Summary

Under general direction of the Early Head Start Director, designs and maintains a healthy, safe and nurturing environment for infants, toddlers and young children. Conducts outreach and recruitment activities for the Our House program whose overall goal is to enhance the quality of parent-child and family interactions. Supports full development and general competence for all infants, toddlers and young children. Assists public housing residents in adjusting to development living. Supervises and evaluates child development personnel and volunteers. Assists and directs parents in the areas of welfare, health, education, and substance abuse and makes referrals to existing public and private community resources as needed. Performance of the duties requires knowledge of early childhood growth and development from birth to three years of age, a thorough knowledge of community resources related to the needs of young children and their families, knowledge of social problems related to low-income families and the disadvantaged and excellent knowledge of counseling methods and techniques. This is casework services at the beginning level.

All activities must support the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (“HABC” or “Authority”) mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The position duties and responsibilities listed below describe the general nature and scope of work. Other responsibilities, duties and skills may be required and assigned, as needed.

• Plans and implements a developmentally appropriate program for infants and toddlers, including screenings, assessments and development of children’s individual classroom plans.
• Demonstrates a sound knowledge of good teaching practices and of early childhood growth and development.
• Supervises and evaluates child development and personnel and volunteers.
• Provides parents and/or guardians with detailed information and support in their parenting role.
• Teaches parents and/or guardians and staff how to nurture and interact with infants and young children.
• Oversees the health, safety and well being of all children enrolled in the Our House Program.
• May make home visits to residents (clients), assisting them with family, medical, mental health, substance abuse, and other problems.
• Receives referrals from service from Housing Managers, families, friends, social service agencies, and other clients.
• Assists public housing residents in adjusting to development living.
• Assists in placing clients in support or group homes, personal care or nursing homes (outreach visits) when they are no longer able to function independently in Housing Authority dwellings.
• Performs other related tasks as required.

Education and/or Experience

• Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, human services, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Child Development or related field.
• Must have two (2) years of experience working with children from birth to three years of age. Minimum of one (1) years of supervisory experience.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
• Must be available to work some evenings and weekends when necessary.