Family Advocate

Make a difference in the community with Early Learning Essentials (ELE)! We are a nonprofit organization that offers preschool services to children and families who encounter life's challenges and need support.

About the role

This position supports ELE in achieving the organizational mission, grant, and School Readiness goals through the implementation of organizational policies and procedures, in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and the 2007 Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act. Collaborates with the Family & Community Services Director, Family Service Coordinators, and other Family Service staff to achieve Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) outcomes by providing comprehensive social services to assigned children and families. Responsible for ongoing recruitment, enrollment efforts, and transition services. Requires use of own vehicle to conduct business.

Position is 204 working days and 11 paid holidays; a typical work week is Monday–Friday with an expectation of no more than 40 hours per week (part-time is 204 working days without holidays and 20–28 hours per week, depending on assigned site and caseload). Occasional evening and Saturday work may be required. Part-time summer work may be available and may be required for full-time staff, and is mandatory for part-time staff hired after July 15, 2013. This is a front-line, in-person role working directly with families and/or children, as well as supporting classroom and center operations.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with parents to provide professional case management, prevention, and early intervention services.
• Conduct home visits with assigned families throughout the year to support needs and help set and achieve family goals.
• Use and expand knowledge of community resources to refer families to services and follow through on delivery.
• Monitor child attendance and collaborate with parents to identify and overcome obstacles to regular attendance.
• Promote parent and male engagement at school to strengthen parent-child relationships, enhance understanding of their impact on education, and advocate for their child.
• Train parents elected to Parent Committee officer positions to plan and execute committee activities, and participate in those activities and Family/DUDE events when possible.
• Actively promote Head Start in the community through recruitment efforts and activities.
• Support parents with transitions into and out of ELE services.
• Demonstrate understanding of child abuse/neglect laws and report suspected cases to the Family & Community Services Director.
• Participate in monthly correlation meetings as a supportive team member at the assigned center, collaborating with teaching staff, Health Specialists, and other staff to accomplish tasks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or graduation within 6 months in social services, psychology, family studies, human services, or a related field preferred.
• Candidates without a bachelor’s degree may be considered if they hold a High School diploma and a Family Support Professional or similar certification acceptable to the agency, or are willing to complete training and obtain The National Family Support Certification from the Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals (IAFSP) within 18 months of hire (certification cost covered by the agency).
• Two years of relevant experience in a social service or human service-related field providing services for low-income clientele, or a combination of education and experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish is preferred and may be required for specific locations.
• Must obtain a Food Handler Certificate upon hire if not currently certified.

Skills

• Ability to write and speak English proficiently and professionally.
• Knowledge of email, internet, and computer programs; ability to use a computer for data collection, recording, retrieval, and report preparation.
• Ability to plan, formulate, and execute record-keeping procedures according to assigned duties.
• Ability to prioritize and manage workload to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to relate to low-income and diverse populations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, be detail-oriented, and develop solutions with limited supervision.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, families, community groups, and related agencies.

Benefits

• Full benefits for full-time positions, including medical, dental, life insurance, HSA contributions, 401(k), and EAP counseling.
• Gym benefits for all staff.
• Weekends off and twice the normal holidays.

Pay

• $18.50/hour – High School Diploma required, no Family Support Certification or certification in progress.
• $19.50/hour – Certification credential completed.
• $20.50/hour – Bachelor’s degree (preferred in social work, psychology, family studies, human services, counseling, or related field).