Family Advocate

Open until filled • Non-exempt • Full-time (40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year) • Salary: $19.82/hour

About the role

Reporting to the Family Engagement Coordinator, the Family Advocate fosters strong, collaborative partnerships with families to support children’s healthy development, school readiness, and long-term success. Using a strengths-based approach, the Family Advocate engages families as their child’s first and most important teacher, helping them identify goals, access resources, and build on their strengths. The Family Advocate ensures families receive all services designated under the Family and Community Engagement (FCE) section of the Head Start Program Performance Standards and supports families through goal setting, case management, and referrals, while promoting active participation in their child’s education and well-being.

Responsibilities

• Engage families using a strengths-based approach to support children’s development and school readiness.
• Help families identify goals, access resources, and build on their strengths.
• Ensure families receive services under the Family and Community Engagement (FCE) section of Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Provide case management and referrals to support family goals.
• Promote active family participation in their child’s education and well-being.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services/Engagement, Counseling, or a related field.
• Two years of experience working in an office setting with low-income families.
• Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated computer literacy, including MS Office and basic data systems.
• Must complete the DCF 45-hour training within 6 months of employment.
• Current Florida Driver’s license, reliable transportation, and satisfactory criminal records check for abuse and neglect.
• Must meet all requirements of the Department of Children and Families, including a background screening through the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse (Florida HB 531, 2025).

Physical Demands

• Primarily office-based with occasional travel to other center locations.
• Must be able to lift 10 lbs.
• Frequent keyboarding, finger dexterity, and computer use.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.