Family Advocate

Job Title:                                    Family Advocate - Head Start/Early Head Start

Program/Dept.:                     Early Care and Education (ECE)

Reports To:                               Family and Community Engagement Manager

FLSA Status:                            Regular/Full-Time

Probationary Period:         Ninety (90) days

Work Schedule:                     40 hours/week

Salary Range:                           Updated annually

Work From Home Status:  Ineligible

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Family Advocate plays a vital role in supporting families and children enrolled in the Head Start/Early Head Start center-based programming. This position fosters strong relationships between families, the center-based classrooms, and the community. The Family Advocate is responsible for supporting family well-being, promoting family engagement, and helping families access resources to meet their goals and needs.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of an Associate degree in Social Services or related field with two (2) years’ experience in casework delivery to families with young children. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Intermediate computer literacy including online data systems and Microsoft Office.
• Experience working with young children and their families.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the unique challenges faced by families living in poverty.
• ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Develop and maintain positive, supportive relationships with families.
• Maintain confidentiality and respect for the dignity of each family served.
• Conduct initial family needs assessments and assist in developing individualized family partnership agreements which include goals grounded in the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework (family outcomes).
• Monitor family progress toward goals and provide ongoing support.
• Advocate for families and support access to community resources and services such as housing, employment, education, and health care.
• Conduct regular home visits and family contact according to family needs and program guidelines.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of family interactions, referrals, and follow-ups in the Child Plus data system.
• Collaborate with teaching staff, health, mental health, and disability team members to support child development and family engagement.
• Encourage and facilitate family participation in engagement activities, parent committee and policy council.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, federal and state regulations, and agency policies.
• Engage in a wide range of recruitment activities including soliciting agency referrals, distributing posters and flyers, visiting homes to complete applications, and recruiting door-to-door on an ongoing basis.
• Monitor Child Plus entries on a regular basis to ensure that all required vision, hearing, health and dental screenings, physicals, and immunizations for caseload are complete and entered according to Head Start Performance Standards and State Child Care licensing.

GENERAL:

• Continue professional growth and development by participating in ongoing ECE education, training programs, workshops/conferences (as budget allows), reading articles and professional journals pertaining to ECE and Head Star/Early Head Start.
• Participate in various meetings including program meetings and collaborative meetings with other agencies as assigned.
• Report any concerns for safety, health, or non-compliance to the Family and Community Engagement Manager or Early Care and Education Director.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by supervisors that are reasonably within the scope of duties listed above.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Excellent organization and time management skills with ability to prioritize and manage workload and deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Ability to work flexible hours and travel when necessary.
• Reliable source of transportation with 100/300 liability insurance coverage.
• Physical strength/endurance/mobility to perform in a standard daily required work routine.
• Maintain and model good hygiene, appropriate dress (neat, clean, and modest), a professional behavior to parents, staff, and the community.
• Maintain a positive and productive attitude.
• Demonstrate, through positive words and actions, respect for and acceptance of income eligible families.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Be able to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and families on a regular basis.
• Effective communication skills and ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate instructions.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• Models direct, positive, honest, and respectful behavior in every aspect of work with children, families, staff, and community members.
• Energetically engages people, issues, and work.
• Applies the highest ethical standards to themselves and others on a daily basis.
• Supports others in their efforts to be productive and effective and succeed in work and life.
• Actively participates in teambuilding, which includes sharing ideas and mutual support of team members.
• Consistently uses interpersonal skills that are appropriate for individual styles, personalities, cultures, the nature of the work, and the environment in which the work is being done.
• Practice honest, respectful, and direct communication as well as active listening.
• Respects confidentiality of information about agency staff, personnel issues, and other program operations.

EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

Valid Driver's License and insured vehicle (100/300 minimum coverage) for use on the job or acceptable alternative, driving record check, criminal record check, randomized drug screening.

Head Start, Early Head Start, Childcare, and Home Visiting Programs are also subject to the following: Head Start and childcare licensing requires a criminal record check and finger printing to be completed prior to employment. An initial physical examination record, including a TB screening must be obtained within 60 days of hire, updated every three years, and kept on file with Human Resources. If a TB screening indicates high risk, results of a TB test must be kept on file including any treatment received. An initial driving record check will be conducted. License information will also be submitted to the agency’s automobile insurance carrier.

MISSION VISION &VALUES

Our Mission: To reduce barriers to help clients improve their economic stability and well-being through education, advocacy and partnerships

Our Vision: To eliminate poverty

Our Values: Communication, Collaboration, Client-Focus, Accountability