Family Advocate

SUPERVISOR: Area Manager

EXEMPTION STATUS: Non-exempt WORK PERIOD: 10.5 months per yr

SUPERVISES: None

POSITION SUMMARY: The Family Advocate is responsible for the recruitment and enrollment of Head Start Children and the implementation of the Family and Community Partnerships. Collaborate with Coordinators to ensure an integrated balance of Head Start services as per the program work plans to meet Head Start Performance Standards. Additionally, must know of and support the Agency’s mission, vision, and code of ethics, and strategic plan for helping people, changing lives. No overtime may be worked without prior authorization. Overtime must be approved in advance by the Head Start Director. Must comply with the drug and alcohol free workplace policy. Position contingent upon continued program funding. Hiring is subject to Policy Council approval. Head Start parents will be given preference if qualified.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work in conjunction with the Health and Disabilities Coordinators.
• Work with community groups to provide outreach and promote the Head Start philosophy.
• Provide support, crisis intervention, and referrals to local resources for family needs.
• Act as a liaison with the center’s Parent Committee and attend all meetings
• Promote and support family self-sufficiency.
• Maintain confidentiality of all agency information
• Educate parents regarding children’s medical, mental, dental, and nutritional health needs.
• Facilitate and seek the involvement of parents in activities designed to help parents become full partners in the education of their children and to allow them to participate in the development and overall conduct of the program at the local level, i.e., program governance.
• Support the family’s transportation to Head Start activities and community resources as needed.
• Required to attend staff meetings, workshops, and in-service training provided by the agency.
• Support the ECKAN code of ethical conduct.
• Maintain confidentiality of all agency information.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records per policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma/GED required. Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or closely related field, preferred.
• General office and computer skills. Able to follow written procedures for data entry.
• Be able to pass the required KBI, background, and health tests.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to participate in daily kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor, and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and comply with ECKAN insurance standards, as applicable.
• General office and computer skills.