Family Partnership & Community Engagement Coordinator

Department: Head Start

Location: Juneau

Covered Position: Yes

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Grade(s): 10-11 ($33.29+ DOE)

Purpose: Foster a supportive environment for families and work to facilitate programming and activities that reflects the communities of Alaska. Develop, implements, and oversee programs and initiatives that promote local knowledge, family engagement, and community cohesion. Coordinate the work plan and the delivery of the parent, family and community engagement (PFCE) framework between Head Start staff and families according to Head Start Program Performance Standards. This position also safeguards accurate, complete, efficient input into database systems, including generating reports. Will serve as a member of the Head Start Management Team and build collaborative relationships with other agencies.

Essential Functions. An individual in this role must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Analyze and interpret program guidelines, statues, agency policies and procedures with minimal supervision.
• Assist the Program Director in developing and updating program policies and procedures.
• Assist the Program Director in writing, preparing, and submitting grant applications for the program. May be responsible for preparing and submitting grants for component/specialty area.
• Will develop and maintain accurate, complete and confidential data in accordance with program requirements, with Federal, State, Local and Tlingit & Haida Policies and Procedures.
• Have a compassionate approach to working with children and families, and effectively interact with families of all cultural, economic, social, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Have working knowledge and relationships with of relevant community resources and agencies.
• Plan and execute cultural programs, events, and activities that highlight the traditions, arts, and history of Alaska’s diverse cultures.
• Work in collaboration with the Education Coordinator to ensure that systems, supports and resources are in place for continuous monitoring and data reporting related to families learning goals and for themselves, and their children and promote the preservation of Indigenous languages, arts, crafts, and other cultural practices.
• Ensure that systems, supports and resources are grounded in cross cultural responsiveness to address professional development and continuous improvement, program environment and partnerships related to families and lifelong educators.
• Organize community events, festivals, and family engagement activities that encourage participation and understanding.
• Serves as a resource and/or trainer for staff, parents and volunteers; has knowledge in working with family learners: collaborates with community agencies and family education resources.
• Provides training to support teachers in the implementation of PFCE policies and procedures in a manner consistent with Tlingit & Haida Head Start standards for compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• Monitor family data, develop training and information materials for parents and staff including parent orientation packets, community resource directory, brochures, and other materials.
• Ensures that systems, and supports and resources are in place to address professional development continuous improvement, program environment and partnerships related to child and family transitions and referrals.
• Collect, aggregate and analyze data to support family progress and strengthen efforts to provide quality services for children and families. Prepare reports outlining program achievements, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.
• Work in collaboration with other related components to assist staff in providing for the emotional, cognitive, and social development of children in coordination with the school readiness goals.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with community groups, schools, organizations, community liaisons and agencies to better serve Head Start children and families (i.e., TANF, TFYS, ATAP, Childcare).
• Provide guidance and support to families facing challenges related to cultural integration, language barriers, and social services.
• Supervise up to 3 Lead Teachers.
• Supervise up to 4 Family Advocates.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities. A comprehensive set of capabilities required to perform job tasks effectively:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex information from multiple sources.
• Ability to manage priorities in a changing environment with limited information.
• Ability to defuse emotionally charged situations in a respectful manner.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements.
• Be honest, reliable and dependable.
• Respect and maintain the rights and privacy of all staff, parent, and children.
• Attend mandated trainings and meetings, and seek out staff development opportunities.
• Adhere to NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Familiarity with Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures.

Minimum Qualifications (education, experience, skills):

• Bachelor degree in family services, social work cultural studeis or related fields.
• Knowledge and experience working with Alaska Native cultures, traditions, and history.
• Must be 21 years of age with a Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications (education, experience, skills):

• Master’s degree in family services, social work, cultural studies or related fields.
• Current First Aid/CPR certificate.
• Two (2) years’ experience in equivalent position.

Physical Requirements. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation:

• The majority of work is performed in a professional office setting and is generally sedentary, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items weighing less than 40 lbs.

Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Travel will be required on small aircraft, jet or ferry to conduct site visits/observations.
• Flexible hours may be required, including evenings and weekends for events and workshops.
• Certain positions at Tlingit and Haida may have exposure to certain hazardous materials or conditions. The supervisor will review these if applicable.