Parent Educator Specialist

Under the direction of the Association Director of Family Engagement, and consistent with the Christian mission of the YMCA, the PAT Parent Educator will be the primary point of contact for a caseload of participants enrolled in the YMCA Parents As Teachers program. The Parent Educator will work with families with children prenatal to 5 years of age, delivering the PAT Foundational Model through personal visits, group meetings, developmental screenings and health assessments. The Parent Educator will work proactively to identify developmental delays or health concerns and increase parenting skill sets.

The Parent Educator will also coordinate referrals to services of other community agencies for these families in coordination with the Association Director of Family Engagement.

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core values. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose of serving as a catalyst to transform lives and communities through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We are respectful – we treat each other and those we serve as we hope to be treated ourselves. We are caring – we show a sincere concern for others and their well-being. We are honest – we are truthful in what we say and what we do, and we do not make promises we do not intend to keep. We are responsible – we are good stewards of our resources, strive for excellence and our actions are accountable to those we serve. We are innovative – we harness creativity, are solution minded and forward thinking. We lead with faith.

Essential Functions

• Maintain a minimum caseload of 25 families, successfully completing face-to-face visits and group meeting.
• Complete required documentation regarding home visits, attendance records for group meetings and other PAT events, screening summaries, and all essential records required by the program in a timely and comprehensive manner using required database software and meeting related deadlines.
• Complete PAT Foundational Training Prenatal to 3 Years and 3 Years to Kindergarten Entry and become qualified to administer ASQs and other developmental screenings.
• Support families in seeking appropriate resources based on results of screenings when needed.
• Actively recruit families to participate in the program and maintain ongoing community partnerships.
• Participate in regular, relationship-based supervision with the Association Director of Family Engagement and engage in setting personal goals for self-development.
• Work alongside YD/PAT staff, including attending staff meetings, trainings and other professional development core activities
• Work with families along a continuum of care by mutually assessing the needs of the family and partnering with parents to develop and implement appropriate family plans aimed at healthy self- reliance.
• Promote, teach and model appropriate skills needed to engage in optimal interactions with medical, school and other personnel in the community.
• Conduct appropriate groups to enhance parenting skills as related to child and family development; make appropriate links for child school success and adult personal growth (i.e. job skills training and enhanced education) as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field, OR minimum 5 years’ related experience.
• Fluent in English and Spanish.
• Ability to utilize skills learned from undergrad work to enhance social casework, early intervention, community services, and relationship building with families and children.
• A desire and willingness to work in low income communities and/or communities with special needs.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with families and adhere to required confidentiality practices.
• Ability and experience leading group meetings.
• Ability to work independently as well as on a self-directed team.
• Computer literacy (experience with Microsoft Office and Database systems)

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience and/or certifications related to early childhood education or social work.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work a 40-hour week with irregular work.
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.

Competencies

1. ENGAGING COMMUNITY: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y’s work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit.
2. FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE: Executes superior technical skills for the role.
3. INCLUSION: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence
4. EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations