Program Assistant FCE San Fernando Valley/Santa Clarita

About Us:

VOALA

Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories

Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans’ services, homeless shelters, low-income housing program as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more at www.voala.org.

HEAD START/EARLY HEAD START

Through our Head Start and Early Head Start programs, we work with children (ages 0 – 5) and their families to provide the skills, confidence and stable home life necessary for a smooth transition into kindergarten and beyond. Children also receive a broad array of health services including screenings and referrals, maintenance of immunization schedules, nutrition assessments and follow-ups, mental health assessments as part of initial screenings, and determination if any mental or physical delays are present. Children receive health and dental services and have access to ongoing and acute and routine health and dental care. Enrolled children receive healthy meals, along with an assessment of their nutritional needs and the necessary follow-ups. Nutrition education is available for parents and incorporated into daily classroom activities for the children.

JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

The Program Assistant will provide support to Family Service Specialists or Community Partnership Supervisor in designated areas such as program governance and family and community engagement. Assistance will be provided in planning, intra-agency procedure formation, and coordination, personnel supervision, staff development and evaluation, inter agency liaison, mobilization of community resources, client advocacy, reports and referrals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides support and training to Family Advocates’ on Strengths and Needs Tool and Individualized Family Partnership Agreement.
• Work with family advocates to ensure proper case management and follow up with families. Establish formal and effective lines of communication between staff in order to facilitate coordination and efficient flow of communication.
• Assist with coordination of Policy Council and Parent Center Committee Meetings.
• Must use a computerized data system to input, retrieve and update required data
• Assist with record keeping of files and monitor family files.
• Assist and facilitate in parent involvement activities and training.
• Accurately review volunteer time sheets, prepare and submit reports and administrative forms in a timely manner.
• Collect and process parent center activity request and monitor site budgets.
• Participate in meetings relevant to area such as Family Advocate meetings, Community meetings, Site Supervisor meetings and Parent Center Committee meetings
• Coordinates social service area activities with other area specialists such as Child Development Supervisors, Mental Health Supervisors, Teachers and Family Advocates.
• Other duties as required

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications

HEALTH REQUIREMENT:

• Proof at the time of hire
  • TB clearance within 6 months prior
  • Annual Influenza vaccination (between Aug 1 – Dec 1)
  • Pertussis (whooping cough) and measles immunization
• Health screening at the time of employment
• Requires ability to interact with children in a busy environment including, but not limited to:
  • Able to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Frequently kneel and squat
  • Ability to move quickly

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in social work, case management in health, disabilities, mental health or parent involvement. (Associate of Arts degree in Social Services or related field can be used in place of the 2 years of experience)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A.A Degree in Social Services or related field
• Knowledge of Early Head Start/Head Start program.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (written and verbal)
• Demonstrates excellent organizational skill and attention to detail.

Volunteers of America is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to