Early Learning Family Navigator

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides a range of family support and advocacy services to a diverse Akin client population.  Provides an assessment of individual client needs. As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, contributes to the implementation of goal-oriented family plans.

Has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Completes the initial client assessment and the development of the Family Partnership Agreement within 90 days of enrollment; documents progress, completes re-assessment and revises FPA every six months. This process is conducted in collaboration with the families and includes identification of families’ strengths and needs and development of goals to meet those needs
• Maintains client files that meet Head Start Performance Standards/ECEAP and NAEYC Standards and ensures confidentiality of all records kept
• Works with Supervisor to design recruiting plans and actively participates in the recruitment of children and families. As appropriate, determines the eligibility based on federal guidelines
• Encourages and supports families in working toward the FPA goals and activities.
• Provide appropriate resources and referrals, emergency assistance, crisis intervention; assist in accessing health & dental care, mental health referrals, and access to other needed community resources
• Advocate for low-income families and train families in advocacy skills
• Actively researches and networks with community agencies and service providers who can meet the needs of parents; provides parents with resource information and contacts
• Connects families with appropriate transition placement – Head Start, pre-schools, centers, or homeschooling programs; increases parent knowledge of the parent engagement opportunities during transition
• Promotes Family literacy
• Participates in Policy Council, Parent Committees and Parent Meetings with schools (counselors, teachers and employee)
• Enters data using Akin technology; attends training on Akin data base/programs
• Attends both position and program training, and other employee in-service training
• Provides mentorship to new employees and interns
• Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Must be skilled in communicating with and motivating families and have an understanding of individual family development and use of various motivational and adult education principles and interventions
• Must have knowledge of family support principles, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to build relationships with community organizations and their personnel
• Must have knowledge and understanding of community resources and the skills to successfully connect families with appropriate agencies and services
• Proficient in MS Office and other software used by the agency and/or program
• Ability to embrace and support Akin’s commitment to fostering an inclusive organization

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This job is performed in a professional office environment. The following list is representative of the work environment employees encounter while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, printers, phones)
• Typical office lighting and temperatures
• Moderate interruptions
• Ability to work in a confined area
• Ability to sit at a computer for an extended period 

WORKING REMOTELY:

Working remotely is a benefit of Akin’s flexible workplace, but remote work cannot be offered for all positions. Some positions require daily presence in the office. Remote work arrangements may be adjusted or rescinded based upon business needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard; occasionally to reach, stoop and kneel
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work
• Regular, predictable attendance is required

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1 year experience in community and/or family service; Or, a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
• A valid Washington State driver’s license, insurance, and reliable transportation
• A one-step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor or a negative chest x-ray must be provided
• Successful completion of a criminal background check
• Successful completion of a drivers check if position requires driving on a regular basis (at least three times per week) or drives clients. Must not have more than two driving incidents within the last three years

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bilingual in Spanish or other languages prominent in the program
• BA in Social Work field

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:

The salary range for this position is $24.40 - $34.16. The starting salary range for this position is $24.40 - $26.84 DOE for external candidates.

Employees will also receive 10 days of vacation leave each year, three Employee Appreciation Day each year, and will accrue one sick day per month (pro-rated for part-time employees). Employees will also enjoy 15 paid holidays throughout the calendar year.  We also offer EAP and mental health benefits.