GENERAL PURPOSE
 
Under general supervision of the Director of Head Start, assists in recruiting, enrolling, and children into the Head Start Program; assists in linking families with health, special needs, nutrition, social services, parent involvement, and mental health services based on family strengths, concerns, needs, and priorities as per the Federal Program Standards; monitors enrollment and attendance of children in the program; provides case management and social services to the families, serving as liaison between school, home, and other agencies; and performs related duties as assigned.
 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
 
An incumbent in this classification routinely performs duties related to the recruitment and enrollment of children in the Head Start program and serves as case manager/liaison with the children's families to ensure continued participation and progress.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
 The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

1. Assists with identification, recruitment, and enrollment of families eligible for participation in the Head Start program; handles the enrollment process, including pre-enrollment screening calls and phone intake applications; schedules appointments related to head start enrollment process; mails enrollment packets;  reviews enrollment requirements and qualifications to ensure verification of eligibility documents; performs computer system data entry; and file preparation; Maintains and updates families' records; assists in organizing family registration meetings.
   
   
2. Initiates and follows-through on family partnership agreements for all Head Start families.
3. Assists in preparing and maintaining a variety of reports, including attendance reports, social services reports, state preschool reports, and child abuse reports when required; maintains and updates forms and procedures with work direction from upper-level staff.
4. Compiles resources available in the community and makes family referrals to appropriate local agencies/organizations.
5. Participates and assists in parent meetings.
6. Transports students and parents to various meetings and appointments, as needed; conducts home visits to set family goals and follows up.
7. Works with parents, teachers, and other appropriate program personnel to determine the cause of individual child and/or family issues and develop effective solutions for those issues.
8. Performs other related duties as directed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
 
Knowledge of:
 

1. Community resources and services applicable to carrying out assigned case management and social services responsibilities.
2. Basic methods and techniques for assessing child and family needs and making appropriate social service referrals.
3. Values, problems, and concerns of various cultural groups living in the community.
4. Office administrative practices and procedures, including record keeping.

Ability to:
 

1. Recruit, screen, and assess eligibility for enrollment in Head Start programs.
2. Understand, interpret, explain and apply program policies, procedures, guidelines and regulations.
3. Interact effectively with parents and children of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
4. Secure sensitive and confidential information by personal interviews.
5. Establish and maintain student eligibility records, case files, reports, and other materials.
6. Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
7. Set priorities, plan, and organize work to meet program goals and deadlines.
8. Schedule activities and perform activities according to a prescribed schedule.
9. Develop and maintain appropriate relationships of trust with families to facilitate addressing family needs and protect children's interests.
10. Exercise tact, diplomacy, patience, and courtesy in dealing with difficult, sensitive, confidential and sometimes emotional individuals and situations.
11. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, teachers, administrators and others encountered in the course of work.

Education, Training, and Experience:
 

• High School Diploma, G.E.D. equivalent, or higher education; and,
• Three (3) years of paid or volunteer experience working for a Head Start program or other community service organization involving the assessment of program eligibility and/or the addressing of family social service needs.

 
A Bachelor’s degree in a closely related field may substitute for one year of the required work experience. A Master’s degree in a closely related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.
 

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
 

• A Valid California Driver’s License.
• Proof of automobile liability insurance coverage.
  
  

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
 
The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position classification must perform in carrying out essential job functions.
 

• Lift, carry, push, pull, bend, twist, stoop, kneel, walk, run, and crawl.
• Seeing to read and perform work assignments.
• Speaking to provide assistance and information related to Head Start Program.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a variety of office equipment.
• Reach in all directions.
• Safely lift/handle materials to the extent of 25 pounds.
• Stand, sit, and walk for extended periods of time.
• Work at a desk, conference table, or in meetings of various configurations.
• Read, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Incumbents in this classification must be able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

 
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the selection authority to accommodate the limitation.