Description
Parents as Teachers Parent Educator - Home Visitor - Lethbridge
Title: Home Visitor/Parent Educator
Location: Lethbridge and area
Hours: .8 FTE; Tuesday - Friday
Proposed Start Date: To be determined with the successful candidate
Reports to: Program Manager
We offer an exceptional paid benefits package, through Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP) including vision, dental, extended health; Generous health spending account; Three weeks (prorated) paid vacation. Occasional evening and weekend work required.
About Us:
For over twenty-eight years, South Region Parents as Teachers has been engaging and supporting families in Southern Alberta to promote the optimal development, learning and health of their children (prenatally - kindergarten) in the crucial early years of life. Our mission is to provide the information, support and encouragement families need to help young children develop optimally. South Region Parents as Teachers is proud to be an International Parents as Teachers Affiliate program utilizing the innovative, evidence-based Parents as Teachers early years home visiting model.
Position Summary:
A certified parent educator supports families during the crucial early years of a child’s life through the Parents as Teachers model components which include; personal visits, group connections, child screenings and linkages to a network of resources. Parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting and family well-being is emphasized in their work with families. Utilizing the Parents as Teachers Foundational Curriculum in culturally sensitive ways, the parent educator partners, facilitates and reflects with families to build protective factors.
Qualifications:
Post-secondary degree or diploma preferred in a human-services related field such as: child and youth care, early childhood development and education, education, nursing, social work, health or psychology. Combination of equivalencies and experience may be considered.
Minimum of two years supervised experience working with young children and their parents.
Knowledge of early childhood development and parent education.
Ability to establish rapport with diverse families and empower them to build their strengths.
Familiarity with developmental screening tools such as the Ages and Stages 3 and Ages and Stages Social-Emotional 2 Questionnaires.
Demonstrated group facilitation skills.
Strong knowledge of local and regional community resources to assist families.
Exceptional, effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills (e.g. non-judgmental, strength-based, objective, reflective, empathic, patient, tactful).
Ability to be self-motivated and work independently and contribute in a team environment. • Strong written communication, organizational and record-keeping skills.
Computer skills including utilizing a database, web browsing, e-mail, Internet and word-processing.
Ability to work flexible hours when necessary.
Physically able to carry large items, go up and down stairs, and join families in play on the floor.
Requirements:
Successfully complete the Parents as Teachers Foundational and Model Implementation Trainings
Maintain current certification as a parent educator by completing the required professional development hours for years of service.
Valid Alberta Driver’s License, insurance and a reliable vehicle.
Current clear Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check
Current Child Intervention Record Check (to request a Child Intervention Record Check, email cs-ircrequest@gov.ab.ca).
Duties & Responsibilities:
Provide personal home visits focused on parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting and family well-being (including planning, delivering and documenting the visit).
Use the PAT Foundational Curricula to share research-based information with families.
Complete all required documentation regarding personal home visits, group connections, developmental screenings and resource connections in a timely manner.
Facilitate group connections to give families an opportunity to build social connections with each other, engage in parent-child interaction activities and increase their knowledge of ways to support children’s development.
Complete developmental monitoring, screenings and health reviews for each enrolled child.
Complete family-centered assessments with each family.
Develop, monitor and review goals with each family.
Connect families to resources that help them reach their goals and address their needs.
Help parents and children transition to other services as needed, i.e. preschool or to kindergarten.
Organize and clean inventory supplies/materials, etc.
Participate in regular, reflective supervision, professional development and engage in setting personal goals for self-development.
Participate in regular staff meetings.
Offer support, orientation, mentoring as requested to new staff/practicum students.
Obtain competency-based professional development and renew parent educator certification annually.
Participate in continuous quality improvement.
Engage in recruitment activities including community awareness events and presentations.
Assist with the preparation of marketing and promotional material.
Participate in interagency meetings/committees as required.
Follow all required health and safety protocols.
In order to maintain a safe and secure working environment, applicants new to The Palliser School Division must provide:
Criminal Record Check, including vulnerable sector check from Local Police Service or RCMP detachment;
Current Child Intervention Check;
Social Insurance Number (SIN) card or document issued by Service Canada; SIN card/document must be in current legal name.Name on SIN card/document must match your Government Issued ID and Criminal Record Check;
Government issued ID - valid driver's license, valid passport or Nexus card.
Please ensure you attach the following documentation to your application:
Cover letter directed to Rose Boersma, Parents as Teachers Manager ;
Resume summarizing training and experience;
Minimum of three professional references.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit their cover letter and resume. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.
Please note that this posting may remain open until a suitable candidate is found. To learn more about South Region Parents as Teachers visit our website www.southregionpat.ca.
