Massachusetts Jobs

The Family Service Worker, in collaboration with teachers, will provide services to families in the Head Start Center Based program. In partnership with parents, the Family Worker develops mutually trusting relationships, acts as an advocate for families, & provides support services as needed. The Family Service Worker will assist families in determining their needs & in identifying & developing goals to meet those needs. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Provide case management services to families in the EHS-HS program, including direct services to families by assisting them in determining family strengths, needs, & goals. Work collaboratively with families & other community agencies to provide a full system of care to meet the service needs of the family. Assess services the family is receiving & any need for additional services & makes appropriate referrals. Assure the family can access resources & that appropriate follow up is made. Coordinate services for families by arranging case conferences with specialists, coordinators, & other field staff & community agencies. Conduct outreach activities to recruit prospective families. Compile & maintain family case records of services provided. Maintain confidentiality as required by law & policy. In partnership with parents, plan & facilitate monthly parenting meetings. Assist with parenting classes & with providing parenting information for individual families as needed. Provide crisis intervention as needed & appropriate. Maintain a working knowledge of community resources & current trends in social services. Build liaisons with other community agencies that will ensure cooperation, coordination, & information sharing. Work collaboratively with staff to provide comprehensive, integrated services for families. Initiate, or assist staff to make, child abuse reports, as necessary. Attend meetings, trainings, & individual case staffing. Attend community meetings where HS/EHS representation is appropriate. Associates Degree in social work, psychology, child development or a related field desired. Experience: One-year case management or home visiting experience or working with at-risk families. Experience communicating effectively, both verbally & in writing. Experience with record keeping including progress notes & maintenance of required documentation, knowledge of Child Plus preferred. Experience working with a low income, ethnically & culturally diverse population. Experience working effectively as a member of a team. Bilingual in Spanish or Portuguese language experience preferred. Additional Requirements: Must provide evidence of reliable, insured transportation available for travel during working hours. Driver must provide evidence of a valid driver\'s license & good driving record. Driver must provide evidence of current automobile liability insurance. See complete job description when applying.