BTF Services Advocate

Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group, Inc.

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR BIRTH TO FIVE SERVICES ADVOCATE

Status:  Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act                                       

Pay Rate: 

Level 1:  $14.00 has High School Diploma or GED with 1 year of applicable experience. (Those who do not have a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field must be willing to actively seek one by enrolling and completing appropriate training or courses to be obtained in 18 months.)

Level 2:  $14.75 has approved certificate

Level 3:  $16.00 has related Associate Degree

Supervisory Relationships:  Directly supervised by the assigned School Supervisor. Receives direction from Managers.  Position does not have supervisory duties; however, recruits and assists volunteers.

Purpose:  The purpose of the Services Advocate is to perform a variety of tasks that will help accomplish the Performance Standards including working one-on-one with children who have disabilities, tracking data and maintaining children’s folders, and working with families. Monthly contact with parents is required.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

1.           Tracks necessary information such as Health & Families. Completes follow-up and reports regularly to supervisor. Uses computer to enter data into software program. Uses ROMA principles to establish performance management goals and to improve the focus on program and family outcomes.

2.           Conducts home visits, telephone contacts, and interviews with all parents to determine needs and progress.

3.            As soon as a new baby is born to an enrolled pregnant woman, contacts the Procurement Technician to set up the Well-Baby Home Visit. Enters all contacts in MyHeadStart notes and calls.

4.           Assists in the coordination of other components in relative services of families including health screenings.

5.           Participates with children in daily activities as needed including eating family-style meals to aid in the development of social skills.

6.           Has knowledge of children with IEPs or IFSPs and implementation and provides assistance to children on therapy days.  Works with children with developmental disabilities one-on-one as needed.

7.           Substitutes in the classroom as assigned to include cleaning duties and/or riding the bus as a monitor.

8.           Knowledgeable of emergency situations and assist in emergencies according to center policies. Observe fire and safety prevention and sanitation of center children, staff, and center environment.

9.           Recruits volunteers for the school and assists in recording hours on proper form. Solicits donations needed by the program from the community and documents them toward the program match requirement.

10.         Any other job-related duties as assigned.

Performance Expectations:

1.           Confidentiality of client data and sensitive program information is essential.

2.           Ensure children’s safety by enforcing safety rules and procedures. Follows other safety rules such as wearing closed-toe shoes (no sandals), bus safety rules and various other program procedures.

3.           Comply with program and licensing guidelines. Abides by SOCAG Personnel Policies and adheres to Performance Standards.

4.           Attend training as required including pre-service, in-service, conferences, and college courses. Must maintain any training, certification, and/or degree requirements.

5.           Paperwork and computer entry is expected to be accurate and up-to-date.

6.           Must be able to work with children up to age 5 from a variety of backgrounds, including children who have disabilities. Able to relate to problems of low-income and minority families.

Qualifications:

1.           Must have high school diploma or GED plus one year related experience and being willing to pursue further educational opportunities. Within 18 months of hire must obtain a credential or certification in social work, human services, counseling or a related field.

2.           Valid Oklahoma driver’s license and state minimum automobile liability insurance.

3.           Annual Tuberculin screen is required or as directed by a medical professional. Initial physical is required; agency will arrange if needed.

4.           Negative pre-employment drug screen prior to employment with a current photo identification. During employment, employees are subject to drug testing according to SOCAG Personnel Policies.

5.           Criminal background checks including fingerprinting are required and performed according to Oklahoma statutes and any program regulations.

Working Conditions:

1.           Must be able to bend, kneel, stand, and sit on the level of the children being served. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Cleaning includes the use of a bleach solution.

2.           Must be able to adapt to changes to the daily schedule. The ability to work on multiple projects with overlapping deadlines is necessary. This position requires a diversity of skills including working in the classroom with children, completing office and computer recordkeeping, and interacting with parents to get children’s services accomplished as well as working on parent partnership goals.

3.           Must be able to interact and relate to children and families in a positive manner.

4.           Must have flexible availability to meet scheduling needs.  Must be able to perform home visits.

Salary : $14 - $16