Family Advocate

Description

Self Help Inc. is currently looking for a nurturing Family Advocate to join our team

Agency Profile

Self Help, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Action Agency (CAA) created to help families and individuals stabilize and secure their lives through education, strategic assistance, and building opportunities in their communities. We provide a range of services for families and households across Southeastern Massachusetts.

Job Summary

The Family Advocate serves as a primary link between the Head Start program and families. This role is essential in building strong, collaborative relationships with parents and caregivers, empowering them to be actively involved in their child’s education and development, and connecting them with resources to meet their family’s needs. The Family Advocate works with families from diverse backgrounds, respecting their cultural values and strengths, and promoting family well-being and self-sufficiency within the community

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain positive, trusting relationships with Head Start families through regular communication, home visits, and participation in program activities. A minimum of three (3) home visits during the year will be required
• Maintain a minimum of two (2) contracts per month with each family
• Participates in family child reviews
• Serve as a point of contact for families, providing information about program services, policies, and procedures
• Conduct outreach to eligible families in the community to encourage enrollment and participation in Head Start
• Support families in understanding and participating in all aspects of the Head Start program, including education, health, nutrition, and social services
• Conduct comprehensive family needs assessments to identify strengths, challenges, and goals related to family well-being, education, employment, housing, and other areas
• Work collaboratively with families to develop Family Partnership Agreements (FPAs) that outline family-identified goals and action steps
• Provide ongoing support and follow-up to help families achieve their goals
• Provide families with accurate and timely information and referrals to appropriate resources based on their identified needs
• Assist families in navigating complex systems and accessing services
• Establish and maintain relationships with local agencies and organizations to facilitate effective referrals
• Plan, facilitate, and co-facilitate parent education workshops and training sessions on topics relevant to family needs and interests, such as parenting skills, health and nutrition, financial literacy, and job readiness
• Act as an advocate for families within the Head Start program and in the broader community
• Work to address systemic barriers that may impact families’ ability to thrive
• Work collaboratively with all Head Start staff, including teachers, health staff, mental health professionals, and program administrators, to provide comprehensive family support services
• Participate in team meetings and case conferences to share information and coordinate services for families
• Maintain clear and effective communication with families and program staff
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of family contacts, assessments, goals, referrals, and services provided in accordance with program policies and regulations
• Participate in ongoing professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills in areas such as cultural competency, family support, and community resources

Other Requirements

• Must pass a criminal background check and other required clearances
• Must have or be willing to obtain CPR and First Aid certification
• Must meet the physical requirements of the position, including the ability to lift and carry young children, bend, stoop, and actively engage with children
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is required

Schedule

• Monday-Friday

Hourly Rate: $20-$23

Knowledge, Skills and abilities

• Ability to travel to families' homes and various community locations
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry materials for home visits or workshops
• Strong understanding of family dynamics, poverty issues, and the challenges faced by diverse families
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Bilingual in English and another language commonly spoken in the Brockton community (e.g., Haitian Creole, Spanish, Portuguese) is highly preferred

Education & Experience

• Associate's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Early Childhood Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with low-income families and diverse populations in a social service or community-based setting. Experience in Head Start or early childhood programs is a plus

Self Help Inc offers a comprehensive employee benefits package:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• LTD
• FSA
• 403B
• Vacation Time
• Optional Time
• Sick Time
• Holidays
• Disability Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Direct Deposit

Self Help, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required. Its contents imply no contractual obligation and may be changed by the agency at any time.