Area Assistant
DEFINITION: The Area Assistant will provide support to Family Service Specialist (FSS) in designated program areas, such as Mental Health, Disabilities, Parent Involvement, or Social Services. Assistance will be provided in planning, intra-agency procedure formulation, and coordination; recruitment of children, personnel supervision, staff development and evaluation; interagency liaison, mobilization of community resources; client advocacy; reports and referrals.
Types letters, forms, records and reports which require the use of some independent judgment; checks and reviews data for completion and conformance with established regulations and procedures; compiles information and prepares for records ands reports; prepares requisitions for office/education supplies; compile data used for statistical reports.
Major Duties, Functions & Responsibilities:
Works with FSS to establish and maintain outreach and recruitment to ensure site enrollment of eligible children, including 10% with disabilities; and actively assist in the reinvolvement process.
Assists with coordination of Policy Council Meetings and Center Committee Meetings.
Accurately prepares and submits required reports and administrative forms in a timely manner.
Assists with record keeping of files and monitoring of family files.
Assists in promoting parent advocacy.
Assists in parent involvement activities and trainings.
Works with family advocates ensuring proper case management and follow-up with families who have children with disabilities.
Establishes formal and effective lines of communication among staff in order to facilitate coordination and efficient flow of communication.
Assists staff in providing and/or referring families in crisis to appropriate counseling services.
Coordinates social service area activities with other area specialists such as Child Development Supervisors, Nurses, Mental Health Consultants, Teachers and Parent Involvement Coordinator/Family Service Specialists.
Serving as the delegate agency’s liaison, establishes and maintains formal communication with public and private social service agencies.
Assists in planning parent and program activities.
Works as a team player to establish and maintain direct communication channels among the family, program staff, FSS’s, administrative staff and community members.
Uses a computerized data system to input, retrieve and update required data.
Participates in meetings relevant to area assigned to such as but not limited to IEP’s, Family Advocate meetings, community meetings, Site Supervisor meetings and Center Committee meetings.
Performs other job related duties as assigned.
Requirements:
Education -
High school diploma and Associate of Arts degree in Social Services, Health or related field. Two (2) years of relevant experience may be substituted for each year required of college education. Relevant experience may be in social work, case management in health, disabilities, mental health or parent involvement aide in a Head Start or related program. General office/administrative work experience also a plus.
Other -
Must also possess the following abilities/skills:
Ability to exercise independent judgment with minimal supervision.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to work well as a team member.
Must also be computer literate with all general office skills (phones, faxes, photocopiers, etc.).
Must have good organizational skills.
Must have a valid California driver’s license, use of an automobile and current/valid state-mandated automobile insurance.
Fingerprint clearance is also required prior to employment.
The following work attributes are strongly preferred:
Ability to understand, speak and interpret Spanish fluently.
Possession of First Aid/CPR certification.
To perform this job, the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
