Family Advocate

Family Advocate Position Responsibilities

• Maintains all records regarding health services (physical exams, dental exams, hearing and vision screenings, heights and weights, as well as any asthma action plans, or food allergies) according to Head Start/Early Head Start performance standards.
• Enters all health related information into CSD-Cares and ChildPlus in a timely manner.
• Follows up on progress of EPSDT Documents all follow up notes in CSD CARES/ ChildPlus.
• Communicates with teaching staff about children’s health needs.
• Notifies parents of expiration of health requirements in a timely manner.
• Obtains child health histories.
• Checks classroom First Aid kits and replenishes them as needed, maintains First Aid kit supply logs.
• Checks classroom First Aid Backpack kits and replenishes them as needed.
• Participates in the program’s annual self-assessment and community assessment.
• Completes Family Partnership Agreements with all families. Follows up on progress on goals monthly. Documents all follow up notes in CSD-Cares and ChildPlus.
• Maintains a strong system of resource and referral for families including formal and informal partnerships.
• Aids Family Services Manager, Family Advocate Coordinator with all parent involvement activities and events including monthly parent meetings and special center events.
• Maintains all children’s files in an organized and confidential manner.
• Collects and enters attendance for the assigned classes in CSD-Cares and ChildPlus daily by 10:30 AM according to Head Start standards.
• Contacts parents of children who are absent to find and document the reason for absence by 10:30 AM daily. This contact is entered in CSDCares and ChildPlus.
• Aids parents with transition process. Notifies parents of children’s transition into new classroom and meets with new teacher to share information regarding child’s health status and potential dietary needs.
• Responsible for compliance with all agency requirements, as well as DCFS licensing requirements, Head Start performance standards and NAEYC standards.
• Participates in recruitment for program twice monthly or as assigned.
• Participates in monthly all staff meetings, and attends all mandated meetings and trainings.
• Maintains a current Illinois Gateways Registry membership.
• Participates in 20 hours of professional development per program year, five hours of which are gateways approved hours.
• Responsible for the program complying with Erie, the Board of Education and State Licensing requirements and performance standards, including promoting the health and safety of all the children, following sanitation procedures and universal precautions, completing a bi-annual physical exam, complying with the Confidentiality and Child Abuse and Neglect Act as a mandated reporter, as well as the American with Disabilities Act and Erie’s inclusion Policy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• This position requires a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field preferred required.
• Illinois Gateways Family Service credential level 5.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• Upon offer of employment, must complete all forms related to hiring, including Erie’s application and employment status.
• Must provide three letters of recommendation.
• In addition, must complete all DCFS licensing forms, including a criminal background check, fingerprinting and a child abuse and neglect background check.