JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: FAMILY ADVOCATE

SERVICE AREA(S): 1302

QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor of Science in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology or other related field with 1 year of work experience in a related area or Associate’s degree in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology or other related field with 2 years of work experience in a related area or Family Service Credential with 3 years work experience. Must be at least 19 years of age. Must be physically able to lift (up to 50 lbs.) repeatedly, bend, stoop, stand and walk for extended periods of time.

Positions requiring the use of personal owned vehicle to perform job tasks; successful candidates must:

• Be 19 years of age
• Have a current valid state driver's license
• Provide proof of current automobile liability insurance with a minimum bodily injury limit of $100,000 per person $300,000 per occurrence $50,000 property on personal owned vehicle
• Provide a current Motor Vehicle Report in order to be insurable by the program’s non-owned insurance plan

All job offers/work agreements are contingent on a clear report from the State Child Abuse/Neglect registry check, a suitability letter from the State/Federal criminal history background check, and negative results on drug/alcohol screening (pre-employment and random). All newly hired employees will be evaluated at the end of 90 days and 180 days (6-month) introductory orientation and evaluation periods. The time worked during the introductory and evaluation period will count toward the employee’s length of service for the purpose of determining eligibility of leave benefits upon approval of full-time status. The introductory period may be extended at TCR’s sole discretion.

SALARY RANGE: Comparable to Education and Experience

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Duration of Funding and Continued Satisfactory Job Performance

RESPONSIBLE TO: Family Services Coordinator

EVALUATED BY: Family Services Coordinator

STATUS: Non-Exempt/Hourly

ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Assist parent/guardians with the completion of the enrollment application package to ensure forms are complete and accurate. Assist families in acquiring necessary documentation to enroll child, when a need is identified.
• Prepare an official file on enrolled applicants and maintain the file throughout the program year to ensure that all files are in compliance with the Head Start Policies and Procedures, Alabama Minimum Standards, and the Parent, Family, and the Community Framework. Family Advocate must audit and maintain each enrolled child’s file to ensure that accurate information is on hand. All pertinent data must be entered in the Child Plus data system.
• Actively recruit weekly to maintain an active waiting list throughout the program year to include children with disabilities. Recommend children from the waitlist to the Family Services Coordinator to fill vacant spots per regulations and procedures.
• Follow established procedures to monitor and document daily attendance. Support families to promote the benefits of regular attendance. Follow-up on absenteeism to ensure the child’s well-being. Make necessary home visits or other direct contact with a child’s parents if a child has multiple unexplained absences.
• Maintain close communication and correspondence relationship with the Family Services Coordinator. Complete all task within the allotted time given by the Family Services Coordinator.
• Greet Head Start families during arrival and departure to initiate and build relationships with families that are receptive, responsive and respectful. Assist the center director with parent meetings, Family Engagement Friday, and any other activities that involve interacting with Head Start families.
• Collaborate with families to ensure health, dental, immunizations are completed per Head Start policy and procedure. Maintain records and work with families while completing these tasks in the allotted amount of time accordingly. Monitor follow-up on health services and help ensure that these tasks are completed.
• Maintain a cooperative relationship with the Health Coordinator, Education Managers, Nutrition Manager, Nutrition Coordinator and correspond necessary reports and referrals in a prompt manner.
• Complete the Individualized Family Outcomes Assessment and Family Partnership agreement on each Head Start family to assist in developing short-term and long-term goals for the family. Maintain and update plan as needed.
• Council parents during enrollment to ensure understanding of the Head Start program and serve as an advocate by listening, identifying and providing assistance in meeting individual family needs. Conduct routine home visits throughout the program to assess individual family needs.
• Build relationships or assist in establishing community partners in order to maintain emergency/crisis resources for food, clothing, housing or any other need expressed by the families.
• Assist the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Specialist with implementing Head Start Parent and Family Engagement Outcomes.
• Housekeeping specific item listing is as follows (but may not include every item):Office must be kept neat and clean every day. Files must be kept in their designated area (except when files are in use by the family advocate or other authorized persons).
• Knowledge of Windows and applications such as Word and Excel.
• Extensive knowledge of the Head Start Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework
• Ability to monitor and evaluate program systems and procedures, and maintain reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with parents, employees, and other professionals.
• Sensitivity to the needs of income eligible families and multicultural beliefs and practices.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Attention to detail with accurate record keeping skills.

SUPERVISION:

None

GENERAL:

• I understand that Cheaha Regional Head Start/Early Head Start operates centers in Talladega, Clay, Randolph, Coosa, Calhoun, and Cleburne Counties and that it may be necessary for me to travel to any of these counties to perform my job as assigned.
• I understand that I am primarily assigned to one specified location; however, there may be a time that I may be reassigned if the need arises in any of the above locations.
• I also understand that my refusal to go as assigned will be considered as a resignation and or my being terminated from Cheaha Regional Head Start/ Early Head Start.
• I understand and have received a copy of the Cheaha Regional Head Start/Early Head Start internal dispute policy and agree to follow it if needed.
• I understand that I am responsible to participate in the recruitment of children with special needs and all eligible children without regards to race, creed, color, ethnicity, and religion.
• I understand that I am responsible for helping to obtain In-Kind to help meet Cheaha Regional Head Start/Early Head Start Non-Federal share of 20% of funding each program year.
• I have read the above job description and agree to abide by it. I further agree that it is subject to change and that I will be notified in advance and will receive updated copies.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $13.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Social Work: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• Bilingual (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person