Family Services Worker

LOCATION: Stamford, CT

REPORTS TO: Director of Program Services

About Us

Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County (CLC) is committed to providing early childhood education for all families, with direct services and programs focused on health, nutrition, and family support for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Since 1902, CLC has been a cornerstone of the community. CLC is Stamford’s largest early childhood education program, serving over 800 families a year. We provide exceptional early learning experiences in a safe and loving environment that allows children to grow and learn. One third of every incoming kindergarten class in Stamford Public Schools is made up of CLC graduates. CLC’s decades of care have shaped the city and its residents, improving lives for thousands of families across generations. Care work makes all other work possible. When parents and caregivers feel confident dropping their child off, they can focus on pursuing their goals, meeting their family’s needs, and advancing their careers. This benefits the local economy, creates a stronger workforce, and builds brighter economic futures for both parents and children.

About the Role

• Responsible for the family and community engagement program services of the School Readiness Program.

BASIC FUNCTION:

• Recruitment and enrollment of families residing in Stamford. Maintain enrollment at all times.
• Set the School Readiness fees for each family based on the fee scales provided by the State Department of Education. Send the Fiscal Office weekly fee changes.
• Re-determine family’s fees and proof of residence every six months.
• Determine Income Eligibility Forms (free, reduced, over income) and set up a database for the current school year.
• Assist families with new Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) applications. Work with the Program DSS Eligibility Specialist – meet on an ongoing basis.
• Refer families for identified services as needed, such as basic needs, parenting, family counseling, etc… and assure that their needs are met through follow-up.
• Crisis Intervention: Referral to emergency services such as domestic violence, suspected child abuse/neglect, homelessness, etc…
• Report suspected child abuse/neglect and violence in the home.
• Meet with teachers/coordinators/parents as needed, based on families needs.
• Document meetings with parents & children on respective parent conference forms. Document all contact/work with families.
• Interact with Cluster & Instructional Coordinators to assure seamless service delivery. Notify coordinators of any new or withdrawing children.
• Collaborate with service providers to avoid duplication of service.
• Observe children in their classroom & assist teachers on how to work with children with behavior issues.
• Work collaboratively with outside agencies such as Child Guidance, Family Centers, DSS, etc… and plan special activities to meet the family’s needs.
• Set up database for current school year and input student information into Microsoft Access database. Work with the Board of Education on Star Base, their database program.
• Participate in bi-weekly multi-specialty team meetings/component meetings.
• Attend monthly All Agency Social Service Meetings.
• Attend monthly Social Service meetings with DC/CC FSW.
• Attend and participate in individual and group supervision meetings.
• Schedule and facilitate weekly Case Conferences and Monthly Case Management/Review Meetings.
• Assist in updating Community Resource Guide and educate parents on use of guide.
• Plan & participate in Staff & Parent Orientations, Kindergarten Night, and Open House for prospective families and HUSKY night, for uninsured families.
• Assist parents in finding childcare over the Holiday Break.
• Work closely with the Board of Education in regards to Kindergarten Registration and summer school for children who have not had a pre-k experience.
• Maintain confidentiality and high standard record keeping.
• Translate correspondence to families as deemed possible.

Agency Responsibilities

Participate actively in agency activities such as:

• Agency-wide monthly lunch meeting and discussion by specialty area.
• Parent involvement activities.
• Annual Meeting.

Reports

• Collect attendance at the end of each month to do monthly reports and to see who has not attended.
• Compile and maintain monthly Statistics and CACFP Reports for both School Readiness and the Board of Education.
• Yearly statistics for The United Way.

Training Responsibilities

• Participate actively in group supervision, one-to-one supervision and staff development.
• Take advantage of state and EDC regional training opportunities to enhance services to families. Training may be specific to Family Services and/or computer training, understanding Managed Care, new laws, etc…
• Train existing and new teaching staff on Family Service issues.

Community Responsibilities

• Community education on services offered by the School Readiness Program.
• Represent the Program in collaborative project(s) with local agency (ies) for community services, which are needed but not readily available.

All other miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisor

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services/Social Work or Associates Degree in Human Services/Social Work

With 2 years related experience. Must be computer literate.

• Generous Time Off: up to 15 vacation and 12 sick days earned per year, 3 personal days
• Federal Holidays
• Week between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Weather related closings
• Medical/Dental/Life Insurance
• 401k with Employer Match
• OSHA and Mandated Reporter Training
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

English

Bilingual a plus