Family Advocate

JOB TITLE:  Family Advocate                                DEPT:   Early Learning Division

REPORTS TO:  Site Manager                                  FLSA: Non-Exempt

SALARY RANGE:  $18.84/hr.-$22.44/hr.                                            

JOB SUMMARY: To assist with the coordination and implementation of family and community strengthening and comprehensive services provided to Early Learning Division Families. Ensure compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards, funding sources, and local mandates in the content area of family partnerships and engagement, community resources and collaborations, and providing best practices in working with families.

CHILDREN SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITY: Responsible for child supervision and for keeping children safe.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1.      Assist with recruitment and enrollment of Early Learning Division children by distributing enrollment and pre-application materials, as well as assist in the enrollment procedures of families.

2.      Assist the family in its efforts to improve conditions and quality of family life through:

• Home visits to assess strengths, needs, and goals with families and attendance issues as needed.
• Work with families on creating family development plans that identify family goals and achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency. 
• Provision of support and assistance in emergencies that arise with families.
• Referral and follow-up activity with community resources in response to the health and social service needs of families.
• Engaging in advocacy work on behalf of individual families.

3.      Maintain accurate and updated records that reflect social services, health, and family engagement activities with assigned families.

4.      Ensure data entry into Child Plus and/or other data collection systems, including but not limited to Family Development Plans, Family Outcomes, Home Visits, referrals, case notes, etc.

5.      Participate with an interdisciplinary team in individualized meetings to mobilize and coordinate services within and outside the agency on behalf of assigned families.

6.      Assist in developing a strong linkage between home and classroom by participating in assigned classrooms.

7.      Attend and participate in staff/team meetings, workshops, and community events, as well as outside training opportunities. Willingness to enhance job knowledge through training and education as required or necessary.

8.      Prepare accurate weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports documenting Family Service compliance. 

9.      Adhere to Alliance for Community Empowerment Inc. policies and procedures related to prevention and response to COVID-19, including participating in training, use of PPE, implementation of universal precautions, social distancing, and keeping the workspace clean.

10.  Assist with daily health screening and monitoring as related to COVID-19. 

11.  Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED

·   Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field plus at least one year of experience in Human Services. OR Family Development Credential plus at least two years experience in Human Services OR Associate degree in Human Services or related field plus three years experience in Human Services.  

·  Within 18 months of hire, Family Advocates must obtain the Family Development Credential or Certification in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling, or a related field.

·   Experience and willingness to provide services to culturally diverse communities/families. Able to relate in a manner that is tactful, sensitive, confident, and non-judgmental with children, parents, staff, and community partners.  

·   Ability to handle highly stressful and sensitive situations professionally.  

·   Excellent oral and written communication skills.

·   Knowledge of community-based resource services in the Greater Bridgeport area.

·   Bilingual oral and written communication skills are a plus.

·   Interpersonal skills and ability to work with children and their families.

·   Must have excellent computer skills and knowledge of various processes, including database management, spreadsheet, word processing, internet, and email. 

· A Connecticut driver’s license and a good driving record are required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

HOURS/DAY

0-1       1-2       2-4       4-7

Standing                                                                                     X                     

Sitting                                                                                                       X

Reaching                                                                        X

Driving                                                                            X

Walking                                                                          X

Twisting                                                           X

Squatting                                                         X

Lifting                                                              X

Bending                                                          X

Gripping                                                         X

Keyboard use                                                                 X