Family Advocate- Watervliet

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 Watervliet, 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. Responsibilities include gathering resource information, making referrals for family growth, and partnering with families and staff to complete necessary health requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing family engagement activities to comply with Performance Standards.
• Develop and maintain Family Partnership Agreements.
• Support recruitment, enrollment, and attendance analysis and follow-up.
• Conduct community outreach and family engagement initiatives.
• Travel between program locations and participants’ homes.
• Gather resource information and make referrals to support family growth.
• Partner with families and staff to complete health requirements.
• Attend occasional evening events, such as Policy Council meetings or community events.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED with two years’ experience in a related field.
• Preferred: Associate’s 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.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass a physical examination, comprehensive fingerprinted criminal background check, and pre-employment drug screen (including negative results 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, program year (August 2026–May 2027).
• Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM, 40 hours per week.
• Work hours may vary due to daily schedule, season, or duties.
• Occasional evening hours for Policy Council meetings, Freddy Night, or community events.

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 resources to enhance work-life balance.