HeadStart/Early HeadStart Family Service Advocate

Head Start/Early Head StartFamily Service Advocate

Job Description

Job Title: Head Start/Early Head Start Family Service Advocate Last Update: 2023

Reports To: Family Engagement Coordinator Drug Free Workplace Position Purpose:

To recruit and enroll the most needed families in the EOA Head Start/Early Head Start Program with children ages 0-5 years. Managing a caseload (under 50) of the families enrolled in the EOA Head Start/Early Head Start Program according to the requirements and procedures for the determination, recruitment, selection, enrollment and attendance by the Head Start Performance Standard, and agency policies & procedures.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Internal Responsibilities

1. To be governed by The Head Start Performance Standard, the agency policies, and procedures along with Family Engagement policies, procedures and plans.

2. Ensure full enrollment of children in caseload, and replace vacancies as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days from drop date.

3. Ensure all children and family records are kept confidential.

4. Responsible for implementing and overseeing ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment and Attendance) on families in the caseload.

5. Assist families with partnership agreements, goals, assessments, community resources and transitioning into Head Start and/or Public School.

6. Input applications, forms, and other required documents into the Database System.

7. Recruit children and attend recruitment events.

8. Provide crisis intervention to families, ensuring the safety of all involved, identifying options/referrals and supporting families in making decisions.

9. Responsible for maintaining 85% attendance in Head Start classrooms, through communication, support and follow ups with HS/EHS families.

10. Attend monthly parent meetings.

11. Encourage families in their caseload to attend parent meetings and volunteer in the program.

12. Provide a monthly enrollment report to the Family Engagement Coordinator.

Training

1. To continue personal professional development: trainings, conferences and/or workshops offered by the agency, region, or the Office of Head Start.

2. Utilize training and workshop materials to enhance job performance.

Compliance and Monitoring

1. Monitor attendance daily on children in assigned caseload.

2. Maintain record keeping, documentation, documents, referrals, and case notes on families in caseload.

3. Participate in the annual self-assessment process.

4. Complete Home Visits when it is essential and/or mandatory to be conducted.

Other Job Responsibilities

1. Ability to use the agencies data system.

2. Attend staff and parent meetings.

3. Perform other duties as requested.

All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Social Services, Human Services, Business Management, or a Related Field.

· Dual Language, able to fluently speak another language other than English, preferably Spanish.

· Strong computer skills, including Windows, Microsoft Office, Excel, Internet, data system, and e-mail; and the ability to learn new systems as needed.

· Strong oral and written communication skills.

· Must have a valid Driver’s License.

· Initial Health Examination is required and will be updated periodically.

· Clear background check.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Required

· Substantial problem solving to devise solutions when communicating with other staff members and families in the program.

· Professional, honest, and respectful when interacting with staff and families at all times.

Position Information

· 12 months

· Eligible for Full Benefits

· 26 pay periods per year

· Position – Nonexempt

· 90-Day Probationary Period implemented for New Hires, Promotions, and Job Transfers.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person