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Action for Boston Community Development, Inc.,...

Family & Community Engagement Coordinator

Action for Boston Community Development, Inc.,..., Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298


The Family and Community Engagement Coordinator has overall management responsibility for the Head Start and Children’s Services ERSEA (Enrollment, Recruitment, Selection, Eligibility and Attendance) and Family and Community Engagement. The Family and Community Engagement Coordinator as a team leader will work in cooperation with all other disciplines (Child Development/Disabilities, Health, Mental Health, Nutrition and Administration) in order to provide internal consulting services, training and compliance monitoring to program staff. This Family and Community Engagement Coordinator position is particularly responsible for overseeing the programmatic and content area aspects of Head Start and Children’s Services, including overall Enrollment, Recruitment, Selection, Eligibility, Attendance (ERSEA), Family and Community Engagement, to ensure that the highest quality services are provided by Head Start and Children’s Services.

The Family and Community Engagement Coordinator is responsible for promoting the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services; building an understanding of the program by communicating this mission to staff, families and the community.

This position must comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, standards and policies, including those of the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Massachusetts disability law (Chapter 766), Boston Family Engagement Network (BFEN) and ABCD, Inc. Head Start and Children’s Services policies and procedures.

All ABCD Head Start/Early Head Start and Children’s Services personnel who are paid to care for, or work with, children are MANDATED BY LAW to report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119 §§ 51A – 51G. Any staff member who suspects child abuse or neglect of a child must inform his or her supervisor immediately.

The responsibilities of a particular position may support both Early Head Start and Head Start depending on the individual assignment. The specific corresponding funding allocation will be documented on the personnel payroll authorization or change of status form.

All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities

ERSEA (Enrollment, Recruitment, Selection, Eligibility and Attendance) Management (up to 30%)

Apply professional expertise and oversight in the area of ERSEA (Enrollment, Recruitment, Selection, Eligibility and Attendance), ensuring that the agency complies with all regulations per applicable Performance Standards and state requirements.

Analyze, plan and implement systems for all ABCD Head Start Programs.

Plan and provide training related to enrollment systems, policies and procedures for the department and agency.

Provide ongoing monitoring across content area.

Develop and implement distribution of outreach, educational, branding and marketing materials related to the program’s services.

Develop overall customer relations plan, including satisfaction surveys, retention programs, and information sharing and special events in order to facilitate cohesive and enhanced services in conjunction with Parent Engagement Staff.

Monitor and facilitate systems for adequate review of records at local programs.

Provide leadership around outreach and marketing aspects of ABCD Head Start and Children’s Services.

Create, monitor, evaluate and implement intake referral system.

Analyze community assessment information and facilitate planning efforts to determine design options, recruitment efforts and enrollment guidelines for Head Start (HS), Early Head Start (EHS), and Full day/year programs.

Evaluate, monitor and assist in the design of systems to process enrollment applications, including determination of eligibility and selection criteria.

Provide regular reports to Deputy Director – Children and Family Services on program enrollment status.

Utilize data to prepare reports and plans of action related to ERSEA for the federal government as necessary.

Act as primary liaison between Boston Public Schools and ABCD regarding enrollment related to Preschool Expansion Grant, as well as Parent University, Countdown to Kindergarten and K2 registration.

Manage systems to track the eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment and attendance of children, to comply with federal and state program regulations.

Organize and facilitate recruitment events and activities to enhance outreach across the city.

Meet with program ERSEA Administrator and program management staff to ensure program consistency of all procedures and use of policies.

Collaborate with ABCD Public Information Department on marketing activities, including marketing communication, events, press releases and other forms of marketing activities with a dual focus highlighting available client services, and promoting successes of the program/clients to targeted families as well as the general public and stakeholders.

Family & Community Engagement Management (up to 30%)

Apply professional expertise in the area of family and community engagement, while working in collaboration with all other content areas (Child Development/Disabilities, Health, Mental Health, Nutrition and Administration) in order to provide internal consulting services, training and compliance monitoring.

Identify and collaborate with new and existing local community agencies to develop a network for advocacy, referrals, and services.

Coordinate annual “Head Start Family Resource Fair”, ensuring representation of a wide variety (on average 50) of community partners representing an array of family services are present.

Coordinate annual “Parent Recognition and Training Breakfast” and other special events for families of children enrolled.

Assist with regular updates of parent materials.

Lead the annual update and dissemination of the Parent Handbook and Parent Consent Forms in conjunction with Coordinators and Legal Department.

Coordinate agendas/speakers/materials for monthly Family Service Professional Days and other professional development plans as needed.

Assist in procuring donations which support the family and children’s needs.

Provide support to the Head Start Policy Council and attend monthly meetings.

Provide technical support in the area of parent engagement, family & community partnerships and fatherhood engagement to program staff.

Monitor the quality of delivery of follow-up services to families at the local programs.

Monitor and evaluate the systems for documenting and delivering family services to ensure that the performance standards are followed as well as make recommendations as necessary.

Research, computerized and other library searches, for current materials in the field to support program staff.

Attend community meetings related to component needs and advocate for Head Start Families’ needs.

Actively participate in the implementation of the annual self-assessment process, annual report writing process, and community assessment.

Assist, follow and monitor state and agency child abuse and neglect protocols.

Manage parent concerns and complaints and ensure proper follow up is conducted to address issues.

Department Management (up to 15%)

Ensure that site reviews are completed to monitor program compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.

Develop and coordinate implementation of annual strategic plans for the Head Start and Children Services Department that support and improve future delivery of services to families and children.

Collect, aggregate and provide market and competitive data analysis to better position ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services as the best source of assistance for clients.

Actively participate in grant writing, data analysis and reporting for various funders.

Research, analyze and summarize policy issues and data relevant to Head Start and the broader early childhood field.

Identify community resources and educational materials related to services and care for children and families across ABCD as well as other agencies.

Provide leadership and maintain working relationships within the local and state child care network, public, private and community organizations.

Develop new partnerships with corporate and philanthropic community in order to provide broader knowledge, recognition and investment in programs.

Ensure compliance and connection with established policies of other ABCD departments that affect Head Start administrative, policy, planning and programmatic activities.

Oversee the effective performance and operation of all related components and staff and work closely with the Deputy Director – Program Operations when related to fiscal, compliance, facilities, purchasing and technology matters.

Oversee the implementation and assist in further developing component areas and the quality of program operations in conjunction with the Program and Development Evaluation Director to ensure that standards of the highest quality are met and that the program is achieving full compliance with each of Head Start’s Performance Standards.

Oversee and directly supervise Central Administrative staff, such as the ERSEA Administrator and Male Engagement Administrator.

Oversee and directly supervise 1-3 Interns per year.

Provide and coordinate support, technical assistance and direction to content area staff and program directors in the planning, operation, and review of local programs services.

Oversee professional development, training components and professional development systems of Head Start and Children’s Services.

Liaise with other departmental/program managers in order to understand needs of operational development, and to ensure all staffs are fully informed of program objectives, purposes and achievements.

Submit required reports to the Vice President of Head Start & Children’s Services.

Utilize Information and Technical Systems (Up to 15%)

Maintain and monitor a comprehensive record keeping system through documents and through database system.

Maintain statistical data as requested by the ABCD Head Start administration and in accordance with federal and state regulations.

Provide assistance to program staff with information relative to ERSEA, community demographics and agency systems.

Maintain and document on-going contact with local programs through phone and site visits.

Monitor and provide information relative to Head Start requirements: support program staffs to ensure children have complete vaccination, physical, dental and nutrition screenings.

Monitor and track follow-up needs, Family Partnership Goals, health, dental, and nutrition, hearing and vision concerns for all programs.

Document technical assistance and plan of action provided to staff at local programs.

Complete regularly occurring data requests and reports related to family services and ERSEA for various funders (federal, state, and private foundations) and community partners such as EEC, CSBG, WIC, and Parenting Journey.

Additional Job Responsibilities (Up to 10%)

Assist with administrative needs as requested.

Attend required meetings, trainings on and off site.

Perform any other related duties or responsibilities contained in this job description, otherwise assigned or as required by state or federal laws.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Demonstrate a knowledge of and sensitivity to the educational and socioeconomic needs of the children and families served.

Excellent written and verbal communication as well as interpersonal skills.

Demonstrated understanding of strategic planning, marketing and communications principles.

Organizational management skills, with the ability to thrive in fast-paced, team environment with multiple priorities and deadlines.

Ability to deal sensitively and effectively with persons of diverse social-economic and cultural backgrounds.

Successful experience in working as a member of an interdisciplinary team.

Ability to deal with sensitive family situations in a non-threatening and professional manner.

Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries with staff and families.

Keyboarding skills, computer literacy and familiarity with various applications such as database, word processing, e-mail and internet.

Engage in ongoing staff development to expand professional skills.

Knowledge of neighborhoods served by programs and city-wide services relevant to the programs population.

Proven ability to keep accurate written records and documentation.

Possess the ability to work with culturally diverse low-income population.

Attend and participate in community activities, training, and night meetings as needed.

Possess bilingual ability where appropriate. Translates as necessary or when needed.

Maintain knowledge of all federal, state, city and program laws, regulations, standards and policies.

Professionalism

Engage in ongoing staff development to expand professional skills.

Maintain professional boundaries in relationships with staff and families.

Maintain confidentiality of child and family information at all times.

Physical Environmental Demands & Conditions

Frequent significant decisions and problem solving abilities.

Ability to work as a team member collaborating with coworkers, parents and community resources.

Frequent traveling for home visits and off site trainings.

Regular kneeling, bending and sitting on the floor to attend to child's needs.

Lift and move infant to preschool age children.

Lift items based on program administration needs.

Must be able to work independently without intensive supervision.

Must be able to balance and prioritize work load and have strong time management skills.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public or business or early childhood administration or related field, with at least five years of relevant professional experience required. Three years of experience specifically in areas of program operations and planning, outreach and policy development that are applicable to family services and early education programs. Master’s degree preferred.

About Action for Boston Community Development

ABCD is the shortest distance between two points — from where you are to where you want to be. Discover the tools and resources you need to move from poverty to stability and from stability to success.

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