Family Advocate​/Bus Monitor: Oswego

Classification:
Full-time/Part-Year Status:
Non
- Exempt

Schedule:

6:15am - 2:45pm

Work as a team member in carrying out all duties in the center related to the daily support needs of program participants and the surrounding communities. Work with families to reach their individual potential for self-reliance through the development of Family Development Partnership and knowledge of community resources. Assist the bus driver in ensuring the safety of the children while they ride, board, and/or exit the vehicle during transportation.

• Provide social services to assigned families according to the Head Start Performance Standards, under the direct supervision of the Family/Community Services Manager
• Recruit families to apply for the Early Head Start and Head Start program within identified service
• Maintain a wait list of eligible families and maintain contact with the families on the wait
• Submit required documentation (complete) for application approval including proof of birth and proof of income/SNAP to determine eligibility
• Provide orientation to families upon approval for enrollment - completing all orientation/licensing
• Build rapport with families and construct a Family Development Partnership with the families.
  • Using the tiered approach with families identifying their strengths and building goals to improve self-reliance.
  • Conduct home visits as the tiered approach identifies and follow up on family centered
• Perform and assist with additional home visits that affect performance standard compliance (such as talking with parents concerning attendance, etc.)
• Identify, develop a relationship with, refer to, and work cooperatively with local community agencies and providers to ensure comprehensive services to meet family needs. Use appropriate advocacy skills.
• Partner with parents and other staff to provide parent training, monthly Parent Meetings per month and monthly Parent Engagement Activities nights per year.
• All information – case notes, updated goals, 90-minute home visits, lesson plans, referrals/resources, etc. will be entered into the database (Apricot). Complete and submit all required documentation according to timelines. Identify any gaps in
• Assist parents and health staff with referral and follow through in getting Health, Dental, and Mental Health activities completed within the appropriate time frame
• Identify, refer to, and work cooperatively with local community agencies and providers to ensure comprehensive services to meet family needs.
• Transport families as per program requirements to support families’ needs and goals
• Assist parents and health staff with collection, tracking, referral, transportation (use community resources first), and follow-up in all health and dental requirements
• Give parents a voice and support them in becoming decision makers for the program, recruit for Policy
• Work cooperatively within the program (teachers) and with community partners to plan and conduct transitional activities from one educational setting to the next
• Ensure CACFP enrollment forms are complete before children begin services and current for each child throughout the year (when changing classrooms) and the next year.
• Meet with supervisor for quarterly supervision and document the meeting.
• In Centers with KS CCP funded Early Head Start classroom complete all necessary paperwork and home visits associated with the funding.

• Comply with all state school bus laws, and all Head Start regulations, policies, and procedures as listed in the transportation handbook and Policies and Procedures handbook.
• Ensure that no child is left alone on a bus or in any other potentially unsafe situation.
• Immediately report incidents that could or did place a child at risk of injury.
• Assure seat restraints are fastened for every child on the bus.
• Adhere to all bus monitor training according to Policies and Procedures.
• In the event of an emergency, assist children to exit the bus.
• Distribute notes and communications to parents as directed by center teammates.
• Maintain a positive atmosphere on the bus.
• Unload ALL passengers on the right side of the road; NO ONE should be crossing the road.
• Release children only to authorized people listed on Pickup and Release form.
• Instill trust and confidence, as well as self-worth, and self-resolution in all the children.
• Be a positive role model and interact with the children during all scheduled mealtimes, classroom times, field trips, and bus routes.

• Instruct and support parents in using Positive Behavior Support/Conscious Discipline strategies to prevent and defuse disruptive behavior
• Comply with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Encourage families and community members to volunteer in the program.
• Respect and support cultural differences and diverse family structures.
• Continue Professional Development as required for this position.
• Demonstrate good work habits such as dependable, punctual attendance and…