Early Head Start Care Coordinator

The Care Coordinator, under the direction of the Early Head Start Director, is responsible for coordinating with Head Start/Early Head Start staff and community agencies to identify the health and social service needs of individual infants, toddlers and pregnant women enrolled in the Early Head Start program; and planning and implementing program activities which address those needs. Act as a liaison between parents and EHS full day sites including centers and family child care. Assures opportunities which address parent’s needs and family involvement in all aspects of program. Provides a support system for participating pregnant women and links with community agencies to support healthy birth outcomes and transition into the EHS program or other appropriate settings/services after the infant’s birth. Conduct community outreach and recruitment activities and implement enrollment procedures; prepare and maintain detailed child and family records, and maintain confidentiality of all information acquired.
REQUIREMENTS
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
•Provides comprehensive case assessment, referral and case management services to families needing coordination of multiple services.
•Work with families in a vertical case management model that supports families in a continuous manner throughout all transitions of service before, during, and after Early Head Start enrollment.
•Assists each pregnant woman and family assigned in developing and implementing an Individualized Family Partnership Agreement (FPA) based on family’s assessed and expressed needs and interests and time-line of progress for achievement. •Works collaboratively with HS/EHS Specialists in the delivery of services.
•Conducts home visits as needed and other contact opportunities with parent or pregnant woman.
•Manages/tracks referrals and follow-up.
•Coordinates enrollment, eligibility, and recruitment.
•Conducts, arranges and participates in parent training sessions and peer-support group counseling sessions for families in areas identified through the Parent Survey or program mandates.
•Works closely with CCFS Rainbow Network and other community partners to support enrollment and transition for children who are dually enrolled.
•Assists with linkages and partnerships with local social service providers to facilitate resources and referral assistance.
•Acts as a resource to field and program staff including teachers, Family Child Care Providers and community partners.
•Prepares individual comprehensive service files for each assigned child and family. Assures that all files are accurate and up-to-date.
•Encourages and coordinates parent communication and involvement; assists parents in organizing parent meetings and parent/family participation events. Maintains records of volunteer/ family involvement; in-kind services.
•Maintains regular schedule of visitations to program site locations as assigned for improved communication, coordination and implementation of services, policies and regulations amongst program staff, community partners and parents.
•Attends case conferences, parent conferences, IFSP meetings, training and in-service events as requested.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
A minimum of one year experience in a case management, mental health, family services agency or a community-based program providing services to children and families. Knowledge of the principles of case management, social work and human development. Knowledge and ability to relate well to the social service community. Knowledge of the special needs of low-income and culturally diverse families. Must be able to maintain client rapport of an individual basis. Strong counseling and training skills required. Excellent oral and written communication skills necessary. Fluency (written and verbal) in Spanish preferred.