Early Learning Specialist

Description Summary JFCS is a replication site of the international ParentChild+ program that delivers an evidence-based early literacy, parenting, and school readiness home visiting program, committed to closing the opportunity gap by providing low-income families the skills and materials they need to prepare their children for school and life success. The ParentChild+ Early Learning Specialist (ELS) follows national guidelines in implementing the program with families.

ELS provides visits to the participant’s home or community location, bringing program materials to each program participant. The participant can choose virtual visits as desired. The ELS models effective ways for parents or caregivers to increase their verbal interaction and prepare children for school success by learning through play with the use carefully selected books and toys that are provided. ELS also connects families with community resources to empower each program participant.

ELS are responsible for record/data management, required to attend mandatory weekly staff meetings on Friday mornings, and required to participate in ParentChild+ family recruitment efforts for ParentChild+ families on their caseload. This is a part time position working during an academic calendar year with summers off work. Caseload will be 8-14 children with average work hours ranging from 19-31 hours per week based on caseload size.

• Agency Information JFCS is a multi-faceted human services agency with the mission to provide essential services to people of all ages and backgrounds to sustain healthy relationships, ease suffering and offer support in times of need.
• JFCS is a place where you can put your values to work every day.
• You will be able to: Make a positive difference in the lives of others Feel energized to give your best effort and enjoy a healthy work/life balance Learn, grow and accomplish new things JFCS serves and employs people of all cultures and faith traditions and highly values inclusion and diversity.
• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
• AA/EEO

Salary and Benefits Salary range $22.61 - $24.76 per hour based on home visiting experience Wellness leave Eligible for additional PTO benefits (depending on caseload) 401(k) with match

Responsibilities

In Person/Virtual Visits (40%): Conduct 2 weekly in-person visits with a caseload of 8-14 children. Provide weekly delivery of program materials to each program participant’s home for use during visits. Provide virtual visits with families who prefer virtual visits over the standard service delivery model of in-person in-home visits. ELS will reach the program goal of 46 or more visits per child during the program year. Record/Data Management (30%): Complete and organize daily session notes on each visit within 5 business days of the visit, program records, daily paperwork and required evaluations as directed. Training and Supervision (20%): Participate in weekly staff meetings and regular supervision meetings. Recruitment (5%): Participate in ParentChild+ participant recruitment efforts. Resource Connection (5%): Provide information and referrals to community resources for program participants as needed.

Requirements

Experience Minimum of two years of experience working with culturally, economically and educationally diverse families – including specific expertise with immigrant/refugee communities and low-income/generational poverty communities is preferred. Experience working with children ages one to four years, either volunteer or professional. Demonstrated ability in facilitating program evaluations and manage data collection. Demonstrated ability in fulfilling accurate and timely electronic record keeping responsibilities.

• Skills and Qualities Sincere commitment to consistently reflect JFCS values of compassion, inclusion, innovation, integrity and collaboration.
• Proven ability to compassionately engage with people from across all backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses and mental and physical abilities.
• Passion for early childhood learning and development of positive parenting skills.
• Strong outreach and networking skills with ability to build professional relationships with healthy boundaries.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Solid time management and task prioritization skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook along with ability to use client and program databases.
• Actively contribute to the agency community by participating in committees, workgroups, or other collaborative efforts that support agency goals and foster a positive work environment.

• Work Environment/Physical Demands Most work will be done in program participants’ homes, from staff’s homes, in the community and at the JFCS office.
• Frequent interpersonal communication and driving.
• Combination of sitting, standing, walking, bending and stooping, etc.
• Light lifting (10 -15 lbs.) Must be able to walk up and down stairs.
• Exposure to inclement weather.
• Frequent use of computer and telephone to communicate and complete daily session records and assessments.
• May conduct virtual visits with families based on family preference.
• Must have a car, valid driver’s license, auto insurance with appropriate coverage limits, and clean driving record.

Additional Information

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.