Master Family Advocate - Early Childhood

Master Family Advocate

Primary

Purpose:

The role of the master family advocate is to assist the Family Advocate Coordinator in monitoring documentation of the Family Advocates to ensure guidelines are met, assist with home visit/PAT observations. The master family advocate will maintain more families on the caseload than the family advocate position and will provide support towards financial, educational, physical, and mental wellness of families. The master family advocate will provide the personal link between the Early Head Start program, community services, and the family.

General knowledge includes parenting early childhood development, home management, nutrition, health and safety, community resource utilization, general computer knowledge and management skills as it pertains to managing a caseload of families.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor's degree in social services or related field

Experience:

One year experience working with children and families in a social service setting

Performance Responsibilities:
Support board and administrative policies and decisions. Maintain professional work environment through a positive attitude, punctuality, regular attendance, phone etiquette, and personal appearance. Other Mentor and train family advocates as necessary. Monitor family advocate files to ensure compliance with Federal Performance Standards. Recruit and assess families eligibility for the Early Head Start Program. Evaluate family support systems and making appropriate referrals and follow-up services for identified needs i.e., shelter, education, food, clothing, medical services, etc.

Arrange transportation as necessary for full participation of families in the Early Head Start Program and activities. Make home visits and planning developmentally appropriate activities for families and children to practice in the home and/or classroom. Work in cooperation with the family in developing, implementing, up-dating, and reviewing the Family Partnership Agreement. Assist in providing monthly educational training for parents and staff.

Submit reports as required. Familiar with and maintain compliance with Head Start Federal Performance Standards and all other licensing or funding agency requirements. Accurately document, maintain, report and track referrals, follow-up and other services to families. Support families in their steps towards self-sufficiency in a non-judgmental way. Work closely with other staff in assuring information regarding children and families is kept confidential.

Recruit parents as volunteers in the classroom, or community advocacy projects and/or as members of parent groups or the Policy Council Maintain and submit accurate records of parent volunteer hours and activities. Provide on-going communications and a role model for families with sensitivity to cultural differences. Encourage families to attend parent meeting and arranging transportation when needed Provide family toys, equipment and resources from the lending library Visit hospitals and accompanying families to community appointments as appropriate.

Solicit donations for Early Head Start Parent Committee Activities. Serve as a spokesperson for families in assisting them in receiving services and informing them of legal rights and responsibilities. Organize/obtain community services, i.e., Lamaze classes, etc. Assist in writing and implementing the Family and Community Partnerships Plan (subpart

C) Assist other staff and families in the smooth transition of families in and out of the Early Head Start Program. Integrate all Early Head Start components during visits and meetings with the families Substitute in the classroom to allow classroom teachers to attend meetings, conferences, lunch, etc. Respond to requests for assistance from Early Head Start families, staff, volunteers, of community agencies serving Early Head Start families.

Attend agency meetings and professional development workshops and conferences. Project enthusiasm for program goals, philosophy, relationships, and job responsibilities, maintaining a good attitude and working in a professional manner. Cooperate with co-workers and others. Maintain a regular daily schedule to ensure continuity of care for families and children Keep timely, clear, and accurate documentation. Perform other duties as assigned by the Early Head Start Family Advocate Coordinator, Education & Staff Development Coordinator, or Early Head Start Director.