SPARK Parent Partner

AKRON METROPOLITAN HOUSING AUTHORITY

Job Title: SPARK Parent Partner

Reports to: Education Initiatives Coordinator

Department: Resident Services

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

$19.24 Hourly

General Purpose:

To prepare children for kindergarten by empowering parents to be their child's first and most important teacher. Works toward the following program goals: Increase parent knowledge and improve parenting practices; Provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues; Connect families to resources that help them reach their goals and address their needs; Decrease prevalence of maternal depression; and Prepare children for kindergarten.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work being performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Serves as a support for SPARK children as they move from home or child-care environments to public schools.
• Develops and maintains strong and effective relationships with all AMHA and SPARK Ohio Initiative partners, including the local school system.
• Positively represents AMHA and collaborative partners to agencies, organizations, and the community.
• Plans and conducts monthly face-to-face contact with assigned children in the home setting to advance the successful implementation of each child's individual learning plan.
• Creates and maintains all necessary records according to AMHA Resident Services and SPARK guidelines.
• Attends AMHA program meetings, training sessions and on-going professional development programs as required by the Educational Initiatives Supervisor.
• Acts as the SPARK advocate for all assigned children and families, encouraging a high standard of early childhood care and education to ensure a preparation for kindergarten and successful transition to elementary school.
• Oversees appropriate use of developmental screening tools for assigned SPARK children as directed by Educational Initiatives Coordinator.
• Makes referrals to appropriate supportive services, community agencies, and resources as necessary for SPARK children and their families, according to SPARK guidelines.
• Communicates emergency situations and/or critical changes to the SPARK Coordinator in a timely manner.

• Participate in community events and initiatives
• Networks and forms relationships with other housing professionals and service providers in order to keep abreast of services and assistance available to residents. Ensures that others within AMHA are made aware of services and assistance options available to residents.
• Participates in planning meetings and activities related to program partnerships.
• Assists in evaluating AMHA's Early Childhood Initiative and makes recommendations for improvements. Communicates and collaborates with Early Childhood Initiative and Resident Services team members..

• Works directly with SPARK preschool children and their families to provide in home, family focused intervention to enhance early literacy skills and preparation for kindergarten.

• Responsible for accuracy and consistency of data entry and case notes in FileMaker Pro and/or Efforts To Outcomes (ETO) regarding new and existing clients; enters information into ETO and other databases and spreadsheets as appropriate for various grants and reports as required by program. Reports any issues or inconsistencies and offers feedback to Educational Initiatives Coordinator, as needed.
• Promote, assist in preparing for, and participate in ECI support groups and events in assigned geographic zone for outreach purposes and as needed or requested for support.
• Communicates problems to respective Property Managers and/or to Resident Services Management to modify service offerings or address global issues.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Behavioral Competencies: This position requires incumbents to exhibit the following behavioral skills:

Commitment: Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard/smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.

Customer Service: Meets/exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands, monitors and measures the needs of both internal and external customers; talks and acts with customers in mind. Recognizes working colleagues as customers.

Effective Communication: Ensures important information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing. Demonstrates attention to, and conveys understanding of, the comments and questions of others; listens effectively.

Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; does fair share of work.

Job Competencies:

• Knowledge of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, operational entities, requirements, and activities as they apply to the assigned organizational entity in the AMHA
• Knowledge of the applicable HUD rules and regulations as they pertain to public housing
• Ability to exercise initiative, use sound judgment in analyzing situations, and make decisions in a timely manner
• Ability to research and assist with developing successful grant proposals for public and private funding sources
• Ability to present information, both orally and through writing, effectively and in a clear, concise, and convincing manner

• Knowledge of program activities and participation in planning, and coordination of activities
• Ability to develop relationships with agencies, schools, businesses, and other local organizations to expand the program through community partnerships

• Knowledge of general landlord/tenant and fair housing laws
• Knowledge of social work and resources available through community agencies
• Knowledge of the needs and attitudes of the physically, socially, and economically disadvantaged, including the youth and elderly population, and ability to communicate with individuals of varying social, educational, and economic backgrounds
• Ability to maintain tact and professionalism in crisis management situations
• Ability to understand and practice the rules of confidentiality
• Proficient mathematical and statistical skills and ability to understand and interpret data reports and tracking

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, tenants, officials, and the general public

Education, Experience and Certifications:

Associates Degree in social/human services, education or related field (Bachelor's degree preferred). Early childhood home visitation experience and familiarity with early childhood programs and services preferred. Must possess a valid Ohio driver's license and be insurable under AMHA's policies.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have strong computer skills and become proficient in FileMaker, ETO and Microsoft Office applications. Familiarity with Tenmast is desirable. Must be able to learn other computer software programs as required by assigned tasks.

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:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to maintain a stationary position, operate computers and other office equipment, move about the office, attend onsite and offsite meetings, and communicate. The employee must be able to accurately exchange information in person, in writing and via e-mail and telephone. The employee must occasionally transport up to 50 pounds.

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

Office Environment

This position requires availability on occasional evenings and weekends.

Employee Understanding:

I understand that this is a grant funded position and is subject to the availability of continued funding. Should funding cease, this position may be eliminated. The above job description was received, read and understood by me.

NOTE: This is a GRANT FUNDED position and is subject to the availability of continuing funding. Should funding cease, this position will be eliminated.

AMHA offers a culture devoted to everyone being equally valued, a comprehensive compensation and benefits program including, but not limited to: Competitive salary; Participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System; Excellent medical, free dental and vision plans with minimal out of pocket cost; Basic Life insurance; Fourteen paid holidays; Paid vacation, personal and sick plans.