Family Advocate- New Buffalo
Flowers Early Learning is a high-quality preschool with locations throughout Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. We are currently seeking a Family Advocate to serve classrooms with children ages 0-5 in the New Buffalo, Michigan area. Flowers Early Learning, formerly known as Tri-County Head Start, was selected as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation in 2024 and one of the Moody Market Best Places to Work in Southwest Michigan in 2021 for our commitment to employee engagement, feedback, and wellness.
About Us
Our mission is to build a future where children, families, and communities thrive. Flowers Early Learning employees promote social, emotional, and physical health in our community by providing high-quality education, health services, and more for the families who need us most in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.
About the Role
This position assists in planning and implementing family engagement requirements to ensure compliance with Performance Standards, including Family Partnership Agreements, recruitment, enrollment, attendance analysis and follow-up, community outreach, and family engagement. The role requires travel between Flowers Early Learning locations and/or program participants’ homes. You will gather resource information, make referrals for family growth, and partner with families and staff to complete necessary health requirements.
Responsibilities
- Assist in planning and implementing family engagement requirements to ensure compliance with Performance Standards.
- Develop and manage Family Partnership Agreements.
- Support recruitment, enrollment, and attendance analysis and follow-up.
- Conduct community outreach and family engagement activities.
- Travel between Flowers Early Learning locations and/or program participants’ homes.
- Gather resource information and make referrals for family growth.
- Partner with families and staff to complete necessary health requirements.
- May include once-a-month transport for Policy Council and occasional evening hours for program events or community activities.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED (required).
- Two years’ experience in a related field (required).
- Preferred: Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services, Human Services, Family Services, or a related field, or a Family Service Credential within 18 months of hire.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Complete a physical examination, comprehensive fingerprinted criminal background check, and pre-employment drug screen (including a negative result for Amphetamines, Cannabinoids (including Marijuana/THC), Cocaine, Opiates, and Phencyclidine (PCP)). Note: Marijuana is prohibited in the workplace or in one's system, even if legally prescribed.
Pay
- High School Diploma/GED: $15.86/hour
- Family Services Credential: $17.12/hour
- Associate’s Degree: $18.40/hour
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher: $20.94/hour
Schedule
- Full-time, year-round (12-month) position.
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, 40 hours per week.
- Work hours may vary due to daily schedule, season, and work duties.
- Occasional evening hours may be required for program events or community activities.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- 401(k) with employer contribution.
- Paid time off, earned sick time, paid parental leave, and paid holidays and breaks.
- Paid weather days.
- Tuition reimbursement and assistance in furthering your education.
- Employee assistance program.
- Wellness committee providing resources to enhance life outside of work.