Head Start Family Advocate

Overview

The Family Advocate supports and assists families as they identify and meet their own goals through a case management model for developing and carrying out the Family Partnership Agreements. The position also assists with the completion of the child health requirements and other required screenings and assessments.

YMCA Head Start Benefits

• Paid professional development training
• FREE Y family membership
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Medical/Vision/Dental
• Y Retirement Fund

OUR CULTURE: 

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It’s who we are, who we aspire to be and how we show up every day. We are cause-driven. We don’t just show up, we show up with purpose. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with local community and social service agencies in order to refer families for services that the agencies provide and for agencies to refer families to the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
• Actively identify and recruit prospective families for Head Start/Early Head Start to maintain both full-funded enrollment and a wait list of eligible applicants.
• Perform and document weekly recruitment and outreach activities.
• Complete enrollment applications with families that are eligible for the Head Start/Early Head Start Program.
• Complete a Parent Orientation with families before actual enrollment to review program options, services available to families, Parent Handbook, etc.
• Initiate the Family Partnership Agreement with all families within the required time period.
• Maintain relationships with families that promote ongoing progress toward family goal attainment. Document efforts to assist families in identifying their strengths, needs, and sufficiency goals. Track family partnership efforts and outcomes.
• Make home visits as needed to support family partnership objectives.
• Assist families in transitioning into and out of the Early Head Start/Head Start Program.
• Performs data entry functions to keep files up to date.
• Calculate and track attendance. Follow-up with families about absences and document.
• Assist with the completion of the child health screenings, other required screenings and assessments and is familiar with referral requirements.  Monitors health service documentation and assist families with completing all required health activities. Conducts and documents follow-up on all referrals.
• Assist in facilitating the election process of the Parent Executive Committee and Policy Committee.
• Develop relationships with the Parent Executive Committee and assist in facilitating monthly Parent and Child Activities that support the requirements of the Performance Standards.
• Document in, maintain and update Program Governance files.
• Encourage family involvement at all levels of the program.
• Maintains and provides data for the annual Program Information Report (PIR).
• Participates in team management functions of planning, implementing, and evaluating program.
• Participates in in-service, workshops, conferences, support staff meetings, family advocate meetings, and college courses to enhance skills.
• Assist families with receiving the state child care subsidy.
• Maintain ongoing relationships with Family Support Workers at the Division of Family Services to be able to assist with a smooth transition into the program.
• Complete monthly vouchers to the Division of Family Services to assure accurate and timely payments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work or a related field OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have 12 hours of coursework in social work, human services, family services, or counseling or have a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, or counseling.
• Minimum one year related experience.
• Must have knowledge of the principles and practices of social work and human behavior, human development and health, family-centered practices, and Head Start Education Philosophy
• Familiar with relevant community social services and health services available in the area.
• Experience in basic computer skills and proficient in Microsoft Office products.
• Able to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Sensitivity to clientele and associates representing a variety of family, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds. Knowledge of local customs and language preferred.