PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To provide parent counseling and supportive services through Down East Partnership for Children's Family First System. Primary duties will foster a collaborative system of diverse support to families by delivering parent education workshops/support groups, training, and outreach to improve services for families with children in Nash and Edgecombe counties.

Facilitates and supports Circle of Parents programming.

ABILITIES NEEDED:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good organizational skills
• Manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and as a team.
• Strong Customer Service Skills
• Excellent Data Entry Skills
• Presentation skills
• Thorough understanding of child development
• Proficiency in active listening
• Ability to work collaboratively with caregivers and other agencies in order to build strong working relationships.
• Strong respect for all children and their families and a sincere desire to interact positively with them.
• Work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.
• Budget and process management skills

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• At least 2 years' experience in Child and Family Development or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Thorough knowledge of concepts, practices, and techniques in the field of child development
• Understanding of child/family development, family systems theory and practices and family support principles and practices
• Knowledge regarding childcare options and childcare issues
• Proficient in computer skills
• Teaching or Facilitation experience
• Valid Driver's License
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification 

   ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

    A. Provides Services to Families

• Facilitates and oversees Circle of Parents programming including all required documentation.
• Facilitates Triple P Primary Care and Briefs as needed.
• Provides parent counseling to parents and families in a confidential manner making appropriate referrals, as necessary based on the Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening & Support.
• Provides consumer education and referral services through the DEPC Family First System, including Kaleidoscope Play and Learn Groups, Triple P®, and other DEPC resources. Stays familiar with both DEPC programs and community resources for children and families, and best practices for delivering community resources and referrals.
• Enters and updates information in the Family First Model of Services database.
• Supports parent choices in a non-judgmental fashion and provides referrals in an unbiased manner.

B. Provides Services to Community

• Recruits caregivers to participate in DEPC activities
• Distributes outreach materials to families and community partners regarding parenting programs.
• Represents DEPC accurately and professionally in the community.
• Travel as needed to attend trainings, presentation, etc.
• Identifies organizations/agencies with which to coordinate and share resources and develops positive working relationships.
• Advocates for family support principles, quality childcare, and other necessary support services for children, following the NAEYC code of ethics.
• Establishes strong working relationships with the network of Family Resource Centers.
• Represents DEPC at meetings as designated by the Family Services Program Manager.
• Provides community education/outreach to communities isolated because of geographic, language or other barriers.
• Connects caregivers to parenting classes. Include parents in parent support groups as needed, and other education and training in coordination with activities to include but not limited to playgroups, behavior management, parenting and special education classes offered at DEPC and within the community.

C. Team Responsibilities

I.  Works collaboratively with other DEPC staff to ensure services are available and accessible to families.

    2. Assist with planning and implementation of monthly activities.

3. Involved with Community Outreach/Business Outreach.

4. Involved in national, local agencies, organizations or civic groups promoting DEPC.

5. Member of NAEYC

6. Attends Family Services Program staff meetings, DEPC staff meetings and retreats which may include an out-of-town retreat.

7. Stays familiar with the NC Child Care Regulations.

D. Other

 1. Services may be required outside of regular business hours.

 2. Other duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate by the DEPC Executive Director, Program Director, and Family Services Program Manager

EDUCATION:

• A minimum bachelor's degree in early childhood education, psychology; or equivalent education and/or experience or combination of experience and an associate degree in child development

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• While performing this job the employee is:
• Frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear.
• Periodically required to stand; walk, stoop, kneel.
• Occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus to operate the computer.
• The position also requires the ability to periodically work under time pressure.