What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Start Family Advocate - JOB ID# 12947 position at Capitol Region Education Council?
Position Type:
CREC Early Childhood Education/Head Start Family Service Advocate
Date Posted:
12/18/2024
Location:
CREC Head Start Wolcott - Windsor
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Head Start Family Advocate
Program: CREC Head Start
Summary of Job
The Family Advocate (FA) is responsible assessing the needs of children and families and providing the resources needed to achieve program objectives. The FA is also responsible for family engagement, development of plans that meet the needs of the families. The FA will support recruitment, marketing and enrollment. The FA will collaborate with teachers, caregivers, and other center-based staff to advocate for families to assist children and families are achieving positive outcomes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop and maintain open channels of communication between Head Start program staff, families, and the community.
Promote Early/Head Start program and services and encourage family participation.
Assist in the recruitment and enrollment of children; complete all necessary paperwork in compliance with the Head Start program, including weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports.
Maintain and enter family data into program database in a timely, accurate and confidential manner to facilitate services.
Report needs of children and families to appropriate content area specialists. Identify additional services needed in conjunction with appropriate center staff.
Collaborate with community agencies to ensure that families have access to services that support their physical, mental and social well-being.
Provide training and education to families in using available resources and obtaining community services.
Conduct/assist with developmental screenings, and review health records to ensure that children receive recommended treatment and follow-up. Make home visits to families as needed or required. Assist parents in strengthening the family’s access to and knowledge of health and nutrition; provide information and referrals as necessary.
Assist families in the development of appropriate service plans, i.e. Family Partnership Agreement, Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), and Individual Educational Plan (IEP).
Assist parents with transitional activities into Head Start and from Head Start to other educational settings.
Meet regularly with the Family Support Specialist to share information on families so that both workers are knowledgeable of each family's needs and of the services that are being provided. Serve as a back up to FSS. Collaborate with Teachers, Caregivers, and other center based staff to provide seamless services to assist children and families.
Recruit, train, and schedule parent volunteers, as necessary. Assist with workshops and Parent/Family Committee meetings. Coordinate transportation for parents/families to meetings and workshops as necessary.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Associate or Bachelor’s degree with at least two years related experience, preferred. Equivalent experience may be substituted at CREC’s discretion.
Must be culturally competent and willing to work with various cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Must be able to present information and speak in public.
Must have strong writing and speaking abilities.
Ability to speak, read, write and translate in Spanish is desirable.
Must have strong computer skills. Fluent in Microsoft and Google suites a plus.
Must be in good physical and mental health.
Must be willing to travel to the various centers and around the service area.
Must have a valid driver's license and transportation.
