Bilingual Family Outreach & Recruitment Specialist (Early Head Start)

General Summary:

Responsible for recruiting eligible pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers to participate in the comprehensive Discovery Station Early Head Start program, both home-based and center-based options. Under the direct supervision of the EHS Program Director, implements eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance system according to performance standards and program policies and procedures. Works closely with community partners, Multidisciplinary Team and ACT Team to maintain enrollment and full participation of eligible families.

Principal Responsibilities and Duties:

Responsible for recruitment of prospective Early Head Start (EHS) program participants to ensure the program operates at full capacity.

Distributes program information at various community sites on a regular basis and conducts outreach and recruitment in the community to recruit income eligible families and diverse participation.

Coordinates and collaborates targeted recruitment efforts with EHS program staff, enrolled families and community partners to successfully enroll high school students; families whose young children have disabilities or development delays; and other high-risk populations.

Completes all required steps to determine eligibility and priority of prospective families including: conducts in-person interviews, completes application and enrollment paperwork with families, maintains required paperwork in case files, keeps families informed of their application status, maintains contact log with pregnant women on the waitlist, and recertifies families on the waitlist annually.

Reviews applications and enrollment forms for accuracy and completeness, enters information into the data management system and maintains eligibility records in case files.

Provides up-to-date information and case summaries on prospective families to the MDT and ACT Teams to make enrollment and placement decisions.

Responds to inquiries from families of prospective participants and community representatives regarding the program, enrollment and/or waitlist status.

Prepares and maintains monthly, quarterly and annual reports and tracking regarding family demographics, ERSEA income levels and waitlists. Enters complete information into data management system to complete Early Head Start Annual Program Information Report (PIR).

Maintains and updates waitlist that ranks children according to selection criteria. Periodically contacts families to update information and documentation as needed.

Familiarizes self with community resources appropriate to the needs of families and acts as a referral source and liaison between families and other community service agencies.

Participates fully in the MDT Team, ACT Team, EHS Leadership Team, Annual Self-Assessment and other staff meetings and events.

Designs and delivers training to staff, Policy Council, and Governing Body on ERSEA regulations, policies and procedures and topics related to documentation and eligibility of determination.

Complies with requirements as set forth to meet or exceed Head Start Program Performance Standards and program policies.

Submits annual career professional development plan to supervisor. Attends workshops, conferences, and continuing education trainings to gain career-related knowledge and skills. Maintains First Aid and Infant/Child CPR certification.

Is a Mandated Reporter of suspected cases of child abuse and neglect in accordance with Maryland State and Montgomery County regulations. Reports suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the EHS Program Director.

Represents and promotes the program at conferences, workshops, and community meetings.

Performs other duties as assigned Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Communication, Marketing or related field required, Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Must have 2 years’ experience working directly with young children and families from multi-ethnic, low-income, and at-risk communities.

Must be well organized, have excellent oral and written communication skills (English and Spanish), strong computer skills, and ability to work as part of a team.

Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and Montgomery County resources is preferred.

Must have own car and valid driver’s license with not more than 3 points, and. The position requires flexible hours with occasional evening and weekend work.

Bilingual ability in Spanish and English is required. Working Conditions: Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability(s) to perform the essential functions of this position.

Generally, work occurs in an environment where there is no physical discomfort due to temperature, dust or noise. Noise levels may fluctuate.

Work in environments where there may be potential exposure to communicable disease.

Depending on assignment, work requires travel between programs and services

Ability to lift 40 lbs