What are the responsibilities and job description for the LEAD-FHA-Lead Family Health Advocate position at Coastal Plain Area Eoa?
JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Lead Family Health Advocate PROGRAM: Head Start
CLASS: Exempt REPORTS TO: Family & Community Manager
JOB SUMMARY:
The Family Health Advocate is responsible for assisting the Director, Service Area Coordinators, 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: a) Home visits, as needed. b) Record keeping and assuring confidentiality is maintained. c) Recording and monitoring monthly attendance. d) Attend workshops and training as scheduled. e) Attend meetings and activities as scheduled. f) 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.
15. Empower families to provide the health care of their children and to ensure a medical and dental home for entire family.
16. Maintain lines of communication with Management staff.
17. 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.
18.Assure that identified needs for children with families (i.e., emergency or family crisis) are met.
19.Check referrals for accuracy and completion.
20.Participate in the community assessment, self-assessment, and strategic planning.
21.Serve as team leader to work closely with program staff, families, and volunteer staff.
22.Maintain confidentiality of information in all dealings related to program, children, families, and staff.
23.Recruit and enroll new children and maintain a waiting list throughout the year.
24.Ensure and/or conduct activities on-site and in-home to establish positive links between home and school and support parents as primary educators.
25.Establish and maintain public relations between the program, outside agencies, and the general community.
26.Ensure family partnerships are developed, and referrals are made to social services agencies as needed and follow-ups are completed in a timely manner.
27.Participate in county/local resource meetings and collaborate with other family health advocates when possible.
28.Assure monthly parent meetings and trainings are provided to meet parents’ requests and requirements.
29. Must maintain a working knowledge of program plans, policies, procedures, performance standards and ECLKC (Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center).
30. Exercise discretion and sound judgement in the performance of assigned duties.
31. Must show empathy for children and low-income families.
32. Perform other duties as assigned and directed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or related degree.
- Must relate well to children and families and be able to communicate well with service providers and families.
- Must be cooperative and display a positive attitude toward working as a team with other staff members.
- Must have empathy for children and low-income families.
- Must understand and respect confidential information regarding the children, families and the program.
- 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.