Nature of Work
The Resource Family Advocate (RFA) is the lead person in supporting the family engagement process, coordinating services for children with special needs and linking families with community resources while serving as a liaison between classroom and home. The RFA offers support to families and encourages their involvement in the program. The RFA also offers administrative support to the Center Manager.
Minimum Education & Experience Requirements
High School diploma or GED with a minimum and a minimum of 2 years case management experience preferably in a non-profit or human services organization. Associates Degree preferred.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities :
Family and Community Engagement
- Develop relationships with families including welcoming them into the program or sharing information about other available program
- Assist families in development of Family Partnership Goals
- Link families with resources related to basic life need
- Promote school readiness skills
- Partner with parents to establish and maintain regular attendance
- Participate in recruitment efforts / activities for assigned sites
- Serve as a liaison between Head Start, Early Head Start and referral agencies to assure coordinated and timely services for children and families
- Assist the Center Manager in planning and facilitating parent orientations to the program
- Provide support and guidance during parent meetings and assist parents with the leadership role
- Encourage parents to participate in program activities
- Attend meetings with community agencies to support child, family, and agency outcomes
Health and Early Intervention
Assure completion of speech, developmental, behavioral, and health screenings according to RCCDC proceduresMaintain on-going communication with teaching staff sharing relevant home information and learning information regarding child performance in the classroomAssure completion of physical and dental examination as required by RCCDCProvide information relative to Head Start health and child nutrition requirementsSupport families in completing medical, dental, and nutritional follow ups as neededMonitor and observe and interact with children to identify strengths and needs, support individualization and inclusion, support and monitor implementation of specified goalsReview evaluation reports and individualized plans of children with special needs and share relevant information with staff and familiesInformation Systems / Documentation
Accurately complete applications and enrollment in PROMIS database.Document and track all follow-upsDocument all parent contacts, home visits and consultations with teachers using case notes in PROMISAdministrative Support
Make administrative decisions in the absence of Center ManagerAct as in-charge person as assignedAct as Director Designee when neededMiscellaneous
Generate In-Kind by requesting donations, volunteer time, and encouraging parents to volunteerAttend meetings, training and professional development activities as needed or requested by SupervisorOther duties as assignedRequired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of appropriate intervention techniques to meet the needs of children birth to age 5, including children who may be at risk, or have identified special needsStrong written and verbal communication skillsIntermediate to advance computer skills, internet and e-mailAbility to deal with sensitive situations in a non-threatening and professional mannerCollaborate with and / or obtain working knowledge of local community resourcesWillingness to work a flexible / extended schedulesAbility to prioritize and manage work load and deadlinesAbility to work independently and maintain professional boundaries and confidentialityAbility to exercise tact and discretion in all staff, child and family interactionsFrequent significant decisions and problem solving abilitiesAbility to work in a professional manner both independently and with others in a team environmentSpecial Considerations
Employees within this classification are required to :
Obtain a Louisiana Child Care Criminal Background Check Determination of EligibilityPass a physical examination every three yearsMaintain a valid driver's license with a driving record in compliance with RCCDC's insurance carrier requirementsBe able to frequently sit, work at computer keyboard and desk, and stand to file documents in filing cabinetsBe able to maintain regular and punctual onsite attendanceBe able to travel to home visits and trainingsBe able to travel overnight as requiredBe able to sustain concentration and ability to handle multiple tasks often simultaneously.Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with frequent kneeling, crawling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children's needsJob Posted by ApplicantPro
