Head Start Family Advocate Choctaw

JOB SUMMARY:

The Head Start (HS) Family Advocate is responsible for providing family service assistance for families with children enrolled in the LIFT Early Head Start Program. Shares a general responsibility for the safety and well‑being of all the children enrolled in the LIFT Head Start program. The HS Family Advocate has the general responsibility for family support services including implementing, coordinating and providing direct case management services to Head Start families, developing and implementing partnerships with HS families including Family Partnership Agreements.

Must coordinate/provide training to parents. Advocate for, work with, and help strengthen low‑income families by assisting in the setting and meeting academic and vocational goals. Monitor and assist with the health and other support services provided to families. Maintain regular attendance. Ability to read, speak and write with proficiency in English Language. In conformance with Head Start Performance Standards, assist families to build on their strengths and develop plans to address areas of concern, including job market assistance, and resource identification.

This is a Safety Sensitive position.

• Responsible for case management. Conduct regular case reviews of all HS child/families assigned. Complete home visits, data collection, record keeping, and other responsibilities in case management. Establish and maintain a current and accurate record keeping system, within program procedures, with adequate provisions for confidentiality.
• Ensure all child/family files are up to date and accurate. Complete and ensure accurate data entry for all enrolled families.
• Help families identify and access needed resources including; health, mental health, nutrition, social services, education and job training. Support family goal development. Coordinate and provide training for parents, and the community in all aspects of family support services, as determined the Family Assessments. Help families build on their strengths; develop a plan to address and support areas of concern. Assist families in taking responsibility for meeting their needs when needed.
  
  Help prepare families for the job market through resources, referrals and training.
• Implement goals, policies, procedures and activities designed to provide the full range of family support services in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, including assisting families with obtaining health and dental services, and other child/family services identified as part of ongoing case management. Provide individual and group services to HS families. Design and implement a formal system of follow up with families on referrals to community agencies, to assure the satisfactory provision of services.
• May be required to substitute in the Head Start classroom as needed.
• Complete Family Assessments. Provide direct services or referrals to meet needs. Follow up to ensure delivery of goods and or services.
• Complete required home visits and parent contacts according to program schedule, policy and procedures.
• Coordinate and develop linkages between other family support service agencies to provide better service delivery to HS families. Serve as an advocate for Head Start families within the community. Train and support HS parents to advocate for themselves and their families. Assist with complication of resource manual.
• Ensure participation in parent involvement activities, as per Head Start Performance Standards, including assisting with organizing and providing ongoing support to the Parent Classroom Committee. Participate in monthly classroom Parent Meetings with Teacher and parents.
• Assist classroom staff and parents in developing transition plans for Head Start children entering public school.
• Assist families in obtaining medical and dental services. Keep accurate records of results and document follow-up services. Refer children for further evaluation as necessary.
• Conduct/assist with child development screening and health screening for: hearing, vision, height and weight as required. Conduct other developmental and behavioral screenings within designated time…