Family Advocate Community Action of Orleans and Genesee Head Start Program

Job Title: Family Advocate

Department: Head Start

Reports To: Family & Community Partnerships Manager

Supervises: None

Pay Grade: $17.13 - $18.13/hour

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: Albion and Batavia

Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday(Occasional evenings & Weekends for special events)

Status: Full-Time, 40 hours per week

Benefits: Health, dental, vision, disability, and retirement

I. Purpose And Summary Of Responsibilities

The Family Advocate supports the Family & Community Partnerships Manager in meeting the recruitment, enrollment, and attendance goals of the Head Start program. This role provides case management and crisis intervention services for families, helping them identify and work toward personal goals while connecting them with appropriate community resources. Family Advocates are also vital to promoting and sustaining parent involvement across all program sites.

Ii. Essential Responsibilities

• Direct Service (50%)
  
  

Conducts three home visits annually with each assigned family.

Completes Strength-Based Assessments with families and provides follow-up services as needed:

• Facilitates connections between families and community resources
• Advocates for families within the community
  
  

Assists in scheduling and documentation of physicals, dental care, immunizations, and follow-up care for children. Maintains required documentation for PIR (Program Information Report).

Arranges or provides transportation to appointments as needed.

Implements policy and procedures related to head lice, including necessary home visits.

Provides crisis intervention support for families as needed.

Assists with organizing and supporting Parent Groups at each center:

• Connects families with parent groups
• Attends monthly meetings (day and evening)
• Supports collaboration between Parent Groups and Policy Council
  
  

Supports outreach, recruitment, enrollment, and re-enrollment of eligible families.

Participates in case management teams, working collaboratively across classroom, center, and management levels:

• Initiates referrals and coordinates with outside agencies
• Collects and disseminates information to support collaborative decision-making
  
  

Monitors classroom attendance and contacts families after two consecutive absences. Refers complex attendance issues to the Family & Community Partnerships Manager.

Maintains family documentation for Education Staff and Managers.

• Administration (35%)
  
  

Attends classroom team meetings, center meetings, content area meetings, and full staff meetings.

Participates in case conferences, family reviews, and parent-teacher conferences as appropriate.

Completes required documentation and reports as needed.

Records all family interactions in ChildPlus.

Compiles statistics and reports as directed by management.

Assists with phone coverage, office duties, and emergency situations in the absence of the Site Manager.

• Professional Development (5%)
  
  

Attends all required local trainings and meetings.

Serves on at least one external community advisory group in collaboration with a partner agency.

Iii. Marginal Responsibilities

Participates in non-mandatory training and meetings as directed by the Director.

Assists families with transportation needs as appropriate.

IV. RELATIONSHIPS

• Internal
  
  

Works as part of a multi-level team to support family goals and overall program effectiveness.

Participates in agency-wide initiatives and teams when requested.

Promotional Opportunities

Site Manager

Program Manager

Supervision Received

30%: Occasional supervision for routine duties with standard procedures; unusual problems referred with suggested solutions

70%: Limited supervision; works independently with some discretion in methods used

• External
  
  

Represents Community Action of Orleans & Genesee and Head Start to external agencies.

Promotes awareness of Head Start services within the community.

• WORK ENVIRONMENT
  
  

Work takes place in family homes, offices, classrooms, and administrative settings. Moderate noise levels are typical. Crisis situations involving staff, children, or families may occur 1-2 times per year. Travel of 400-500 miles per month is required using personal vehicle.

VI. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Activity

Approximate Time Spent

Sitting

50%

Standing

15%

Walking

15%

Driving

20%

Lifting

Occasional

Bending

Occasional

Additional Physical Activities

Telephone use (10%)

Documentation (50%)

Meetings (25%)

Filing (15%)

Vii. Qualifications

Associate’s Degree in Human Services or related field required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Minimum Of One Year Of Experience In Human Services

Must pass a NYS physical examination

Must have a reliable personal vehicle suitable for transporting up to four people

Must possess a valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and insurance that meets agency standards

A Comprehensive Background Check must be completed prior to hire, including: FBI & NYS Criminal History, Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment, NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs, NYS Sex Offender Registry, National Sex Offender Registry and Out-of-State checks if lived outside of NYS in the last 5 years.

VIII. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have read and understand the above job description. I agree to comply with all responsibilities described, as well as the personnel policies and procedures outlined in the Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, Inc. Employee Handbook. I acknowledge that my employment is at-will and may be terminated at any time by either party.

Pay Grade: $17.13 - $18.13/hour