Social Service Aide (HeadStart) Full Time

Description

DEFINITION
The Social Service Aide assists with the implementation of the objectives of the Social Services Component as specified in the Performance Standards of the Head Start Program.  This position involves direct contact with Head Start children and their families.

Duties and Responsibilities

DUTIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE)
Provides for the establishment, maintenance, and confidentiality of family records.

Maintains and updates pertinent family data that should include: completed enrollment forms, referrals, follow-up, and family needs assessment.

Participates in recruitment and screening of applications for Head Start children.

Conducts home visits to all enrollees to:

1. Complete Family Needs Assessment (FNA).
2. Help parents to understand that Head Start is a family-oriented program; inform families about the services provided and encourage parent participation.
3. Observe home condition and inquire about family strengths, weaknesses and the overall wellbeing of the family.
4. Inform parents about existing community resources.

Completes written home visit reports.

Discusses reports and plans for follow-up with supervisor.

Accompanies families and children to agencies when necessary.

Visits assigned centers to:

1. Observe children and parents participation in the center.
2. Inform teachers on action taken on referrals.
3. Confer with teachers on children’s attendance.
4. Check attendance records.

Submits social services monthly statistical report to Social Services Manager, and other required Social Services Component’s reports.

Encourages parents to attend parent meetings and workshops.

Attends workshops, seminars, and training sessions as assigned by the Social Services Manager.

Initiates center conferences with teaching staff to discuss ways of assisting parents and families with problems.

Interviews parents and families to facilitate information gathering in, filling out, and completing Community Needs Assessments (CNA) Report and other needed data.

Performs other related duties.
 

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A high school diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of experience in community service field work.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Possession of a valid Virgin Islands driver’s license within eighteen (18) months of hire, at a minimum, and a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or related field.

Position Factors

FACTOR 1- KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Knowledge of community resources and programs.
Knowledge of public and private social services providers within the community resources and programs available to clients.
Knowledge of current information and resources pertaining to social services to engage families and create family plans.
Ability to express oneself, clearly and concisely, orally and in writing for reporting.
Ability to write reports.
Skill in good interviewing techniques.
Ability to work with different ethnic groups.
Ability to establish rapport with families and sensitivity to their needs.
Understanding of confidentiality.
FACTOR 2- SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
An employee in this role will report to the Social Services Manager, and refers to supervisor all difficult cases of family problems where emergency exists.
FACTOR 3- GUIDELINES 
Guidelines include the Head Start Performance Standards.
FACTOR 4- COMPLEXITY
An employee must report clearly and concisely, and demonstrate effective interviewing skills. The incumbent is expected to perform with considerable independence of action and exercise a high degree of initiative and creativity.
FACTOR 5- SCOPE AND EFFECT
The purpose of the work is to recruit and enroll children in the Head Start Program and ensure that Head Start program services and community resources are available to enrolled children and their families.
FACTOR 6- PERSONAL CONTACTS
Contacts are with children, parents/families, preschool teachers, activity centers personnel and community programs professionals.
FACTOR 7- PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts are made to provide information to parents and engage families and create family plans.
FACTOR 8 – PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is sedentary and requires minimal standing, lifting, kneeling and reaching.
FACTOR 9 – WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an office setting with some home visits to clients as needed.