Family Advocate

DescriptionThis agency is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, sex, marital status, age, national origin, physical handicap, disability, or federal, state, or local protected classes. This agency strives to hire the most qualified person for each job. Listed below is an attempt to describe the normal responsibilities for this position. Please realize that this is not an all-inclusive list, and other duties may be assigned as necessary.Under the supervision of the Family Services Coordinator and the Family Services Manager, the Family Advocate will be responsible to : Assist parent / guardians with the completion of the enrollment application package to ensure forms are complete and accurate. Assist families in acquiring necessary documentation to enroll child, when a need is identified.Prepare an official file on enrolled applicants and maintain the file throughout the program year to ensure that all files are in compliance with the Head Start Policies and Procedures, Alabama Minimum Standards, and the Parent, Family, and the Community Framework. Family Advocate must audit and maintain each enrolled child's file to ensure that accurate information is on hand. All pertinent data must be entered in the Child Plus data system. Actively recruit weekly to maintain an active waiting list throughout the program year to include children with disabilities. Recommend children from the waitlist to the Family Services Coordinator to fill vacant spots per regulations and procedures.Follow established procedures to monitor and document daily attendance. Support families to promote the benefits of regular attendance. Follow-up on absenteeism to ensure the child's well-being. Make necessary home visits or other direct contact with a child's parents if a child has multiple unexplained absences.Maintain close communication and correspondence relationship with the Family Services Coordinator. Complete all task within the allotted time given by the Family Services Coordinator.Greet Head Start families during arrival and departure to initiate and build relationships with families that are receptive, responsive and respectful. Assist the center director with parent meetings, Family Engagement Friday, and any other activities that involve interacting with Head Start families.Collaborate with families to ensure health, dental, immunizations are completed per Head Start policy and procedure. Maintain records and work with families while completing these tasks in the allotted amount of time accordingly. Monitor follow-up on health services and help ensure that these tasks are completed. Maintain a cooperative relationship with the Health and Disabilities Manager, Special Needs Coordinator, Nutrition Manager, Nutrition Coordinator and correspond necessary reports and referrals in a prompt manner.Complete the Individualized Family Assessment and Family Partnership agreement on each Head Start family to assist in developing short-term and long-term goals for the family. Maintain and update plan as needed.Council parents during enrollment to ensure understanding of the Head Start program and serve as an advocate by listening, identifying and providing assistance in meeting individual family needs. Conduct routine home visits throughout the program to assess individual family needs.Build relationships or assist in establishing community partners in order to maintain emergency / crisis resources for food, clothing, housing or any other need expressed by the families.Assist the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Specialist with implementing Head Start Parent and Family Engagement Outcomes.Housekeeping specific item listing is as follows (but may not include every item) : Office must be kept neat and clean every day. Files must be kept in their designated area (except when files are in use by the family advocate or other authorized persons).RequirementsQUALIFICATIONS : In Accordance with the Head Start Performance Standards 1302.91(7) Family services staff qualification requirements. A program must ensure staff who work directly with families on the family partnership process hired after November 7, 2016, have within eighteen months of hire, at a minimum, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field. Must agree to abide by TCR Policy and Procedures Manual. Must maintain confidentiality of all agency information, children and families, and staff. Must be physically able to lift (up to 50 lbs.) repeatedly, bend, stoop, stand and walk for extended periods of time. Understands that based upon the needs of the agency, he / she may be assigned to a classroom, kitchen, or any other component area temporarily.Positions requiring the use of personal owned vehicle to perform job tasks; successful candidates must : Be 21 years of age Have a current valid state driver's license Provide proof of current automobile liability insurance with a minimum bodily injury limit of $100,000 per person $300,000 per occurrence on personal owned vehicle if the employee is 21 years of age or older. Any employee less than 21 years of age will not be allowed to drive for the agency or required to obtain the specific insurance.

• If one or more than one personal vehicle is used, the information listed above must be obtained on each vehicle.) Provide a current Motor Vehicle Report in order to be insurable by the program's non-owned insurance planAll positions must submit to : Criminal History Suitability (ABI / FBI) must be returned from the state of Alabama Department of Human Resources A drug screening producing a negative result Child Abuse and Neglect Registry (CA / N) reportAll newly hired employees will be evaluated at the end of 90 days and 180 days (6-month) introductory orientation and evaluation periods. The time worked during the introductory and evaluation period will count toward the employee's length of service for the purpose of determining eligibility of leave benefits upon approval of full-time status. The introductory period may be extended at TCR's sole discretion.

Salary : $100,000