Family Development Advocate

Join to apply for the Family Development Advocate role at Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG).

Base pay range

$18.00/hr - $19.00/hr

Under general direction, participate in the planning and coordination of activities that provide support for partner providers, children, and families to deliver high quality Head Start/Early Head Start/Child Care Partnership (CCP) services and programs. This role partners with families in setting goals, determining strategies to achieve identified family goals, problem solving, and helping families establish realistic timelines to achieve goals. The aim is to promote social competence, cognitive and language development, and physical growth of preschool children.

• Develop and maintain respectful partnerships with parents/families to structure services that encourage trust, ongoing two-way communication, family well-being, ongoing learning and development, and a welcoming program environment that respects the cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds of families.
• Abide by the Program Standards of Conduct.
• Collaborate with families in a family partnership process to identify needs, interests, strengths, goals, and services that support family well-being, including safety, health, and economic stability. Review progress; revise goals; evaluate and track whether needs and goals are met; help families achieve individualized family engagement outcomes and adjust strategies as needed.
• Implement family engagement strategies that foster parental confidence and skills in promoting children’s learning and development. Offer activities that support parent-child relationships and child development including language, dual language, literacy, and biliteracy development as appropriate.
• Support classroom and center operations with program staff; assist in maintaining active supervision requirements; increase knowledge of the teaching role to provide higher-level support when needed.
• Conduct timely checks with families when a child is absent, including home visits; provide information about attendance importance and partner with families to promote consistent attendance.
• Act as a referral coordinator to facilitate access to community services; support parents’ navigation of health systems and help them obtain health insurance for themselves and their families.
• Facilitate, coordinate speakers, and/or lead parent classes that promote Head Start’s mission and active parent engagement in the classroom/center.
• Provide all services and supports required by the Head Start Program Performance Standards/Agency.
• Participate in recruitment and enrollment of children eligible for Head Start, including foster, homeless, and children with disabilities; drive to canvass neighborhoods, process applications, collect and enter documentation, and interview.
• Plan, facilitate, and conduct home visits regularly to support family outcomes; complete necessary assessments and reports.
• Conduct developmental screenings and link ongoing assessments to curriculum goals; develop written referrals for children with suspected disabilities based on screening results.
• Attend IEP reviews and apply goals to meet children’s needs; facilitate the IEP process in a timely manner.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records, including ongoing observations, while maintaining confidentiality of child, family, and program information.
• Enter data into assigned electronic systems and paper files (e.g., MTS and Child Plus).
• Adhere to WACOG and applicable regulations, policies, and safety standards, including Head Start Performance Standards, Arizona Child Care Licensing, CACFP, and mandated reporters requirements.
• Assist Center Manager and classroom staff as needed.
• Remain prepared and organized with necessary forms and documentation; pursue professional development through education and workshops.
• Travel within the WACOG service area, including overnight stays as needed; additional travel may be required.
• Maintain reliable and predictable attendance and may work outside standard hours as needed.
• Use tact and discretion to maintain confidentiality and a positive image of WACOG.
• Perform other duties as necessary to…