Position Title: Parents as Teachers Parent Educator/Home Visitor

Location: Darlington County- Hybrid

Position Summary:

The Parent Educator implements the 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: 

• Bachelor’s or four-year degree in early childhood education or an associate's degree, 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, conscientious, accepting, ethical). 
•  A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. 
• Ability to establish rapport with families and empower them by building on their strengths > Strong organizational and record keeping skills. 
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated (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. Essential Functions. 

Job Responsibilities: 

• Engage in recruitment activities to build caseload of families. 
• Complete an initial and 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. 
• 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. 
• Maintain 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 at least two hours of staff meetings monthly. 
• 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 DCFS Communications Specialist in preparing and disseminating communications via internet and multiple social media sites including setting up and maintaining social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook. 
• Promote a consistent exchange of information in all directions, keeping Lead Parent Educator apprised of events, successes, challenges, etc. at all times. 

 Position Information:

• $32,000-$35,000- dependent on experience.
• Full-time position. 
• Wellness stipend.  
• No Retirement.

Reports To:

Britney Dargan, PAT Supervisor

Darnell Byrd McPherson, Executive Director

The continuation of this position and salary increases are dependent upon the successful implementation of benchmarks outlined in the Work Plan and grant funding.  

Position Title: General Studies and/or Public Health Intern

Location: Darlington County- Hybrid/Remote with occasional in-person events

Time Commitment: 10-20 hours per week

Position Summary

Darlington County First Steps seeks a motivated and creative intern to support a maternal health initiative focused on promoting preconception health and reducing maternal mortality in Darlington County. The intern will assist with the development of educational materials, social media campaigns, and a virtual podcast designed to engage community members and increase awareness of healthy pregnancies and reproductive wellness.

This internship is ideal for students pursuing degrees in General Studies, Public Health, Communications, Journalism, Graphic Design, Marketing, Health Promotion, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and producing a virtual podcast focused on maternal and preconception health.
• Research evidence-based information and translate it into accessible educational content.
• Create graphics, flyers, infographics, and social media posts.
• Draft podcast outlines, interview questions, and episode summaries.
• Assist with video editing, audio editing, and uploading podcast episodes.
• Develop and maintain a content calendar.
• Monitor social media engagement and recommend strategies to increase reach.
• Attend community events as needed and assist with promotional activities.
• Collaborate with staff and community partners on health education initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current undergraduate or graduate student in General Studies, Public Health, Journalism, Communications, Graphic Design, Marketing, or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience using graphic design platforms such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Familiarity with social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
• Interest in maternal health, reproductive health, or health equity.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.

Interns will gain experience in:

• Public health communications
• Maternal health education
• Podcast production
• Social media marketing
• Community engagement
• Health equity initiatives
• Nonprofit operations
  

REPORTS TO: 

Patricia Sullivan-Steward, Operations Director