HEAD START ERSEA COORDINATOR/FAMILY ADVOCATE

Permanent Full-time Position

 

General Statement of Job

The ERSEA Coordinator has the responsibility of overseeing the program's eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA) processes.  This person is responsible for ensuring compliance with all Head Start performance standards and regulations related to ERSEA.  The role of the Family Advocate primarily revolves around supporting families.  It may include advocacy; home visits to families; maintaining records; engaging in community outreach; providing family training; encouraging parent engagement

 

Required education/experience

• Must have a high school diploma; with 18 months of employment, obtain a credential or certification in social work, human sevices, family services, counseling or a related field.
• An associate degree is preferred, ideally in human resources, business administration, social services, or a similar discipline.
• Relevant experience in these fields is desirable, with prior Head Start experience preferred.

 

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Conducts goals, policies and activities designed to implement ERSEA objectives and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Updates annual written plans for ERSEA in conjunction with Policy Council, parents, and other staff.
• Completes Child Plus information for all areas of ERSEA for the Program Information Report (PIR).
• Completes all Head Start applications (in-person interviews) for program and maintains waiting list. 
• Maintains all enrolled and wait list Head Start family/child files in a confidential area.
• Responsible for entering all family enrollment information into Child Plus and ensuring that the information is accurate and current.  Furthermore, ensure that families' documents are uploaded to Child Plus.
• Monitors Head Start enrollment to assure full funded enrollment in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Monitors student attendance to ensure a minimum of 85% Average Daily Attendance (ADA).  Additionally, collaborates with family advocates to develop Student Success Plans for Children with low attendance.  Furthermore, oversees the accuracy of all student attendance records and notes in Child Plus.
• Monitor attendance and analyzes causes if ADA falls below 85%.
• Provides ERSEA training annually to Policy Council, Alexander County School Board members and all Head Start Staff.
• Participates in and/or attends monthly parent committee meetings and trainings.
• Develop Child Plus reports for Policy Council and School Board.
• Annually update Head Start Selection/Ranking Criteria and share with Policy Council and Alexander County School Board.
• Responsible for annual update program self-assessment, Head Start procedure manual and community assessment (as needed).
• Meets regularly with family services staff to share information and coordinate efforts to implement Performance Standards.
• Coordinates program’s eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance activities in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Works with site manager & family services staff to coordinate orientation activities.
• Develops and implements a plan and system of monitoring ERSEA.
• Leads the self-assessment team of parents, community partners, Policy Council, and staff in reviewing and evaluating ERSEA areas to assure compliance with the Performance Standards and to improve services.
• Assists families during the recruitment and enrollment process.
• Assists families in identifying goals and needs; follows and documents progress in meeting these through the Family Partnership Agreement process.
• Assists families in accessing needed services and documenting all family referrals to community resources in Child Plus.
• Assists in securing and providing crisis intervention for families when needed.
• Works with families to assure the fullest possible participation in volunteering and all program activities.
• Promotes father and male engagement in all aspects of the program.
• Facilitates Parent Curriculum as needed/assigned.
• Maintains accurate and legible records of family contacts and information and documents every family contact in a timely manner in Child Plus.
• Uses Child Plus to document PIR information related to Family Services.  

 

Additional duties

Performs other related tasks as assigned 

 

Essential knowledge and abilities

• Strong computer skills and attention for detail are highly preferred and essential for this role.
• Submits, neat, accurate, and punctual program paperwork.
• Always maintains a professional attitude.
• Frequent significant decision and problem solving abilities.
• Ability to work as a team member collaborating with staff, parents, and community resources and fostering cooperative and good working relationships within the program.
• Adheres to professional ethics and standards.
• Does not discuss children or families with other staff members, in front of children or outside the program.
• Accepts supervision with a positive attitude.
• Effectively communicate orally and in writing using a variety of technical or professional languages including medical, legal, and counseling terminology.
• Ability to articulate procedures and regulations to staff members, train personnel, learn new guidelines and expectations as they are presented.
• Read, interpret, apply, and explain regulations, written area plans, and policies and procedures, observe health and safety regulations.
• Requires the ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions as well as the ability to convey oral and written directions.
• Manage time and work cooperatively and independently.
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment including computers, copiers, calculators, pencils, scissors, etc.
• Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, care, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Is present except when absence is unavoidable and contacts supervisor as soon as possible when absence is necessary.
• Is punctual and notifies supervisor if tardiness is unavoidable.
• Adheres to established work schedule.

 

 

The knowledge and abilities described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.