careers
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKER (FORMERLY KNOWN AS “PARENT EDUCATOR”)
We are currently seeking a caring and dynamic leader to join our team of Family and Community Support Workers (formerly “Parent Educators”) at Start at Zero! FCSWs drive forward our mission to partner with parents and caregivers to promote healthy early childhood development. Scroll below to learn more about this wonderful opportunity, and to apply!
Job Description: Family and Community Support Worker
The Organization
Start at Zero’s mission is to partner with parents and caregivers to promote healthy early childhood development. Start at Zero works closely with schools, community organizations, and families of children from prenatal to kindergarten entry to deliver programming focused on increasing kindergarten readiness and parent agency. www.startatzero.org
Position Summary
Start at Zero (SAZ) is seeking a Family and Community Support Worker (FCSW) responsible for managing parent education and support for families of children from prenatal to kindergarten entry, implementing a variety of programs that include home visits, developmental screenings, and more. The FCSW will facilitate activities that promote, maintain, and improve the health of families and their communities. The FCSW will also work closely with and partner with schools and community agencies to connect early childhood family support services to the partner sites. Starting salary for full-time (40 hours per week) is between $42,000 and $45,000 based on education and experience. This position is eligible for benefits, including a 403b retirement plan, mileage and cell phone stipends, and company-provided technology.
Core Skills & Beliefs
A deep belief that parents are their child’s most influential teachers;
Strong commitment to closing the opportunity gap for families across cultural and language divides;
Display a strong personal and professional commitment to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion;
Innate strengths-based approach when working with children, families, and co-workers;
Strong relationship-building skills, like effective communication and cultural sensitivity;
Self-driven, able to function autonomously yet collaboratively, and
Demonstrate innovative approaches to problem-solving.
Qualifications & Competencies
Previous experience in early childhood home visiting (preferred);
Has an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or degree in early childhood education, education, social work, health, human development, psychology, family studies, nursing, or another related field (preferred);
Strong familiarity with early childhood development from prenatal to kindergarten entry (preferred);
Ability to work a flexible full-time schedule, with evenings or weekends as needed to meet family schedules;
Handles confidential program and family information with discretion;
Displays strong organizational and record-keeping skills;
Proficient in computer skills plus a demonstrated ability to learn new data collection technology platforms;
Has internet access and the ability to work from home as necessary;
Holds a valid driver’s license, has a dependable car, and full-coverage auto insurance;
Physical ability to lift and carry up to 15 lbs, and to work around small children including sitting, standing, and climbing stairs;
Knowledge of public and community health resources (ex: dental, health, vision, hearing,etc.); and
Understanding of general medical terminology and basic medical procedures
Essential Responsibilities
Market and recruit families to SAZ programs, including partnering closely with schools and referring agencies and attending community events as a representative of SAZ;
Provide parent education services virtually and/or in-person in family homes, schools, and/or community locations for families of children aged prenatal to 5 using the Parents as Teachers curriculum;
Provide parent-child group connection sessions for families of children aged 0-5;
Complete screenings and assessments with families of children age 0-5, with supported referrals to early intervention and follow-up as needed for each family;
Timely data collection and record keeping;
Build/sustain relationships with school and community personnel as a SAZ representative;
Cultivate relationships with community organizations to identify and leverage resources for families;
Participate in Reflective Supervision and ongoing professional development;
Manage an assigned caseload of 25-35 families;
Act as a family advocate and liaison between the caregiver/family and community service agencies; and
Facilitate quarterly community workshops and trainings designed to enhance parenting tools and knowledge; and
Participate in organizational marketing efforts.
Start at Zero is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, disability, national origin, citizenship, age, pregnancy, genetic information, military status, ancestry, or any other characteristic or status protected by law.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Arleen Martinez, Director of Programs, at arleen@startatzero.org.
we WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU!
We are actively accepting resumes/CVs from anyone with interest in our programs and initiatives!
We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our mission and programs/initiatives, and if something piques your interest please send your resume/CV and a letter of introduction to info@startatzero.org.
volunteering
we love our volunteers…
…and there's no service too big or small to make an impact!
Maybe you have a sharp eye for detail and enjoy organizing.
Maybe you're great at rallying people together behind a cause and collecting donations.
Maybe you like talking to others about supporting children and families in Kansas City.
Maybe you enjoy solo tasks like cleaning, or working at a computer.
No matter your age or skillset, we always have opportunities to get involved, and would love to work together!
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