Head Start Family Advocate

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the ERSEA Coordinator, the Family Advocate is responsible for intakes, recruitment, attendance, and the implementation of the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement goals and framework. Family Advocates are responsible for helping families become more self-sufficient by providing support and services where adults and children can develop to their fullest potential.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

ERSEA

• Follow up on all referrals, inquiries and leads for enrollment per written procedures and program plans.
• Schedule and conduct intake interviews and ensures intakes are completed in an accurate and timely manner.
• Assist with attendance and contact parents when children are absent.
• Organize, maintain, and audit main child files.

Family Engagement

• Conduct needs assessments with families.
• Provide referrals for families and children and assists families in meeting goals.
• Use Program database to track child and family data to assure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Participate in and support all assigned classrooms.
• Assist families in maintaining health follow-up and accessing medical care.
• Promote parent participation in services.
• Participates in and supports at least four events annually hosted or sponsored by SCCAP; including parent events, parent committee, open houses, and community fairs.

Human Resources

• Will not leave children unattended or unsupervised, in accordance with SCCAP policies and procedures, while children are in the care of SCCAP employees.  Failure to comply with this would be considered child neglect and endangerment.
• Ensure that the reporting of any and all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect, as required by law, is done in the accordance with SCCAP policies and procedures.
• Assist with ensuring program compliance with federal standards, state laws, and local grant goals and objectives.
• Attend various training sessions, meetings, seminars, and workshops.

Community Engagement

• Creatively market our program to the Monroe County community through effective means, such as distributing flyers, posting on social media, and tabling at community events.
• Attends community events to promote the Head Start program and build relationships with other community programs.
• Actively participate in securing in-kind contributions from families, professionals, and community members.

Qualifications

SKILLS & EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or equivalency and within eighteen months of hire obtain a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field. Individual must be able to satisfactorily perform duties and;

• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing; have the ability to write reports and business correspondence; have the ability to effectively present information.
• Bilingual English/Spanish speaking preferred.
• Cooperate successfully as a member of a team.
• Possess good organizational skills, with sensitivity to details.
• Proficiency with computer operations and possess skills preferably with MS Office.

ADDITONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have access to a personal vehicle with required liability insurance for use in business related travel.
• Must be able to work at various sites under different supervisors.
• Must ensure efficient operations and present a professional image in conduct, attitude and attire.
• Must be philosophically compatible with the mission of SCCAP and the Office of Head Start.
• Must be able to obtain CPR and First Aid Certification. (SCCAP will provide the training).
• Ability to travel locally, regionally, and nationally to attend to daily work demands, meetings, workshops, and conferences.

Childcare Requirements

• Free from Child Abuse and Neglect
• Annual TB test
• Pre-employment drug test & physical examination certification
• Physical examination recertification every four years

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS

Ability to use departmental equipment, tools, and materials.

Ability to exert physical effort in light to moderate work involving lifting (up to 40 pounds), carrying, pushing, and pulling; ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl; ability to climb and balance, tasks require perception and discrimination. Requires normal range of hearing and vision.

Must be able to handle diverse work problems on a daily basis. Requires ability to set priorities and work schedule yet adjust to changes necessitated by last minute assignments and deadline requests that may prove stressful.  A consistent pleasant attitude is necessary with personal maturity as an important attribute. Must relate and interact with people at all levels of the company and in a culturally diverse environment.

SCCAP is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. Contact Human Resources to request a reasonable accommodation.