Pierce College
Family Advocate/Family Support Specialist (Program Specialist 2)
SALARY
$22.98 - $27.96 Hourly
LOCATION
Pierce College District, WA
JOB TYPE
Classified Permanent PT
JOB NUMBER
C2443
DIVISION
President's Office - PUY
DEPARTMENT
Child Development Centers - District
OPENING DATE
06/25/2024
CLOSING DATE
7/9/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Summary
The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world.
Recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 10 community colleges in the nation (2021), Pierce College is an innovative, mission-driven, data-informed, and equity-minded community college dedicated to helping all students achieve their academic and professional goals, with a focus on racial and social equity and justice.
The Family Advocate/Family Support Specialist (Program Specialist 2) is responsible for assisting with program eligibility documentation, enrolling families in our Early Head Start and Head Start programs, encouraging parental involvement in child educational programs, and supporting parents in identifying and achieving goals. Additional duties include accessing support services, creating training programs, and fostering positive relationships between parents, schools, and students. This position will divide time between the Fort Steilacoom and Puyallup campuses, ensuring that families enrolled in our federal childcare programs receive adequate support. The Family Advocate/Family Support Specialist reports directly to the Director of Child Development Centers and Family Advocacy.
This position actively leads, supports, and engages in Pierce College’s goals for equity and inclusion in order to create and maintain a workplace that supports and respects accessibility, equity, inclusion, and diversity.
About the District
Named as a Top 5 Finalist and a Rising Star for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom was recognized for exceptional achievements in student learning, certificate and degree completion while in community college and after transferring to a four-year institution, employment and earnings rates after graduation, and access for and success of minority and low-income students. Pierce College District was named as a Top 10 finalist for the2021 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 for 2023. Want a feel for our District. Take a peek with aerial campus views!
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom
Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community recreational park and Waughop Lake.
Pierce College Puyallup
Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land with beautiful hideaways.
Pierce College at JBLM
Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active-duty families that are serving our country.
Our colleges enjoy a strong presence in the communities in which they serve, and participate in numerous partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations.
Essential Functions
The Family Advocate/Family Support Specialist 2 (Program Specialist 2) will be responsible for the following, but not limited to:
Head Start/Early Head Start Program Support
>Assist office coordinators/site supervisors in recruiting, selecting, and enrolling eligible children to maintain full enrollment and serve families most in need of services according to federal guidelines.
>Collaborate with office coordinators to assess family and infant/child needs (e.g., conducting surveys, interviews) to determine eligibility and develop action plans to remove barriers to children's success in school.
>Maintain a variety of manual and electronic documents, files, and records (e.g., program participation, contact sheets, family files, Child >Plus computer program, agency referrals) to provide required information and documentation.
>Visit children's homes or meeting places preferred by parents to enroll students in the program, interview parents, inform them of school and community resources, and provide child development and parenting information.
>Provide or assist with providing health screenings, immunization verifications, and referrals to outside agencies (e.g., hearing, vision, immunization compliance, height/weight relationships) to promote necessary treatment and comply with program requirements.
>Develop individualized health, nutrition, and family support plans for all enrolled children to support family goals, plans, and success strategies.
>Report suspected incidents (e.g., physical, sexual, substance abuse, contagious diseases) to appropriate parties to maintain students' personal health and safety and adhere to Education Code, district, and/or school policies.
>Participate in workshops, meetings, community events, etc. (e.g., monthly FA meetings, site support, ESD staff meetings, WAEYC/EHS conferences) to receive and/or present information to both Milgard and Garnero sites.
>Plan and facilitate family meetings and parent involvement events (e.g., health and welfare, nutrition, counseling) to meet family support needs and comply with program regulations.
>Assist parents from both sites in various areas (e.g., filling out forms/surveys, health, nutrition, living skills, budgeting, job skills, goal setting) to develop action plans to remove barriers to children's success in school and support families in basic life skills.
>Conform to the PSESD's Principles That Guide Our Culture to build trust, collaboration, and strong teams within the program and the agency, and to provide exemplary service to external clients.
>Assist other personnel as required to ensure an efficient and effective work environment.
>Receive visitors and respond to telephone inquiries, support classroom functions, and perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education Required
>Some college and credential or certification in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling
OR
>Some college coursework in a related field along with thirty (30) job-related credits.
Experience Required
>A minimum of six (6) months job related experience.
Special Requirements
>The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check after a conditional offer of employment.
>In accordance with Head Start regulations, individuals are required to have successfully completed a portable background check through the Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) MERIT system and provide Pierce College with the results at the time of hire.
>Completion of HIV/AIDS training upon employment.
>Written proof of TB testing prior to starting work.
>Proof of MMR vaccination.
>Completion of Blood Borne Pathogens training within three (3) months of hire.
>Valid First Aid and CPR Card upon employment.
>Valid Food Handlers Permit upon employment.
Required Competencies
>Demonstrates understanding and commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity.
>Ability to build and maintain constructive relationships characterized by acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect.
>Ability to listen attentively, communicate clearly, and resolve concerns effectively.
>Demonstrates interpersonal, organizational, project coordination, and confidentiality skills.
>Ability to maintain positive rapport with children, parents, and colleagues.
>Ability to identify and address systemic inequities, promoting workplace wellness and student success.
>Ability to convey clear, persuasive messages that positively influence others’ thoughts and actions.
>Ability to integrate ideas and information to establish goals, timelines, and action plans.
>Ability to coordinate events, services, and maintain comprehensive records of children's social, emotional, cognitive, physical, communicative, and cultural development.
>Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and health standards ensuring a safe work environment and applicable health regulations for childcare facilities.
>Ability to quickly and safely remove children from dangerous situations by observation, physical intervention, and alerting to an emergency.
>Proficient in MS Office (Word, Outlook), OneNote, email correspondence, and internet research.
>Demonstrates cultural humility through listening, observing, valuing/validating, embracing/empowering (LOVE) others.
Application Process
To be considered for this position, applicants must:
>Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
>Complete the online application profile at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr.
>Apply for the specific job opening.
>Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)
>Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)
Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: https://www.naces.org/members (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)
>>Please note: Certain positions require specific levels of educational attainment such as a post-secondary degree, licensures or certifications. In order to evaluate applicant materials to determine if the minimum qualifications are met, information regarding your education and experience should be included in your application materials.
Applications without transcripts attached, may receive notification that their application materials are incomplete. If you receive a notice and information has been provided elsewhere in your applications materials, please disregard. (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire).
>Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. One of which must be your current or most recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)
>Provide a response to the following question. (Supplemental Question)
Briefly describe how you have worked in your previous or current positions to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in your organizations and how you would do that in this position. Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.
Special Note
To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.
All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your NeoEd account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.
Terms of Employment
This is a part time (25 to 35 hours per week), classified-cyclic, 11.13 months, overtime-eligible position with Pierce College District. This position is permanent after serving a 6-month probationary period. The primary work location will be at Pierce College, Fort Steilacoom campus. Occasional travel to Pierce College campuses or sites may occur. Work hours are between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00p.m. Monday through Friday with occasional evenings and weekend work, and occasional travel as required. This position may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites. This position requires regular and consistent attendance.
Salary & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $22.98 an hour, dependent upon qualifications, with periodic increments up to $27.96 hourly. This salary includes a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase of 3% which becomes effective July 1, 2024.
However, your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which includes comprehensive health care (medical, dental, and vison insurance) for you and your dependents. Life and long-term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr- benefits.
Physical Work Environment
This position is required to work indoors in an open office environment, which requires visual concentration on detail, dexterity, precision, and is subject to frequent noise and interruptions.
Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.
Screening & Interview Process
Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.
Please note: This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the District's needs will be eligible for further consideration.
Conditions of Employment
Pierce College is a “fully vaccinated campus” under the state’s higher education guidance, which means that COVID-19 vaccination is highly encouraged for all employees and students.
Prior to the start of employment, finalist(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW 28B.112.080.
An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.
Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.
Bargaining Unit
This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employee Association (WPEA).
Equal Opportunity
The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.
For more information about this position or assistance regarding your application, contact Human Resources at: (253) 964-7342.
Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:
Sean Cooke - Title IX Coordinator
(253) 840-8472
Davi Kallman - ADACO/Section 504 Coordinator
(253) 912-3715
Deena Forsythe - Interim Vice President for Human Resources
(253) 964-6586
Paula Henson-Williams - District Affirmative Action Officer
(253) 864-3229
Agency
Pierce College
Address
9401 Farwest Drive SW
Lakewood, Washington, 98498
Phone
253.964.7342
Website
https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr
Family Advocate/Family Support Specialist (Program Specialist 2) Supplemental Questionnaire
QUESTION 1
Briefly describe how you have worked in your previous or current positions to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in your organizations and how you would do that in this position. Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.
Required Question
