Family Health Advocate

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:   Family Health Advocate                                  PROGRAM: Head Start

CLASS:   Non-Exempt                                                  REPORTS TO: Center Supervisor 

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Family Health Advocate is responsible for assisting the Director, Service Area Managers, and center staff in implementing and providing support services for the children and families enrolled in Head Start.   Support services include all identified needs for the children and families.

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.  Assist in gathering information for community assessment.
2.  Assist with:
   1. Home visits, as needed.
   2. Record keeping and assuring confidentiality is maintained.
   3. Recording and monitoring monthly attendance.
   4. Attend workshops and training as scheduled.
   5. Attend meetings and activities as scheduled.
   6. Complete other duties as required and/or assigned.
3. To provide and assist in maintaining and developing a safe and healthy learning environment for all children, including children with disabilities.
4. Assist with planning, training, workshops, recruitment, registration and other activities for the parent and families.
5. Assure that daily attendance is recorded, filed and submitted in Valdosta office, along with daily meal count.
6. Assure that all records are entered into the computer in a timely manner.
7. Assist with recruiting volunteers within the Head Start families and community.
8. Establish a good rapport with the community and service agencies.
9. Develop a Family Partnership Agreement with families.
10. Assist with Family Assessment as well as Community Resource Book.
11. Work with staff to assure the needs of all Service areas 
12. Will coordinate setting up preliminary screening of all children and carry out the medical and dental programs in each center. This includes setting up appointments for physicals, immunizations and for arranging transportation to and from appointments.  
13. Enter all information regarding health management, which includes health screening, growth assessment, immunization status, dental exam, treatment tracking, etc. 
14. Provide support for identified health concerns in coordination with Health, Nutrition and Mental Health.

1. Empower families to provide the health care of their children and to ensure a medical and dental home for entire family.
2. Maintain lines of communication with Management staff.
3. Promote a comprehensive pre-school early childhood program with services for Head Start children, families, and extended families, which include Family Service, Parent Involvement, Health, Nutrition, Education, Disabilities and Mental Health and Transition. 
4. Flex hours may be a consideration, as needed.
5. Perform other duties as assigned and directed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.  Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related degree.
2.  Must relate well to children and families and be able to communicate well with service    providers and families.
3.  Must be cooperative and display a positive attitude toward working as a team with other staff members.
4.  Must have empathy for children and low-income families.
5.  Must understand and respect confidential information regarding the children, families and the program.
6.  Must exercise discretion and sound judgement in the performance of assigned duties.

7. Must be physically fit for children's activities indoors and outdoors.

8. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.

OTHER:

1.  Must have current driver license and have access to use of automobile with current insurance.

       2.  Must be willing to attend all pertinent meetings and training and do home visits as necessary.

       3.  Should be familiar with services provided by various community agencies.

       4.  Must possess a valid first aid and CPR certificate.

The qualifications express the minimum standards of education and experience of an applicant for this position.  Other combinations of education and experience may qualify an applicant for consideration.