Family Assistant

About Us:
The Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) is a community development
organization founded on the radically simple idea that all people deserve to live in healthy, vibrant
communities. We build award-winning, sustainable, affordable homes – but our work is not over when
our buildings are complete. WHEDco believes that to be successful, affordable housing must be
anchored in strong communities of which residents can be proud. WHEDco’s mission is to create and
bridge access to resources in the South Bronx that support thriving neighborhoods – from high-quality
early education and after-school programs, to fresh, healthy food, cultural programming, and economic
opportunity. See www.whedco.org for more information.
Job Summary:
The Family Assistant is a vital professional position within our organization, with a focus on coordinating
family services, parent engagement components of the Head Start Program and our family literacy
program. This individual will establish, implement, and manage services for families of preschool
children, enhancing parent-child relationships, improving child development outcomes, facilitating
parental self-sufficiency, coordinating all parent committees and parent workshops, participating in
outreach events in the community, support the enrollment process both for the Head Start and the
Family Literacy programs, support research on family literacy and children’s learning.
Responsibilities:

• Educates parents about the philosophy, policies, and practices of parent involvement in Head
  Start.
• Orchestrates parent elections and parent committees and supervises monthly meetings.
• Manages all documentation related to the parent council and its various committees.
• Acts as a liaison between parents and community and inter-agency programs to address family
  and program needs.
• Coordinates drop-off and pick-up times of children.
• Participates in outreach efforts for both Head Start and Family Literacy Programs.
• Coordinates Family Literacy program (curriculum, recruitment, enrollment, attendance, supplies
  & materials).
• Supports research on family literacy and children’s development.
  Qualifications:
• High School Diploma/GED required.
• Associate’s degree in early childhood education, adult education, or a related field preferred.
• A minimum of one year of experience working with children and families.
• Displays proficiency in using and teaching software applications such as Excel and PowerPoint.
• Exhibits excellent time management and organizational skills in all tasks.
• Fluent in English and Spanish, both written and spoken, with excellent public speaking skills.
  Additional fluency in French or West African languages is a plus.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and experience in Head Start a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to guide and teach adults in computer usage, English language skills, and
  public speaking.
• Proficiency in using outreach techniques and advocating on behalf of parents and children.
• Proficiency in video technology a plus.
• Familiarity with social service, welfare reform, immigration, housing, and other community
  resources is a plus.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds which may involve climbing stairs.
• Must be able to walk in the community and visit participating families’ homes, community
  partners, shelters, pediatrician offices, etc.
  To apply, please send a cover letter and resume with the subject heading “Family Assistant” to
  [email protected]
  Excellent benefits and competitive salary ($34,392.87 to $39,276.86) based on education and
  experience.
  WHEDco affords all qualified applicants equal employment opportunities without discrimination
  because of race, creed (religion), color, sex, gender (including gender non-conforming characteristics),
  national origin, sexual orientation, military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic,
  marital status or domestic violence victim status, or any other category protected by law. WHEDco
  follows the requirements of the New York Human Rights Law with regard to non-discrimination on the
  basis of prior criminal conviction and prior arrest.
  WHEDco is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information
  entered by an employer from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to records
  available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm
  employment eligibility.