ABSTRACT OF THE POSITION:

The Family Advocate is responsible for implementing the core family partnership, parent involvement, and community partnership functions for the center-based option of an Early Head Start program. The Family Advocate recruits and enrolls children for the program and then uses a family development model to support and assist a caseload of up to 40 families as they identify and meet goals, they establish in Family Partnership Agreements. This position also assists with the completion of the child health requirements and other required screenings and assessments. The Family Advocate supports the larger system of social services coordinated by Early Head Start, thereby supporting the goals of the program. This position may involve reassignment of caseload and/or center location as deemed necessary for program needs and operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES (including but not limited to):

• Recruit underserved populations and determine the eligibility of children.
• Maintain funded enrollment levels and fill vacancies.
• Assign infants and toddlers to program options that best fit their family's needs.
• Analyze causes of absenteeism.
• Assist with child health screenings and other required screenings.
• Facilitate parent orientations to the program.
• Engage in collaborative partnership building with up to 40 families.
• Identify family goals, strengths, and necessary services and support.
• Identify and access services and resources for families.
• Ensure parents are involved in program services.
• Arrange for education and other appropriate intervention for families.
• Establish community partnerships and promote access to community services.
• Maintain contact with teaching staff and infants/toddlers in a classroom setting.
• Coordinate with center staff to promote parent involvement.
• Document family partnership efforts and outcomes.
• Submit reports and participate in required professional development activities.
• Provide crisis intervention for families.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Physical requirements: lifting up to 50 pounds, walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, reaching, stooping, and crouching.
• Manual dexterity for operating equipment.
• Communication skills: hearing, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Mobility: driving and traveling to different sites.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to communicable diseases and moderate to loud noise levels.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education & Work Experience
  • Must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must have (or be willing to acquire) a minimum of a Family Resources Certification within the time frame designated by Sunrise Children’s Foundation.
• Skills & Abilities
  • Must be at least 21 years old, have held a driver's license for at least 3 years, and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
  • Maintain written documents and records, interpret policies and other materials, gather and interpret moderately complex information.
  • Clear communication skills using correct grammar both verbally and in writing using English.
  • Strong organization, time management, and attention to detail to meet client and program needs.
  • Patience, tact, and professionalism when communicating with children, families, staff, and supervisors.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, & Excel), internet applications, and other software.
  • Flexibility to work a flexible schedule to fulfill job functions and program responsibilities.
  • Sensitivity and professionalism when interacting with persons from diverse backgrounds.
  • Active listening and asking questions to ensure full understanding.
  • Other requirements include acquiring CPR/First Aid training, Live Scan Fingerprinting, negative TB results, physical, and passing drug/alcohol testing.

• Preferred
  • Associate Degree (or Higher) in Social Work, Family Services, Counseling, or another closely related field is preferred.
  • Prefer 1-2 years of case management experience.
  • Prefer to be at least 25 years old in order to drive with clients, infants, or toddlers.
  • Bilingual (English-Spanish) speaking and writing skills preferred.

Wage (based on credential)

• HS Diploma/GED (FA I)
  • $35,360.00 Annual Wage
  • $1,360.00 per Pay-Period
  • $17.00 per Hour

• Family Services Credential (FA II)
  • $38,979.20 Annual Wage
  • $1,499.20 per Pay-Period
  • $18.74 per Hour

• BA Degree or Higher (FA III)
  • $43,409.60 Annual Wage
  • $1,669.60 per Pay-Period
  • $20.87 per Hour

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Supplementary Benefits
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Employer Paid Short-term and Long-term Disability
• PTO with Accrual Starting at Hire
• 401(k) with a match
• COVID Paid Sick Leave
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Hardship Assistance Fund
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness Programs