Family Advocate

Working at Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) means doing work that matters every day because of the difference you will make in the lives of children and families in Northern Virginia. NVFS’ breadth, depth and scope of services offer the resources and support to ensure that everyone in need, at every stage of life, maximizes their potential and fully contributes to a thriving community. At NVFS, we value the diversity of backgrounds, experience, perspectives, and skillsets that we collectively provide to our community, clients and coworkers. We celebrate and thrive on our differences and welcome everyone’s unique contributions.

Join the NVFS Family: We are looking to hire a Family Advocate to join the NVFS Early Childhood Education team in Woodbridge! As the Family Advocate, you will provide case management and work closely with families to help parents focus on promoting their child's development, encourage parental involvement, and to provide information on community resources. You will reach out to recruit new families and ensure full enrollment. Creating and maintaining a positive working relationship with parents is key to the success as a Family Advocate. You will also be responsible for helping the center comply with all Early Head Start/Head Start performance standards that are related to families.

Benefits and Compensation: We want you to be well, have work/life flexibility, grow your career with us, and have the resources and support you need. Check out our comprehensive benefit offerings here in support of various dimensions of your wellbeing.

This position has a starting salary of high 40s.

In this role, you will:

• Provide case management to families with children enrolled in the child development centers by maintaining Family Partnership Agreements through individual meetings and home visits; support parents in attaining their goals and achieving self-sufficiency.
• Create and maintain a positive working relationship with parents; provide regular feedback on child’s ongoing developmental successes and challenges and assist parents in taking an active part in parent training, volunteering in classrooms, parent groups and Policy Council; serve as liaison with parents when children are absent or ill.
• Act as liaison between parents, Center Manager, teachers and community partners by providing feedback on parent issues and priorities.
• Participate in regular supervision with supervisor and provide regular updates.
• Remain current on knowledge of standards and other program-related information.
• Enter data for record keeping and reporting to meet relevant guidelines.
• Lead parenting curriculum sessions as a trained parent facilitator, guiding and supporting program participants.

Your Background: We understand that you may obtain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences.

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field required.
• At least one (1) year experience working with children aged 0-3 or aged 3-5, and families preferred.
  • Oral and written fluency in English required; Spanish is strongly preferred. Additional language skills always welcome.
• Proficiency in usage of basic technological tools including laptops/computers, email, phones, and internet required. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Must be able to demonstrate and live the organizational values of Communication, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Accountability.

Additional requirements:

• Successful completion of background checks upon hire
• TB test and physical attestation required upon hire and conducted yearly
• Must have reliable transportation to visit client homes and other designated community locations
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Employee is also required to sit, stand, walk, lift, carry, push/pull, bend/stoop, reach
  

At Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS), we value every team member’s contribution and our collective impact on our clients and the community. NVFS is an equal opportunity employer, E-Verify participant and drug-free workplace.

Education

• Bachelors or better in Social Work or related field

Skills

• Computer-Microsoft Office Suite

• Language-Spanish