Family Advocate

About the role

ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services) is a 2026 Top Workplace that honors young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through our Head Start program, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Georgia to promote children’s well-being, strengthening key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills. Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support.

Responsibilities

• Enrollment & Eligibility
  • Collaborate with Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) to identify and refer eligible children and families.
  • Recruit, interview, and enroll eligible children based on selection criteria; maintain accurate waitlists and re-enroll as needed.
  • Enter and manage application data in Child Plus and ensure full center enrollment is maintained.
• Program Compliance & Documentation
  • Maintain USDA food program rosters and child participation forms.
  • Monitor attendance and follow up on excessive absences.
  • Keep current and accurate health records for all enrolled children.
  • Assist with developmental and health screenings as needed.
• Family Engagement & Support
  • Conduct family needs assessments and develop individualized family support plans with goals, timelines, and follow-up.
  • Provide referrals to appropriate community services and ensure timely follow-up.
  • Maintain detailed documentation of family services and interactions.
• Community & Parent Involvement
  • Plan and participate in monthly parent meetings, workshops, and literacy events.
  • Develop and distribute newsletters, calendars, and flyers to keep families informed.
  • Attend inter-agency meetings to promote Head Start services and foster community partnerships.
  • Ensure policy council representation and participate in school readiness transition planning.
• Advocacy & Reporting
  • Advocate for Head Start children and families within the community.
  • Use the Head Start PFCE and Early Learning Outcomes Frameworks to guide family engagement strategies.
  • Submit accurate and timely reports as required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree in Social Work, Psychology, or other human services related field and experience working with populations served by the grant, expectant women and children birth through age four preferred.
• Within 18 months of hire, must obtain at minimum a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field if not already held. An unrelated degree with six credit hours in relevant subjects (e.g., family systems, case management, counseling, social work, etc.) may satisfy the requirements.

Skills

• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, to support family and program needs.
• Strong knowledge of child development, early childhood education, family dynamics, and adult learning principles.
• Understanding of child and maternal health, safety, nutrition, and abuse-reporting procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including staff, families, and the public.
• Skilled in motivating families toward achieving goals and providing empathetic, solution-focused support.
• Capable of presenting information clearly and responding to questions with professionalism and sensitivity.
• Familiarity with local community resources and the ability to connect families—especially those in crisis—with appropriate services.
• Experience advocating for families and building collaborative relationships with service providers.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to maintain accurate records, manage confidential information, and prepare reports.
• Capable of multitasking, prioritizing, and working independently in a fast-paced environment.

Certifications

• Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.
• Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
• At least 10 hours of state-approved training completed within the first 90 days of employment.
• 25 hours of annual training (January–December) in topics related to child development, health and safety, curriculum, and program operations. Training must be Georgia state-approved and documented in the staff member’s personnel file.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage.
• Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy).

Environmental Conditions

• Works inside in a childcare setting.
• Some travel required.
• Occasional night and/or weekend work possible to fulfill the requirements of the position.

Essential Physical Skills

• Ability to sit, stand, walk and drive for extended periods.
• Occasionally lift and carry materials such as files, supplies, or child-related items (up to 25 pounds).
• Use hands and fingers for writing, typing, filing and handling documents.
• Ability to read printed materials and computer screens.
• Hear and respond to conversations, phone calls, and environmental cues.
• Clear verbal communication for interviews, meetings, and presentations.
• Ability to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying communication abilities.
• Work in a variety of settings including offices, classrooms, homes, and community locations.
• Tolerate occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions during home visits or events.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Paid holidays.
• Generous paid time off.
• Career development.
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Pay

$18.63 - $23.38 per hour