Family & Community Engagement Coordinator

Family & Community Engagement Coordinator Department: Head Start and Children's Services Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time Location: ABCD Central Office Compensation: $86,086 / year Description 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 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. 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. 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, ensuring compliance 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 areas. 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. 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 for recruitment and enrollment guidelines. Evaluate, monitor and assist in the design of systems to process enrollment applications. 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. Manage systems to track eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment and attendance of children. Organize and facilitate recruitment events and activities to enhance outreach across the city. Meet with program ERSEA Administrator and management staff to ensure program consistency. Collaborate with ABCD Public Information Department on marketing activities. Family & Community Engagement Management (up to 30%) Apply professional expertise in family and community engagement, collaborating with all other content areas. Identify and collaborate with local community agencies to develop a network for advocacy, referrals, and services. Coordinate annual “Head Start Family Resource Fair”, ensuring representation of various community partners. Coordinate annual “Parent Recognition and Training Breakfast” and other special events for families. Assist with regular updates of parent materials. Lead the annual update and dissemination of the Parent Handbook and Parent Consent Forms. Coordinate agendas/speakers/materials for monthly Family Service Professional Days. Assist in procuring donations which support family and children’s needs. Support the Head Start Policy Council and attend monthly meetings. Provide technical support in parent engagement and family & community partnerships. Monitor the quality of delivery of follow-up services to families. Monitor and evaluate systems for documenting family services. Research current materials to support program staff. Attend community meetings related to component needs. Participate in the implementation of the annual self-assessment process. Assist in monitoring state and agency child abuse and neglect protocols. Manage parent concerns and complaints. Department Management (up to 15%) Ensure site reviews are completed to monitor program compliance. Develop and coordinate implementation of annual strategic plans. Collect and provide market and competitive data analysis. Participate in grant writing, data analysis and reporting. Research, analyze and summarize policy issues and data relevant to Head Start. Identify community resources and educational materials. Provide leadership and maintain relationships within the local and state child care network. Develop new partnerships with corporate and philanthropic community. Ensure compliance with established policies of other ABCD departments. Oversee performance and operation of all related components and staff. Oversee professional development and training components. 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. Maintain statistical data as requested by ABCD Head Start administration. Provide assistance to program staff with information relative to ERSEA. Maintain ongoing contact with local programs through phone and site visits. Monitor and provide information relative to Head Start requirements. Document technical assistance and plans of action provided to staff. Complete data requests and reports related to family services and ERSEA. Additional Job Responsibilities (Up to 10%) Assist with administrative needs as requested. Attend required meetings and trainings. Perform any other related duties as assigned. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Demonstrate 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. Understanding of strategic planning, marketing and communications principles. Organizational management skills in a fast-paced environment. Ability to deal sensitively with diverse social-economic and cultural backgrounds. Successful experience in interdisciplinary team work. Ability to handle sensitive family situations professionally. Proficiency in computer applications. Knowledge of neighborhoods served by programs and city-wide services. Proven ability to keep accurate documentation. Ability to work with culturally diverse low-income populations. Participate in community activities as needed. Bilingual ability where appropriate. Maintain knowledge of all relevant laws and regulations. Professionalism Engage in ongoing staff development. Maintain professional boundaries in relationships. Maintain confidentiality of child and family information. Physical Environmental Demands & Conditions Frequent significant decisions and problem-solving abilities. Ability to work collaboratively with coworkers and community resources. Frequent travel for home visits and trainings. Regular physical activity to attend to children's needs. Must be able to work independently. Must have strong time management skills. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Minimum Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public or business administration, early childhood administration or related field, with at least five years of relevant professional experience required. Three years of experience specifically in program operations and planning, outreach and policy development applicable to family services and early education programs. Master’s degree preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr