Family Worker - JUNTA DE ACCION PUERTORRIQUENA : Job Details

Job DetailsJob 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 ProgramsSUMMARY 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. RESPONSIBILITIESAdministration

• 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.

QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS

• 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