Family Services Associate (FT), Devine ISD

JOB SUMMARY: Provide support to and serve as a resource to Head Start families.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS/ABILITIES

Knowledge

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Family Services Credential, preferred upon hire; required within eighteen months of employment. (Head Start Performance Standard 1302.91(e)(7))
• Knowledge of local community resources and desire to work with families.
• Current or former Head Start parent, preferred per Head Start Performance Standard 1302.90(b)(6).

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Fluent bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.
• Proficiency with standard functions within applications such as Microsoft 365/Google, (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software), e-mail, web browsers, and databases.
• Proficiency with computers (PCs and/or MACs) to include file and desktop management and operations, and working in a cloud-based and/or networked environment.
• Exceptions to these requirements will be considered based on exemplary skills, training, and record of success.

PRODUCTS/OUTCOMES

• Follow timelines and due dates as set by Head Start Performance Standards.
• Utilize time management tools to ensure deadline expectations are met. Implement strategies to self-monitor progress of work completion.
• Build relationships with families through ongoing contact, authentic concern and supportive services. Prepare for monthly family contacts to engage in individualized conversations and services.
• Conduct monthly contacts with families and document in the child file and Child Plus.
• Maintain an accurate, complete, and up-to-date child file and Child Plus documentation on assigned caseload in a timely manner.
• Proactively stay abreast of community resources and maintain a relevant community resource list.
• Provide families with community resource agency referrals and follow-up to ensure services are accessed.
• Assist in the recruitment and enrollment of eligible Head Start children.
• Provide parent engagement opportunities through activities and information.
• Prepare for and facilitate parenting education training sessions and Parent Committee meetings. Promote online Head Start required training topics for parents.
• Individualize services based on parent input of needs.
• Assist families as they transition into the Head Start program through the application process, orientation event, and ongoing family engagement contacts.
• Ask insightful questions and adjust as needed based on the parent/guardian's responses.
• Facilitate each child's hearing and vision screening performed by school district health staff per Head Start Performance Standards.
• Collect a current physical and dental exam for each child per Head Start Performance Standards.
• Encourage families to apply for child medical insurance and identify a medical home.
• Take daily child attendance and contact families when a child is absent.
• Substitute for class monitor duties, as needed.
• Attend home visits with Head Start teachers, as needed.

INITIATIVE

• Demonstrate initiative, persistence, and a proactive approach to assigned responsibilities.
• Demonstrate the use of sound judgement and ingenuity in problem solving to meet the needs of the Center and clients served.
• Seek, participate, and engage in job-related learning and development experiences that provide professional growth.
• Remain current with industry standards, developments, and applicable laws/regulations; implement accordingly.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to new situations and assignments.
• Set challenging goals and reach a high standard of performance despite barriers encountered.
• Perform duties with awareness of broader organizational impact, ensuring actions and decisions support department and organizational success.
• Promote and support continuous improvement and organizational change.
• Work under minimal supervision.

COMMUNICATION/HUMAN RELATIONS

• Model the Principles of Public Service (Policy AD LOCAL).
• Communicate in a timely and effective manner, and interact professionally.
• Build professional relationships with colleagues and clients, maintaining regular interaction to meet shared outcomes.
• Demonstrate self-confidence, professionalism, and a high level of customer service skills (e.g., courtesy, patience, diplomacy, etc.) at all times and, in particular, when under stressful or unprecedented situations while working with colleagues and clients.
• Demonstrate professional-level written and oral communication skills.
• Work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Keep supervisors informed.
• Regularly handle and maintain confidentiality of sensitive communications and information at all times.

SUPERVISION AND ORGANIZATION OF STAFF

• None.

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY

• Be aware of and follow Center guidelines of allowable costs when recommending use of public funds for expenditures for supplies, equipment, and facilities in area of assignment.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer, peripherals, copy machine, phone, etc.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional standing, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional heavy lifting/carrying (15-50 pounds).
• Environment: This role primarily operates in an in-person, dynamic office setting, characterized by frequent verbal communication, movement, and collaboration among team members (small to large in-person gatherings/meetings); exposure to low or intense illumination; exposure to office equipment noise; may work prolonged or irregular hours; occasional travel; and, occasional remote work (after pre-determined length of employment).
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Champion and model the Center's Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Service Standards.
• Function within the policies and procedures of ESC-20.
• Accept other responsibilities as assigned.
• Dress and groom appropriately for the ESC-20 work setting.
• Travel independently to fulfill responsibilities of the position.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance, majority in-person/onsite.
• Serve at the will of the Executive Director.

REQUIREMENTS FOR HEAD START SERVICES

• Annually complete online training modules to fulfill program requirements.
• Complete a minimum of fifteen clock hours of professional development per year. (Performance Standard 1302.92(b)(1))
• Adhere to the Standards of Conduct as detailed in Performance Standard 1302.90(c)(1)(i-v).
• Adhere to the Confidentiality Agreement regarding information about children and families enrolled in the Head Start program.
• Complete an initial health examination that includes screening for tuberculosis. (Performance Standard 1302.93(a))
• Complete a health re-examination and tuberculosis screening every five years. (Performance Standard 1302.93(a))
• Follow program procedures that ensure compliance of the Head Start Performance Standards. Family Services Credential required within eighteen months of employment. (Performance Standard 1302.91(e)(7))
• Maintain a good attendance record.

FUNDING

• This position is funded in whole or in part by a federal grant administered under the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) and is subject to the cost principles outlined in 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E (Uniform Guidance). All costs associated with this position must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable under federal guidelines. The employee is expected to maintain time and effort documentation consistent with federal requirements.

Deadline to apply: June 30. 2026