Family Advocate

JOB TITLE: Family Advocate

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt Employee

REPORTS TO: Family and Community Engagement Specialist

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Family Advocate is responsible for the following:

· Implementing the delivery of social services to ensure that the Head Start Program Performance Standards and goals and objectives are met in cooperation and coordination with goals of other components of the Head Start Program.

· Initiating social service referrals and follow-up services for families.

· Building respectful, culturally responsive, and trusting relationships with families.

· Being knowledgeable of community resources and possessing the skills to link families with appropriate agencies and services.

· Establishing and maintaining an efficient and effective record-keeping system.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Associates degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field preferred; high school diploma or equivalent required with at least three (3) years’ experience working with children and families.

· Must complete and obtain the Family Development Credential within 18 months of hire, if the employee does not have a degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field.

· Experience working with disadvantaged individuals and/or families and the ability to work with individuals in a non-judgmental manner.

· Possess effective case management skills.

· Must meet the agency, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and IL Department of Child and Family Services applicable requirements for position.

1. Complete and pass pre-employment physical, obtain current (within past 6 months) 2-step TB test results, provide immunizations records that reflect 2 doses of MMR (mumps, rubella, and measles) and one Tdap (within last 7 years), and continue to complete on-going health testing as required by program.

2. Furnish written information regarding any criminal convictions, submit to fingerprinting, and comply to and pass a background check before initial hire and every five years thereafter.

3. Obtain and maintain current CPR and first aid certification within 90 days of hire.

· Must have reliable transportation and use of personal vehicle as applicable to complete home visits and health and dental transports for families.

· Exhibit excellent interpersonal and communication skills in which to communicate with and to motivate people and the ability to get along with children, parents, and other co-workers.

· Organization, administrative, and problem-solving skills required.

· Must perform all duties in a timely and professional manner.

· Must be punctual and maintain good work attendance.

· Must have the ability to work as a team player and maintain a positive work environment.

· Must be knowledgeable of modern office methods and procedures, filing, office equipment, as well as English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation.

· Must have the ability to operate a personal computer and software to access electronic mail, and word processing programs.

· Must demonstrate maturity and self-motivation.

· Must possess a positive and professional image.

· Must have reliable transportation to travel to/from work, meetings, and other work activities.

· Continues professional growth by participating in training programs and workshops/conferences as budget allows and as applicable to position.

· Must support the mission, goals and objectives of Head Start and C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.31 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18