Family Advocate (Early Childhood Impact Program)- Oakland/Berkeley

About the role

The YMCA of the East Bay is seeking a Family Advocate who will play a pivotal role in supporting families on their journey to success. You will lead goal-setting and coaching with parents and caregivers, acting as a trusted guide and advocate.

Responsibilities

• Develop positive, respectful and trusting relationships with and serve as a liaison between Community School partners and services and families.
• Conduct outreach, recruitment, and enrollment, meeting Head Start Performance Standards and Funding Terms and Conditions.
• Provide orientation on the philosophy of the program and services provided.
• Implement strategies including home visits to learn about families and the changing community.
• Develop strengths-based assessments with families that describe their goals, strengths, resources and support networks, as well as necessary services and supports that include health concerns.
• Develop an individualized family plan in partnership with the family that includes health, follow up regularly with the family and collaborate on resolving obstacles.
• Coach, consult, educate, and utilize counseling skills, where appropriate.
• Advocate for families and support them in advocating for themselves.
• Support the health and wellness of children and families in the program. Ensure all health requirements are met upon entrance into the program and track all health, dental and nutrition-related data, and ensure routine follow-up.
• Aid in identifying common interests and needs of parents in order to plan appropriate activities, training and groups.
• Engage parents in volunteering, community service and other ways of contributing to program activities and services.
• Work with other program staff to support interactive literacy activities and other learning approaches between parents and their children.
• Serve as a productive team member on an interdisciplinary team of professionals, participate and facilitate case conferences to promote holistic service delivery.
• Promote and support parent involvement and leadership throughout the program.
• Research and keep up-to-date on program and community resources, analyze community resources to family needs and refer families to community resources as appropriate.
• Listen and support families in making decisions and taking active steps to resolve current crises and be prepared to address future crises.
• Learn about and be sensitive to each family’s values, beliefs, traditions, cultural influences, makeup, and circumstances using a culturally competent and flexible approach.
• Perform record-keeping and internal and external reporting tasks in a timely and objective fashion.
• Contribute to and participate in strategic planning, program self-assessment and other efforts to improve program services and agency responsiveness to families.
• Make decisions and act based on family support principles, theories, practices, and code of ethics while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in family development, psychology, sociology or related field.
• One year of related experience in a non-profit and/or human services setting.
• A high degree of cultural awareness and competency in cross-cultural practices with children and families.
• Experience working with low-income communities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to negotiate and mediate to attain win-win situations.
• T.B. and other required health clearances at the time of employment.
• Fingerprint clearance by the DOJ and CCL agencies.
• Valid California Drivers' License and use of a personal automobile including evidence of auto liability insurance coverage.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook and other computer programs.

Skills

• Cultural competence
• Communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Leadership skills
• Interpersonal skills

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, with options for Voluntary Life and AD&D coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance for added financial protection.
• Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs to support mental health and work-life balance.
• Commuter Benefits available for eligible employees.
• 12 Designated Holidays.
• Paid Time Off for vacation and sick leave.
• Professional Development Opportunities and ongoing training to support your career growth.
• YMCA Membership Benefits and discounts on programs for you and your family.

Pay

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Full-time position with flexible hours to accommodate the needs of the program and the community.