrollment throughout the year. Facilitate orientation meetings with parents to inform them of the program opportunities, their rights and responsibilities, while encouraging their participation in the Early Learning program. Assist parents in identifying their families' strengths and needs, setting family goals, and developing an action plan to remove barriers their child's success in school. Act as an advocate for parents providing appropriate referrals for services through developing partnerships with community service providers and emergency assistance or intervention. Provide health screenings, immunization verifications, and outside agency referrals developing individualized health, nutrition, and family support plans that comply with program requirements. Plan and facilitate parent engagement opportunities while encouraging participation in leadership groups, family meetings, volunteering, and PS-ESD opportunities including Policy Council. Conduct a minimum of three (3) parent visits with each family with at least two in the families' homes to build relationships, provide referrals, family support, and to create SMART family goals. Support parent engagement to plan and implement monthly parent education opportunities including parenting skills, child development, and health & social service advocacy. Maintain accurate written and computerized reports in a confidential manner. Participate as an active team member in interdisciplinary planning for children and families. Report suspected incidents to appropriate parties to maintain student's personal health and safety, while adhering to agency program policies. Conduct formal or informal training opportunities to increase the parents knowledge of developmental stages and how to support their child's kindergarten readiness and skill development. Assist other personnel as may be required to ensure an efficient and effective work environment. Fill in as a Bus Monitor, assisting children with getting on and off the bus and performing emergency procedures, when necessary. Support the needs of the children and classroom, stepping in for/with the teachers when necessary.

MIMIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

AA or higher degree in any field with 30 job related credits in ECE, Child Development, Special Education, Elementary Education, Human Development, Child & Family Studies, or Human Services with a focus in ECE, CD, nursing, special education, family support, or social work, plus one years' experience working with families; OR Family Service Credential from

Portage Project:

OR Family Development Certificate from the Washington State Community Action Partnership; OR Family Support Core or Studies Certificate from Edmonds Community College; Current Home Visitor CDA credential from the Council for Professional Recognition; OR Provisional hire: Commitment requirements of a Professional Development Plan within 18 months (Head Start) and 5 years (ECEAP), when a documented labor pool shortage occurs.

MIMIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Proof of physical examination, including TB test. If positive, chest x-ray or doctor's statement. Must provide documents of measles immunization or resistance prior to working with kids. Obtain First Aid, Infant/Child CPR card and a Food Handler's permit within 90 days of hire and keep current. Completion of a successful criminal history and Portal Background Check including fingerprinting. Must be able to work a flexible schedule to meet family scheduling needs, including required evenings meetings, up to once a month. Must be able to travel to family home visits and program meetings/trainings in personal vehicle. Valid Washington State driver's license, acceptable driving record, personal automobile for use of job related transportation, adequate and current auto insurance meeting minimum Washington vehicle insurance requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Generally, the job requires 70% sitting, 10% walking, 20% standing, with frequent reaching, writing/typing and occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching and climbing. Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet, including evenings and weekends. The ability to sit and to use a computer for significant periods of time. Ability to hear at normal speaking levels both in person and over the telephone. Requires manual dexterity to operate a variety of office equipment, including but not limited to: phones, computers, fax, copier, printer, and computers. Work with small and large groups and withstand increased noise levels and/or loud environments. Physical agility to participate, supervise events and classrooms as needed. Generally good working conditions with limited or no exposure to extremes in noises, temperature, and weather conditions.

BENEFITS

Excellent benefits for Full Time staff (30+ hrs): 403b retirement includes agency contribution at 5%, after one year of employment; paid medical, dental, vision, life, & long-term disability for employee.