Head Start Family Advocate - North Jeff

About the role

The Family Advocate is responsible for a caseload of 28 families served by the Head Start Program in North Jeff. He/she will make a minimum of one home visit every two months to each family and will provide information and referrals to families in the health and family service area.

This person acts as an advocate for families, assists families in determining their needs and in identifying and developing goals to meet those needs. The Family Advocate will be responsible for performing a comprehensive health intake, complete sensory screening and tracking health follow-up for their assigned Head Start children; recruitment and enrollment of children and families; and facilitating a Parent Committee meeting monthly.

Responsibilities

• Make a minimum of one home visit every two months to each family
• Provide information and referrals to families in the health and family service area
• Perform a comprehensive health intake, complete sensory screening and track health follow-up for assigned Head Start children
• Recruit and enroll children and families
• Facilitate a Parent Committee meeting monthly
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation of all required agency forms and computer database
• Maintain accurate statistical data for reporting purposes

Requirements

• Associate Degree in Human Services or related field
• Must have, or be willing to attain Family Development Credential (FDC) or other specified training within two years of hire
• One year of experience in the human service field
• Basic personal computer skills, including email, database/spreadsheet, and word processing

Skills

• Knowledge of child and family development
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of program and agency related information
• Strong time management, planning, and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to maintain accurate records
• Knowledge of community resources
• Ability to work with diverse groups and individuals
• Ability to work as a member of a team and cooperate with all Head Start staff

Other Requirements

Employment is contingent pending satisfactory physical exam including TB test, Policy Council approval, and clearance from the NYS Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, NYS Office of Children and Family Services, and the NYS Division of the Criminal Justice Services at the time of hire. The employee will be required to sign an affidavit annually stating that he/she has not been indicated with a child abuse or neglect case within the past year. The applicant must be able to provide independent transportation to perform job duties and possess a valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Academic schedule
• Paid school vacations
• Agency Flexible Benefits Plan
• Summer hours for applications and registrations

Schedule

32.5 hours per week