Family Advocate; Part-Time

Part-Time Head Start/EHS/ECEAP Family Advocate

Partnering with parents and teachers, the part-time Head Start/EHS/ECEAP Family Advocate has the primary responsibility of serving a caseload of children and families through conducting home visits, family assessments, tracking child attendance, tracking routine child medical/dental care and treatment follow up. The Family Advocate also facilitates parent engagement through the identification of family strengths and needs, provides community resources and referrals to overcome barriers, and supports parents as the primary educator and nurturer of their child.

We currently have two openings for a part-time Family Advocate:

• AM session 8:00-11:30, hours will vary based on family/center needs
• PM session 12:30-4:00, hours will vary based on family/center needs

The Family Advocate reports directly to the Area Manager and is classified as a Social Work Assistant II under State of Washington Classified Job Specification and within the Washington Federation of State Employees for Higher Education.

This position is a non-permanent classified position working no more than 19 hours per week. This position will require in-person work and will be responsible for carrying out their duties at the LCC East Head Start location.

General Tasks:

• Work in partnership with families to assist in their growth and development to achieve their highest potential. Establishes friendly cooperative relationships with parents.
• Maintain knowledge of Head Start/EHS/ECEAP Performance Standards, Washington State Administrative Code for Licensed Child Care centers and program policies and procedures.
• Complete home visits and ensure monthly contact with families.
• Ability to work with parents from all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Is aware of the unique needs of families who are impoverished, from a different culture or are experiencing trauma.
• Seeks and utilizes parent input into all aspects of the program: curriculum ideas for classroom, home learning ideas and activities for the Center Parent Meeting/Family Events.

Teaming with parents and staff

• Shares relevant information about the child and family with the Direct Service Team (Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Child & Family Development Specialists, Family Advocates), Area Manager and other Leadership members.
• Maintains child site files, holds and participates in weekly case management staffing regarding families with teachers.
• Interacts positively with children and parents to support their individual learning style and encourages their social-emotional development by:
• Developing and maintaining a relationship with children and families which is open and friendly and encourages engagement in the program through promotion of nurturing parent-child relationships.
• Is actively aware of existing and new community resources that provide child and family services.
• Maintains complete, objective, and confidential records for children and families in accordance with program standards, state and federal laws.

Physical Requirements

Seldom = 1 – 10% of the time

• Seldom stack chairs
• Seldom maintain sight and sound supervision of up to 18 children with a co-teacher
• Seldom - in emergency situations, pick up children, up to 80 lbs. (with assistance)
• Seldom - multiple uses of bleach solution for cleaning/sanitizing classroom daily/weekly

Occasionally = 11 - 33% of the time

• Occasionally bend over to pick up items and/or assist children
• Occasionally sit either on child-sized chairs or the floor at home visits
• Occasionally walk – during outside play

Frequently = 34 - 66% of the time

• Frequently drive to and from families' homes to complete home visits
• Frequently extended periods of standing
• Frequently lift – of files and papers…