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Parent Educator

Smart Start of New Hanover County is seeking a home visitor/Parent Educator.   A bachelor’s degree in child development, social work, or related field required. 

Please send a cover letter and resume to Lisa Burriss, Family Services Manager at lisa.burriss@newhanoverkids.org

PARENT EDUCATOR

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Parent Educator

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Reports to: Family Services Manager

Summary:

The Parent Educator works in the SSNHC Parent as TeachersTM and Circle of Parents programs, and other parent education projects as required, to provide strengths-based instruction, facilitation, and support services through the delivery of evidence-based curriculum.  The Parent Educator works collaboratively with the family services team; participates in the planning for and adherence to program model fidelity, the provision of ongoing supports to clients including home visits, facilitation of group meetings, presentations, and involvement, as appropriate, in community activities related to early care and education and family services.

Essential Duties:

  • Perform a broad range of duties to develop or enhance Smart Start’s mission and relationships in the community;
  • Successfully complete all training or certifications required to offer Parents as Teachers and Circle of Parents or other evidence-based/evidence-informed programming.
  • Complete all ongoing professional development requirements of SSNHC and program models.
  • Implement the parent education programming ensuring compliance to program standards and fulfillment of all program components including but not limited to home visit, parenting groups, children’s groups, screenings, referrals
  • Administer assessments of family need, children’s health and development, and parental skills, knowledge and access to resources on a prescribed schedule.
  • Respond to and/or research data related to customer’s request for information or services, making referrals and preparing follow-up information in a timely manner;
  • Encourage and support all program participants; foster parent leadership and resilience.
  • Work with parents, parent leaders, and other staff in collaborative teams to plan, reflect and provide mutual support.
  • Work closely with community agencies and stakeholders to identify qualifying families and resources for families being served;
  • Represent SSNHC on community coalitions and committees, as assigned;
  • Maintain up-to-date database and/or documentation of services provided and family progress, ensuring confidentiality as required;
  • Assist in the development and implementation of outreach efforts to the community through events and programs;
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

 Education: Bachelor’s Degree in social work, early childhood education or closely related field.

 Experience: At least 3 years of supervised experience working in social work and/or the early childhood field.  An equivalent combination of education, experience and skills and abilities will be considered.  Experience working with families with high needs preferred.  Experience with home visiting preferred.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Broad knowledge of early childhood development and family systems.
  • Ability to use a range of methods and modalities in working with parents related to program requirements and individual parent need including both one-on-one and group communications.
  • Ability to establish positive interpersonal relations with partners, colleagues and clients
  • Ability to put the principles of family support, shared leadership and mutual self-help, group facilitation, confidentiality, and trauma-informed/resiliency-focused support into practice.
  • Knowledge of community resources for families and young children;
  • Skills in project/time management; record keeping, developing clear and concise oral and written presentations; and creative problem-solving.
  • Ability to work both independently and in teams; to participate in reflective supervision and receive coaching.
  • Skills in Microsoft Office suite of programs; internet usage; Ability to learn and use database programs.
  • Ability, as needed, to travel and work some evenings and Saturdays.

 Physical Requirements: Ability to meet the daily duties involved with job that include driving (must have valid NC driver’s license), sitting or standing for long periods; computer keyboarding, and lifting of up to 25 pounds.

Mental Requirements: Ability to pay attention to detail, to concentrate for extended periods, to perform duties in a variety of locations, including client’s homes.