Family Educator – Amharic, Oromo or Somali Speaking

Job Description and Specifications

Employment at Will: Yes

Staffing Hours: This is a full-time position, non-exempt, hourly; Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM
to 5:30 PM; possibly to include occasional evening and weekend hours.
Reports to: Program Director
Pay Rate: Dependent upon qualifications
Way to Grow (mplswtg.org) is a fast-paced, Minneapolis nonprofit organization working closely with
parents and communities, to ensure that all children are prepared to succeed in school and life. We are
looking for an Amharic, Oromo or Somali speaking Family Educator to help Way to Grow continue its
mission to prepare children for school and life success.

Position Summary:

Direct Child and Family Services

• Conduct intake and assessments with families to assist them in identifying family strengths, developing
family goals and a plan of action to achieve those goals. Manage a minimum caseload of 35-38 families in
order to provide excellent service to all families assigned. Document and prepare related reports with-in 24
hours of each contact, turn in reports to appropriate persons.
• Complete bi-weekly home visits to each family with children ages 0-8 to establish and maintain a trusting
relationship, as well as, to focus on literacy skill development. Follow literacy curriculum guidelines while
conducting home visits. Document and prepare related reports with-in 24 hours of each contact, turn in
reports to appropriate persons.
• Train parents on the SEEDS of Early Literacy – (Sensitive, Encouraging, Educating, Developing by Doing,
and Self Image) engaging in best practices to ensure that children have a strong Self-concept, feel
respected, and capable, utilizing the home visiting and center based teaching curriculum.
• Incorporate the BIG 5 early literacy skills into home visits - ABC knowledge, phonological awareness, book
& print rules, conversation, and vocabulary, utilizing the home visiting and center based teaching curriculum.
• Provide parenting, pre-natal, health information, and education as needed to ensure that parents have the
skills and resources necessary to assist their children when addressing their school readiness and health
needs. Document and prepare related reports with-in 24 hours of each contact, turn in reports to appropriate
persons. Participate in ongoing groups, special events, and other Way to Grow, Inc. activities such as
evening prenatal classes.
• Refer parents and their children to appropriate service providers and follow up to ensure needed services
are accessed. Complete related paperwork and documentation in a professional and timely manner.

Professional, Community, and Program Development Activities:

• Set annual service and recruitment goals and complete an annual work plan designed to reach individual
service goals. Conduct regular, weekly outreach activities to connect with families and recruit new
participants to the program. Complete and turn in initial Intake Forms and follow-up with families promptly
and in a professional manner. Help to plan and participate in family events such as IGDIs Days, Family
Days, New Parent Groups, and other WTG sponsored events and activities.
• Attend all staff meetings and other meetings as required by supervisor. Work as a team for the overall
success and health of the organization to achieve the mission of Way to Grow. Maintain office coverage
hours as assigned by supervisor. Participate in a literacy coaching and goal setting rotation while tracking
and improving upon personal growth and professional development.

Way to Grow, Inc. is an Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the
basis of race, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, color, national origin, ancestry, familial status, age,
disability, marital status or status with regard to public assistance.
Required Qualifications:

• BA or Associates degree in early childhood education or social science; or Certification in health

or education.
• Minimum 2 years similar work experience serving diverse populations.
• Valid drivers license, safe driving record, auto insurance.
• Bilingual/Bicultural (depending on communities needs)
• Proficient with both oral and written forms of the English language.
• Knowledge of child development and early childhood education
• Knowledge of early literacy skill development
• Familiarity with diverse cultures and the ability to be culturally sensitive, non-judgmental and open
to a variety of parenting styles
• Ability to set healthy personal boundaries and limits
• Ability to effectively manage a minimum case load of thirty families
• Ability to work independently, prioritize responsibilities, and manage time
• Able to work flexible hours, including days, evenings and/or weekends
• Dependable, ability to work in groups and team settings
• Knowledge of community and available resources
• Good judgment and decision-making skills
• Ability to use and teach planning, goal-setting, and problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with health issues, how health care systems/service delivery systems work, and how
to successfully navigate through them
• Computer proficiency including but not limited to: word processing, data entry, e-mail, and
calendar management
• Amharic or Oromo preferred

To apply, please send cover letter, resume, portfolio and/or work sample to Mark
Henderson at mhenderson@mplswaytogrow.org.

Physical Demands Required to Successfully Perform Job:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that are necessary for an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the
employee is regularly required to: stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb
or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50
pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, distance vision, peripheral
vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical
parts, toxic chemicals, and the risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Way to Grow, Inc. is an Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the
basis of race, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, color, national origin, ancestry, familial status, age,
disability, marital status or status with regard to public assistance.