Family service worker job description

At Arkansas Early Learning (AEL), we believe every child deserves an opportunity to succeed, no matter their circumstances. We provide transformational learning programs to vulnerable children within a childcare setting. We offer free Infant, Toddler, and Pre-K childcare programs serving 11 counties with numerous centers across the state of Arkansas. AEL is more than just daycare! We offer a variety of child and family support services in a loving, caring, and safe environment.

Being on our team at Arkansas Early Learning means you are passionate about your career and helping your community. You can make a difference every day in a child's life here. To meet the objectives of our mission, we are looking for people who share our purpose and mission to help children and families who are at a disadvantage. Do you have the right purpose to help them unleash their full potential while unleashing your own?

NOW HIRING A FAMILY SERVICE WORKER:

The Family Service Worker supports parents as they identify and meet their own goals, nurtures the development of their children in the context of their family and culture, and advocates for communities that are supportive of children and families of all cultures.

AEL is redefining the next generation of leaders through the delivery of research-based and innovative services. To meet the objective of our mission, we are looking for what matters most-people-who share our purpose and mission to help children and families who are at a disadvantage. Do you have what it takes to help them unleash their full potential while unleashing your own?

Sound like the right place for you? Apply now to join our growing team!

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Arkansas Early Learning, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to serve the needs of children and families throughout the State of Arkansas.

EOE STATEMENT: Arkansas Early Learning is an equal employment opportunity employer and selects the best-matched individual for the job, based upon job-related qualifications, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under state, federal or local law.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, child wellness, behavioral health, psychology, or a related field required. Degree must be from an accredited institution whose program of study has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the United States Department of Education. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered for this position.
• One (1) year of previous work experience in social work and child welfare required; minimum one (1) year in-home case management experience preferred.
• Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; and psychological research methods required.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for counseling and guidance required.
• Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins required.
• Ability to alleviate stress and anxiety and be supportive of persons and work tactfully, collaboratively, diplomatically and with highest level of confidentiality required.
• Familiarity with what constitutes child abuse and neglect and proper procedures when children are deemed at risk or in need of care required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to speak effectively before groups and respond to questions required.
• Proficiency with MS Office Applications required.
• Experience working with Native American communities; knowledge of Native American traditional practices, values, and issues preferred.
• Ability to work evenings and occasional weekends required.

Indian Preference:

• Pokagon Band Preference Code applies.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to operate equipment.
• Frequently required to talk and hear.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend and lift when assisting clients with moving furniture or household items.

Work Environment:

• Work environment will be a variety of settings, including general office environment, homes, health clinics, schools, and other public facilities.
• Travel is necessary, so the ability to travel as needed is required.

Competencies:

• Adaptability
• Decision Making
• Ensuring Accountability
• Relationship Building
• Exemplifying Integrity

• Casual work environment
• 4 weeks of Paid Time Off
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Paid Life Insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Career advancement and professional development
• 5% contribution to your 401K whether you participate on your own or not.
• Great co-workers and a great mission with an outstanding Community Action Agency

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Welcome families into the program via Parent Orientation and Enrollment Meetings and encourage parents to become engaged in the program’s decision-making process through participation on the Policy Council, Parent Committee, classroom activities and training opportunities
• Complete intake and needs assessments with each family, which may involve a broad range of areas including housing, finance & budgeting, employment, education, food& nutrition, school & daycare, legal issues, health, parenting, and daily living skills.
• Maintain the structure and policies of the program through orientation of participants by reviewing program rules, policies, and case management visits.
• Complete home visits with assigned families at least semi-annually
• Interview and evaluate clients to formulate Individualized Family Partnership Agreements based on Program requirements. Work closely with families to identify and build upon strengths and develop strategies to address barriers and concerns identified through the assessment process
• Establish, evaluate and monitor goals for clients linked to measurable outcomes. Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary team of collateral providers and partners to ensure coordination of services.
• Advocate on behalf of clients.
• Provide support, referrals, and guidance to parents for themselves and their children.
• Work closely with classroom staff to promote school readiness for assigned children and families
• Plan and facilitate Parent Committee meetings
• Recruit children and families to participate in the Early Learning Program or School Age, including children with diagnosed disabilities
• Monitor child attendance in accordance with attendance procedures and support families to maintain consistent attendance
• Gather and maintain child and family health and other documentation to comply with Head Start/EEC mandates
• Assist families with transitions into and out of Head Start, and into other educational and childcare settings
• Maintain accurate case records by documenting all services rendered including up to date case notes, telephone contact logs and referrals. Enter required data into the agency databases with reporting as required.
• Provide emergency response management to address any crises or safety issues that may arise.
• Integrate a DE&I lens in all activities, encourage colleagues to engage in DE&I work, and contribute to our mission of building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization for our employees, clients, and partners; requires ongoing investment in a personal and professional journey to understand identity and address unconscious bias, power, and privilege.

Successful candidate will possess:

• 1-2 years’ experience in human services or early education.
• Experience working with parents and/or young children preferred.
• Proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, Khmer or Arabic preferred.
• Desire to work with low income, culturally diverse, and at-risk families and individuals.
• Excellent Customer Service, organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively with and meet the needs of people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, and identities, including underserved communities and people from the different racial groups, socioeconomic statuses, nationalities, and languages that make up CTI’s clientele
• Proficient computer skills required in basic computer software and data collection systems.
• Must have evidence of full COVID-19 immunization or request for a religious or medical exemption by that date
• CORI/DCF review prior to employment. ¨

• Excellent crisis management skills.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in a Human Services related field.

LICENSES and CERTIFICATES:

Valid Driver’s License

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Community Teamwork is a drug free work environment.

Commitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Community Teamwork is committed to an equitable, non-discriminatory, and anti-racist approach in all components of our organizational structure and operations, including the job application process. We recognize that people of underprivileged backgrounds and underrepresented identities often are not afforded equitable access to resources, opportunities, and professional development. We offer professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement opportunities to ensure that you and CTI are set up for success. We encourage you to apply if you see an opening that is exciting to you and include examples of your work that you feel demonstrate your qualifications. Please feel free to speak to all experiences, skills, and educational certifications that you feel are relevant. We look forward to reviewing your application.

This is an exciting opportunity to become an integral member of an innovative team in an organization committed to excellence.