Family Resource Advocate Job Jacksonville area,Illinois USA,Social Work

Family Resource Advocate

9 Month Full Time Jacksonville, IL, US

30+ days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $16.50 To $16.75 Hourly

SUMMARY

The Family Resource Advocate is responsible for providing quality, comprehensive child/family support services to preschoolers and their families; providing support, training, and case management to assist parents in meeting the needs of their children and enhancing parents’ role as the primary influence on their child’s education and development; supporting parents in increasing their economic stability; determining eligibility for the program, enrolling families, enlisting parental involvement in child educational programs;

working with parents to identify and achieve goals; accessing support services; creating training programs; and facilitating positive parent, school, and student relationships.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Establish a relationship of trust with Head Start children and families.

Work with parents and caregivers, providing information and supportive services as needed. This includes conducting a Family Assessment with each enrolled family and negotiating/implementing an Individualized Family Partnership Agreement, as well as quarterly meetings with families who have opted for ongoing services. Complete required contacts and paperwork for the services provided to each assigned family.

Make appropriate referrals for families and children and follow up to determine if services were received and needs were met.

Interview interested families during enrollment for completion of application and enrollment process using the application checklist.

Provide completed application to the Site Manager for review and approval.

Obtain income documentation to verify eligibility.

Provide actual income documentation (e.g., W2, 1040, RASP, Child support, etc.) to the ERSEA Coordinator.

Obtain hard copies of IEPs and IFSPs during enrollment.

Provide hard copies of IEPs and IFSPs to the Special Services Coordinator within 24 hours.

Maintain files in a locked file cabinet.

Send U.S. Mail notification to families informing them of selection for enrollment.

Enter reasons and causes of absences into Child Plus daily.

Follow up on children with attendance issues by contacting families within an hour of the absence.

Work closely with teaching staff to coordinate home visits, share pertinent information, collaborate on family concerns, and provide united support to families.

Attend staff meetings, training sessions, Family Committee Meetings, and Community Service Provider Meetings as recommended by the Family Resource Development Coordinator.

Provide crisis intervention services to Head Start families within the scope of the agency’s resources.

Distribute information regarding adult education, employment, male involvement, and family involvement to Head Start families.

Distribute health education information to classroom staff and parents and forward incoming health-related records and information to the site’s Data Clerk.

Offer updates regarding local social service and health service–related resources for families.

Help identify medical and dental issues and make referrals to health agencies.

Assist with ongoing health screenings held at each Site or in the community as arranged by the Health Services Staff.

Submit records of children’s illnesses and health needs as identified in the assigned classrooms and ensure proper follow-up action is taken in consultation with the parent and/or a health professional.

Work with Data Clerk to maintain records required in the children’s site files.

Provide assistance and support in health emergencies at the site and provide follow‑up as appropriate.

Consult with staff on child abuse and neglect issues and fulfill mandated reporter duties per State of Illinois laws.

Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Comply with policies and procedures for bus monitoring, including ensuring children are seated, taking attendance, securing signatures, and maintaining control and safety of children on the bus.

Perform any other duties as assigned, prioritizing direct services to families.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum:
Credential or certification in social work, human…