Head Start Family Advocate

The Family Advocate (FA) supports the parent(s) of enrolled children in accomplishing goals that the parent(s) set for their family. This is accomplished through home-visiting, conferencing, and check-ins. The position includes classroom and center support as needed. The FA must have good interpersonal skills including listening, a non-judgmental approach, and compassion.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Participate in community events and recruitment opportunities to identify and recruit eligible families.  
• Conduct thorough applications and enrollment processes to ensure maximum enrollment.
• Build trusting relationships with families using a strength-based approach while maintaining cultural responsiveness.
• Act as a liaison between home and center-based programs.
• Ensure completion of all documentation. Enter all information into our database.
• Coordinate parent engagement activities, parent committee meetings and provide families with community resources.
• Effective communication with families, staff, management and community partners.
• Must possess knowledge of Head Start performance standards and early childhood development. 
• Establish/maintain positive, professional relationships with parents, always treating them with respect and privacy.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times, within and outside of the program.
• Documents information obtained through family contacts, disabilities service, and health screenings as required in ChildPlus data system.
• Maintains up to date child master files & ChildPlus data entry on all assigned children.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Development & Family Relations, Psychology, Sociology & Applied Sciences or related field preferred with two (2) years related work experience; OR Associates Degree in above or related field with three (3) years related work experience. 
• Must have access to reliable, insured transportation.
• Obtain a physical exam (statement of good health) upon hire and updated every two years.
• Obtain and keep First Aid and CPR certification current.

Benefits:  EASTCONN offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees that may include:

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
• Participation in the Connecticut State Partnership Health Plan (where applicable)
• Retirement plan participation
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and personal leave (as applicable)
• Paid holidays
• Employer paid life insurance and voluntary employee paid supplemental life insurance available
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement (where applicable)

Eligibility for benefits is based on position and scheduled hours.

At EASTCONN, we believe that diversity is key to our success. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, including those who may not meet every listed qualification. Your passion, drive, and perspective are what matter most to us.

As an EEO/AA employer, EASTCONN provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our policies.

 AA/EOE

M/F/D/V

Salary : $45,000 - $47,000