Thrivalaska Family Advocate

Position Summary:

To assist Head Start families in setting and accomplishing goals and to promote experiences for families which establish a life-long pattern of positive home-school communication. Collaborate with other advocates and staff to promote participation in program-wide family enhancement activities. Provide referrals and support for families as they access desired community and school district services.

CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES

1. Establish a professional rapport and climate of mutual trust and respect for parents.

2. Work with the Family services team to provide recruitment, enrollment, and program family activities.

3. Conduct regular home visits to families of children in two classrooms.

4. Support families as they identify goals, make plans, and follow through with them.

5. Support families in fostering their child’s development.

6. Collaborate with families and teaching staff to create positive communication strategies appropriate for each family

7. Work with the family services team to promote parent involvement and in-kind services.

8. Provide support to staff and families for classroom volunteering, fundraising and other in-kind services

9. Plan and facilitate opportunities for parents in adult learning, and family literacy.

10. Document family services.

11. Work with classroom staff to promote coordinated services to children and families.

12. Other duties as assigned.

13. Works with agency Family Services Coordinator to plan and implementing a family wellness approach.

14. Provides short-term assistance staying within the boundaries of professional qualifications and appropriate, Head Start services.

15. Connects families with appropriate agency and community resources, including written information and agency referrals requested by family.

16. Assists families in setting up Family Support Team meetings as needed, conducting joint home visits as necessary.

17. Advocate for successful child and family development experiences.

18. Communicate with children and family members with respect and honor.

19. When ever possible, assist children and families.

20. Support child and family development goals.

PROGRAM DESIGN & MANAGEMENT

1. Practice family centered and relationship based philosophy.

2. Participating in problem-resolution and been role model in teamwork and leadership.

3. Assist other leadership and support staff with coordination and implementation of a wide variety of program initiates such as volunteer program.

4. Is familiar with and adheres to the NAEYC code of ethics.

5. Maintains confidentiality of information at all levels.

6. Participate during program self assessment and evaluation processes.

7. Participate during Thrivalaska community assessment activities.

8. Support, implement and participate in program goal setting process to include strategic planning.

9. Compliance with all Thrivalaska policies, procedures and guidelines, HS Performance Standards and State Licensing Regulations.

BUDGET & FISCAL

1. Continually seek out and process in-kind opportunities to include services and supplies.

2. Follow procurement and accounting procedures.

3. Actively seek out ways to reduce program cost when ever possible.

4. Report all suspected fraud activities.

SUPERVISION & TRAINING

1. Continually seek training to stay current with relevant family services practices.

2. Maintain qualifications required by Head Start performance standards.

3. Participate in developing and accomplishing staff development goals.

4. Meet and actively pursue the minimum yearly training required for your position.

5. Support program supervisor in attainment of program goals and mission.

6. Attend NIA-AEYC yearly conference, when possible share knowledge through hosting a workshop.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

1. Works respectfully with other human services agencies in the community.

2. Conducts family services training for families and staff as part of a team or in an area of individual expertise.

3. Collaborates with staff to coordinate and implement the family volunteer program.

4. Presents a professional image when representing Thrivalaska.

5. Promotes the Thrivalaska mission, philosophy, and goals at all times.

6. Actively seek out partnerships with community members and agencies to enhance program services and resources.

7. Enthusiastically promote Thrivalaska programs.

8. Actively and regularly recruit children and families for best placement within Thrivalaska programs.

PROGRAM GOVERNANCE

1. Support and provide assistance for the work of the Board of Directors, Policy Council and advisory groups.

2. Provide child care, meals and transportation for Board of Director and when appropriate Policy Council and advisory group meetings.

3. Follow the chain of communication.

PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY & WORK HABITS

1. Supports the mission of Thrivalaska – Helping Children, Families and Communities Thrive.

2. Promotes teamwork concept in relationship and strength based organization.

3. Is punctual and reliable & Promotes a positive work environment.

4. Project professionalism in conducting daily activities.

5. Provides outstanding customer care to staff and community partners in a positive professional manner.

6. Flexible, adaptable and able to adjust to a variety of change and situations.

7. Follows all guidelines and procedures on confidentiality.

8. Observes good housekeeping and safety practices, maintains cleanliness and orderliness.

9. Can be relied on regarding task completion and follow up.

10. Uses logical and sound judgment, applies common sense.

11. Makes timely decisions and maintains composure under trying circumstances.

12. Enhances job growth through continuing education, as required or necessary.

13. Promotes quality, accuracy, timeliness, reliability and thoroughness of work performed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

1. High School Diploma or GED.

2. 2 years experience working in related field preferred.

3. Social Services competency certificate.

4. CDA/AA in Social Services or related field preferred.

5. Prior home visiting experience.

6. Head Start experience preferred.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

1. Strong interpersonal skills

2. Ability and desire to work with family lifestyles and socio-economic levels.

3. Excellent organizational and record keeping skills.

4. Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team model.

5. Knowledge of community resources and family services.

6. Good oral and written communication skills.

7. Basic understanding of family literacy approach.

8. Ability to participate in delivering training to families and staff.

9. Understanding of family-centered philosophy.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Thrivalaska is a drug, alcohol and tobacco free workplace.

2. Some exposure to communicable diseases.

3. Noise level in work environment may be moderate to loud.

4. Must be available for a variety of evening meeting and social events.

5. Travel by car, bus, airplane or train may also be required as associated with attendance at conferences or meetings. Some out of state and overnight travel may be required.

6. For Thrivalaska vehicle insurance requirements, a current clean driving record and valid Alaska State Drivers license is required.

7. May be required to Drive a vehicle on behalf of Thrivalaska.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Ability to lift and carry up to 45 pounds.

2. Ability to drive to meetings and home visits in personal vehicle.

3. Ability to sit for extended periods of time.

4. Mental and visual concentration required for computer usage.

5. Some walking, bending, stooping and lifting of supplies or materials.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.21 - $25.79 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Fairbanks, AK 99701: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21 - $26