Family Services Advocate - Baltimore County Head Start
About the role
Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.
The Family Services Advocate is responsible for supporting the larger system of social services coordinated by Head Start. Implements the program's core family partnership, parent engagement, and community partnership functions. Knowledge of family support and case management principles is necessary to collaborate with related service areas and communicate with internal and external stakeholders. Applying a family-centered philosophy in services to motivate Head Start families to increase their participation and involvement with their children’s education is a key focus for this position.
Responsibilities
- Recruit, enroll, and engage in collaborative partnership building with 40 families of children receiving Head Start services.
- Conduct home visits annually and as needed with each family based on the family’s identified tier level.
- Ensure meetings and one-on-one interactions are respectful of each family's diversity and cultural background.
- Work with families individually to identify family goals, strengths, and necessary services and supports through the Family Needs Assessment and track progress on family goals set in the Family Partnership Agreement.
- Ensure parents have opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge in: child growth and development; prevention of child abuse and neglect; family literacy; preventative health and safety; maintaining a medical home;