Family Advocate

About the role

The Family Advocate is responsible for carrying out the Parent, Family, & Community Engagement (PFCE) component of the program in connection with the partner’s School Readiness Goals (SGR), & areas of Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, & Attendance (ERSEA) as per the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) to ensure high quality service delivery in accordance with local, state, & federal regulations. Field work is required along with meeting families/planning/record keeping/training.

Responsibilities

• Identify, recruit and enroll prospective families through outreach and in accordance with Eligibility regulations.
• Maintain a caseload of families including developing and maintaining strengths-based relationships with families.
• Collaborate with families to establish and achieve family goals.
• Identify resources in the community and track progress in achieving family goals (Family Partnership Agreements).
• Provide families with appropriate referrals and follow up with families and service providers on referrals.
• Enter child and family information into the approved child tracking system database (COPA systems).
• Aid in the collection of child health medicals and dentals.
• Maintain and provide data for the annual Program Information Report (PIR).
• Record, monitor and follow up on referrals for support services and ensure that all documentation is current in the child's file to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards/Head Start Act 2007.
• Maintain constant contact with partner providers in order to integrate family partnership goals with classroom efforts.
• Assist in the planning & facilitation of parent involvement activities & events.
• Participate in home visits when necessary in regards to any follow-ups, attendance or routine visits.
• Effectively communicate with children, families, staff, management, and community partners.
• Comprehend and implement the Head Start Performance Standards and policies of Grand St. Settlement Early Childhood Program.
• Translate in verbal and written form as needed for parents/guardians and program needs.
• Aid the parents with the application and transition into 3K and Pre-K via DOE.

Requirements

• High school diploma with a study plan to obtain a Family Development Credential.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with families of children from birth to 48 months.
• Experience working as a member of a team & independently.
• Experience, training, and skills in assisting the parents of young children in advocating and decision-making for their families.
• Working knowledge of local community-based agencies and resources.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word & Excel.
• Working knowledge of web-based data systems.
• Must be able to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the families.
• Participate in required professional development activities to enhance skills.
• Maintain certification in CPR and First Aid.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

Qualifications

• Clearance through DOI Fingerprint Screening, NYS Central Registry, Sex Offender Registry clearance, 3 reference checks, physical examination with updated TB test, varicella, tdap, MMR (fees may apply).
• Obtain Mandated Reporter training certificate (every 2 years) and comply with agency’s policy and procedure regarding identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect.
• Obtain First Aid/CPR and Preventive Infectious Diseases certificate within the first year of employment.
• Meet all employee health requirements in Article 47 (DOHMH) and Head Start Performance Standards.

Skills

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team & independently.
• Ability to develop positive relationships with children and parents.
• Ability to comprehend and implement the Head Start Performance Standards and policies of Grand St. Settlement Early Childhood Program.
• Ability to translate in verbal and written form as needed for parents/guardians and program needs.
• Ability to assist the parents with the application and transition into 3K and Pre-K via DOE.

Benefits

• Life insurance.
• 401k plan.
• Vacation.
• Personal and sick time-off.

Pay

$37,828.56- $43,232.76

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm, or 9am - 5pm. Schedule may vary due to program needs.

Contact Information

Please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position you are applying for. If selected, we ask that you also provide us with three (3) professional references that we can contact at least two (2) professional references should be from a former supervisor. Please click on the link provided below, or use the link in a search bar and apply online through our career center. Apply Online. No phone calls, please.

Equal Opportunity Employer

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)