Family Services Advocate Worker -Mission, Texas ($22.33/HR)

About the Role

Family Services Advocate Worker responsible for implementing Health Transitional and Family Services at the Center, supporting families through case management, community collaboration, and program coordination.

Responsibilities

• Implement Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, Attendance (ERSEA) processes, including home visits, newborn home visits, family needs assessments, referrals, child file reviews, case notes, and Family Partnership Agreements.
• Participate in Case Review Process to address health, nutrition, and disabilities, determining children’s health, special needs, and nutrition status through file reviews and health/dental records.
• Manage family services using a case management approach, identifying family strengths and immediate, short-, and long-term needs through advocacy, training, and service coordination.
• Assist with recruitment plan activities to ensure funded enrollment, including establishing 10% enrollment of children with disabilities.
• Monitor enrollment processes, determine eligibility, and maintain a waiting list while ensuring 100% accuracy in accordance with funding requirements.
• Address health, nutrition, and disabilities issues, including short-term exclusions, health referrals, home visits for developmental concerns, and in-house staffing.
• Conduct Parent Orientation and obtain required documents (e.g., immunizations, health history) in compliance with licensing requirements.
• Develop Family Partnership Agreements outlining family goals, school readiness goals, literacy needs, community resources, and timelines for achievement.
• Utilize the Parent, Family, Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework to offer family events, parent trainings, volunteer programs, and parent surveys, encouraging family advocacy and participation.
• Implement parenting curriculum to build parents’ knowledge and skills, promoting children’s learning and development.
• Assist families in accessing community resources/services through effective referrals and follow-up to address immediate and long-term needs.
• Obtain parental consents for EPSDT, health, or dental services, and coordinate transportation as needed.
• Prepare paperwork for clinics, including forms for providers (e.g., immunization records, health history, lead screening, parent consent).
• Coordinate with Child Development Coordinator on procedures for child accidents, health emergencies, injury prevention, medication administration, and hygiene practices.
• Implement an effective filing system to safeguard confidential information and organize children’s files, including electronic data systems.
• Manage the transition process for children moving between programs, Head Start, public school, or other agencies.
• Collect weekly non-federal shares (In-Kind) by coordinating volunteer programs, recruiting volunteers, and documenting contributions.
• Ensure timely data entry of services and submit accurate reports, including family, health, and transitional services reports, PIR reports, and community assessment data.
• Maintain the center parent board with required postings (e.g., Policy Council minutes, menus, community events).
• Report suspected child abuse and neglect in accordance with state law and organizational policies.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, case reviews, open houses, and other program activities as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• At least 18 years old with a High School diploma or GED.
• Credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field within 18 months of hire.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English (oral and written).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Effective communication skills.
• Reliable car, valid driver’s license, and valid insurance.
• Ability to work irregular and/or flexible hours, including 1st and 2nd shifts and occasional weekends.
• References must be provided.

Work Environment

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and bend.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 30 lbs.
• Frequent driving required.
• Exposure to moderate temperatures in a controlled environment.
• Noise level typically quiet to moderate.

Tools & Equipment Used

• Phones, computer systems, fax machines, copy machines, laminators, calculators.
• First aid equipment, fire extinguishers, and other safety tools as needed.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Employment contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.
• Must complete a physical exam and TB screening within 30 days of employment.
• Must complete approved Shaken Baby Training, Fire Extinguisher Training, and Infant/Child CPR and First Aid within 30 days of employment.