Family Advocate- Watervliet/ Bangor

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/Bangor area.

About Us

Our mission: To build a future where children, families, and communities thrive. Flowers Early Learning (formerly Tri-County Head Start) promotes social, emotional, and physical health by providing high-quality education, health services, and support for families in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. We were 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 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 meet Performance Standards.
• Develop and monitor Family Partnership Agreements.
• Support recruitment, enrollment, and attendance tracking for program participants.
• Conduct community outreach and family engagement initiatives.
• Travel between program locations and participants’ homes as needed.
• Gather resource information and make referrals to support family growth.
• Collaborate with families and staff to fulfill health requirements.
• Attend occasional evening events, such as Policy Council meetings or community activities.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (required).
• Two years of experience in a related field (e.g., social services, human services, family services).
• Preferred: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services, Human Services, Family Services, or related field, or a Family Service Credential (must be obtained within 18 months of hire).
• Must be 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Must pass a physical examination, comprehensive fingerprinted criminal background check, and pre-employment drug screen (including negative results for Amphetamines, Cannabinoids (THC/Marijuana), Cocaine, Opiates, and PCP). Note: Marijuana use is prohibited, 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, 40 hours per week.
• Expected schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
• Work hours may vary due to daily schedule, season, or duties.
• Occasional evening hours may be required for events like Policy Council meetings or community outreach.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with employer contribution.
• Paid time off, earned sick time, paid parental leave, and paid holidays.
• Paid weather days and breaks.
• Tuition reimbursement and assistance in furthering education.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Wellness committee resources to support work-life balance.