Family Resource Advocate

Position Overview/Purpose of Position

Heartland Head Start is seeking a passionate individual to fill a Family Resource Advocate position. The Family Resource Advocate (FRA) handles implementing services that support, nurture, and direct families toward self-sufficiency. This role involves engaging both parents and communities to use all available resources to meet the family’s educational, health, and social service needs. The FRA also partners with families in assessing strengths and setting goals and handles recruiting Head Start and Early Head Start children from low-income communities.

Essential Functions

Family Support:

• Partner with families to provide support, community resource referrals, and document all activities.
• Develop Family Partnership Agreements with families, including goal plans, and document communications in Child Plus.
• Help families find community resources and advocate for them.
• Support families of children with disabilities in collaboration with the teaching team.
• Organize Parent and Child Connection (PCC) events and coordinate related activities.
• Encourage and document parent participation in Heartland Head Start programs.

ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, Attendance):

• Assist with all ERSEA activities, including applications and enrollment.
• Recruit eligible children according to standards and regulations.
• Participate in community recruitment events.
• Maintain caseload, waitlist, and recruitment goals, and notify the ERSEA Specialist of classroom openings.
• Ensure accurate completion of applications and enrollment forms, and help families obtain required documents.
• Work with the ERSEA Specialist to maintain full enrollment and attendance and follow up on absences.
• Help recruit Policy Council members and attend one meeting annually.

Other Responsibilities:

• Attend home visits, parent/teacher conferences, team meetings, and classroom check-ins.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation in Child Plus and the Heartland Head Start Network Drive.
• Document child health updates, attendance, family events, and Family Partnership Agreements.
• Maintain partnerships with community agencies for donations and support.
• Attend required meetings and training at various locations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Competencies)

• Technical Skills: Strong computer skills for maintaining accurate databases and documentation.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse families and colleagues.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with families and community partners.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Ability to assess family needs and provide proper resources and support.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and maintain accurate records.
• Transportation: Access to a vehicle, valid driver’s license, and adequate liability insurance.

Credential Requirements: Must obtain a Family Specialist Credential within 18 months of hire.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Work Environment: Office setting with occasional high-traffic periods.

Physical Activities:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively (talking and hearing).
• Ability to use hands and fingers to operate office equipment.
• Ability to move about the office to access files and equipment.
• Ability to position oneself to reach, stoop, bend, and use objects.
• Ability to lift and move items up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Minimum Education & Experience

• Education: High school degree or GED
• Experience: Minimum of one year of experience in a social, human, or family services organization

Preferred Education & Experience

• Associate's degree or higher in Social Services, Human Services, Family Services, or a related field (preferred).

Disclaimer:

This document only summarizes the typical functions of the job and is not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all the possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The actual responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the employee might differ from those outlined in this description and all other duties, as assigned, are part of the job. This is not an employment contract. Heartland Head Start reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Heartland Head Start provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families, we invite you to apply today to join our dedicated team at Heartland Head Start!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $25