Family Support Worker – Early Childhood - Grant Funded Position

Location: As Assigned by OPS Administration:  Franklin Elementary - Primary Location

Reports To: Building Principal

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: Full-time, 10 month / Non- Exempt

     40.0 hours per week, 185 days per year

Salary Schedule: This is a non-negotiated position.  Wages are administrated consistent with board policy.

Position Purpose:  The Early Childhood Inclusion Family Support Worker for the Omaha Public Schools (OPS) is responsible for coordinating student and family recruitment and registration for the Early Childhood Inclusive Program.  The ECI Family Support Worker will work with all families with special emphasis on assisting parents / guardian’s student registration.  This individual develops and implements an information and referral network comprised of local community resources; ensures families are aware of community resources and methods of using these resources; assists families in securing resources to meet their social service needs; assists parents and other family members to address barriers that keep them from engaging in the educational process of the participating children, as well as accessing continuing education for themselves.  

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Coordinates student and family recruitment and registration for the Early Childhood Inclusive Program
• Works with families to assist parents/guardians with Head Start, Early Childhood Special Education or Pre-Kindergarten registration.
• Develops and implements information to be distributed to families
• Develops a referral network of local community resources, and ensures families are aware of the resources
• Assists families in security resources to meet social service needs
• Assists parents and other family members to address barriers that keep them from engaging in the educational process for their children
• Prepares and submits reports of home visits and parent/guardian contacts.
• Follows oral and written directions accurately.
• Serves as a backup for other staff as needed.

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the principal or other administrative staff as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment:  This position requires the ability to use basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine.  Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel:  Local travel required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Works in standard office and school building environments
• Visits family homes and agency locations
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to read and use information from written materials and visual displays.
• Ability to work in standing/walking positions on a frequent basis throughout the work shift.
• Ability to bend, kneel, stoop and maintain balance while performing job related tasks.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities
• Additional demands may be required upon request from the Supervisor

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with students, parents, and the community.
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly and professional manner.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Psychology or related field that includes coursework in the principles of social work, child development, counseling and/or psychology.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in a school setting preferred. 
• Experience meeting the unique needs of early childhood, Head Start and special education students and families. 
• Knowledge and experience coordinating community resources for families in need of services. 
• The skill and willingness to work with sensitive family situations in a non-threatening and professional manner.
• Experience and ability to work in culturally diverse community. 
• Exemplary organizational skills. 
• Experience with program development and management. 
• Proficient in oral and written communication skills. 
• The skills pertinent to building positive relationships with children and families, and the ability to work effectively with instructional staff, students, parents, administrators and the community
• Demonstrate proficiency of the English language to read and communicate with others.
• Demonstrate proficiency of the Spanish language to read and communicate with others is preferred. 
• Knowledge of District computer software preferred.
• Ability and patience to work with students and parents.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the ability to take initiative and work independently
• Excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrate a positive attendance record and prior work history
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of OPS’s mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time non-exempt classified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

The offer of employment is contingent upon:

• Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for the position (e.g., Paraprofessionals obtaining “Highly Qualified status,” etc.), as identified and maintaining all licenses, certificates, and requirements for your position throughout employment.
• A background check which demonstrates to OPS that background is acceptable for the position.
• Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for position offered).
• Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination to determine ability to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

Omaha public schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)   

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.