DATE POSTED: April 8, 2026
POSITION TITLE: Parent Educator
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Until Filled
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Parent Educator implements the Parents as Teachers (PAT) model, emphasizing parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting, and family well-being in the work with families. Utilizing the PAT Foundational Curricula in culturally sensitive ways, the Parent Educator partners, facilitates, and reflects with families. The Parent Educator will work closely with all staff members of Darlington County First Steps, SC First Steps, and community partners.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- A minimum of an Associate’s degree, preferably a Bachelor’s or four-year degree in early childhood education, social work, health, psychology, or a related field.
- Supervised experience working with young children and/or parents is also preferred. It is essential that parent educators have at least a high school diploma or GED and a minimum of two years of previous supervised work experience with young children and/or parents.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and possessing key characteristics (e.g., empathetic, compassionate, conscientious, accepting, ethical).
- A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- Must have the ability to establish rapport with families, empowering them by building on their strengths.
- Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to work independently, be self-motivated, and flexible (often in the field).
- Computer skills: including web browsing, e-mail, Internet, and word-processing.
- The parent educator must complete the Parents as Teachers Foundational and Model Implementation Trainings before delivering PAT services. As well as other required trainings.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for recruitment activities to build a consistent case load of 15 up to 16 families per fiscal year.
- Complete an initial and semi-annual family-centered assessment with each family.
- Develop, monitor, and review goals with each family.
- Plan, provide and document personal visits focused on parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting, and family well-being.
- Work with PAT team to coordinate and provide 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 at least an initial and annual developmental screening and health review for each enrolled child.
- Connect families to resources that help them reach their goals and address their needs.
- Help parents and children transition to other services as needed, to preschool, or to kindergarten.
- Sustain required caseload of families at all times.
- Maintain and submit all required family and program documentation in a timely manner.
- Participate in at least two hours of reflective supervision monthly and all mandatory staff meetings.
- Obtain competency-based professional development and renew parent educator certification annually.
- Participate in continuous quality improvement.
- Assist in preparing and disseminating written communications with First Steps staff, community partners, and families.
- Maintain a monthly calendar of activities for dissemination among staff and partners.
- Work closely with the Communications Team in preparing and disseminating communications via internet and multiple social media sites including setting up and maintaining social media outlets such as Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
- Promote a consistent exchange of information in all directions, keeping Supervisor/Lead Parent Educator apprised of events, successes, challenges, etc. at all times.
POSITION INFORMATION:
Parents As Teachers Expansion Grant Thirty-six (36) Month Grant funded
Full-time position.
Insurance Benefits
Salary – up to $40,000
REPORTS TO:
Darnell Byrd McPherson, Executive Director
Britney Dargan, Parent Educator Supervisor