Family Advocate

About the role

The Family Advocate at Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency (CAA) plays a crucial role in advancing our mission to expand opportunities and build self-sufficiency for our community members. This position is responsible for providing comprehensive support to families enrolled in the Head Start program, including assessing family needs. This position serves as a liaison between families and the Head Start program, ensuring families receive comprehensive support to meet their individual needs. This role includes building relationships with families, connecting them with community resources, and fostering family engagement in their child’s education.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with families to identify strengths, needs, and goals.
• Develop and implement individualized Family Partnership Agreements, setting achievable goals for family self-sufficiency and well-being.
• Provide information and referrals to community resources for housing, employment, education, health, and other services.
• Advocate for families to access needed resources and navigate barriers.
• Stay abreast of resources available in the community and how families can access them.
• Maintain monthly contacts i.e. - phone calls, group activity, home visits, and classroom visits to promote partnership and provide for regular communication.
• Encourage and support parental involvement in their child’s education and program activities.
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and parent meetings to enhance knowledge and skills in areas like parenting, budgeting, and health.
• Promote leadership opportunities, including participation in parent committee, Policy Council, and other program decision-making roles.
• Implement the grantee’s parenting curriculum in individual and group interactions.
• Complete health screenings with enrolled children in conjunction with health staff with all documentation, follow-up, and referrals completed in a timely manner in accordance with agency policy and procedures.
• Work closely with teachers, center staff, and content coordinators to ensure a holistic approach to family support.
• Participate in case management meetings and communicate regularly with program staff about family progress and needs.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date records of family interactions, referrals, and progress.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, program policies, and applicable laws.
• Prepare and submit required reports and data in a timely manner.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Studies or a related field (credential or certification in such areas may be received within 18 months of hire); Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience and credential or certification may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in social services, case management, or family support roles, preferably in an early childhood or Head Start setting.
• Knowledge of community resources and services available to families.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with diverse families and communities.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office applications; strong database input skills.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and family support practices.

Required Job Competencies

• Passion for service to the community.
• Culture sensitivity and ability to work effectively with diverse families and communities.
• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.
• Organization – able to multi-task, prioritize work and meet deadlines with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Communication – able to effectively exchange information with others through verbal, nonverbal, and written methods.
• Interpersonal - can effectively interact, communicate and build positive relationships with others.
• Customer service - willingness and ability to provide high-quality support, assistance and solutions wherever needed.
• Problem-solving - can effectively recognize, assess and resolve issues.
• Listening – active and empathetic listener with the patience to hear people out and understand their needs or concerns, even when they are under stress.
• Active learner - willing and able to continuously develop new knowledge and skills.
• Analytical skills - able to compile, assess and act on data.

Other Requirements

• A valid driver's license and valid automobile insurance must be maintained.
• Must have reliable Wi-Fi access to support remote work as needed.
• Must be willing to accommodate planned and unplanned travel to and from Head Start Center and other C-HCCAA or meeting/conference locations, including overnight and/or out of town travel.