Family Advocate

"To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world"
-Dr. Seuss.

Why work for us?

· No Nights or Weekends

· 15 Paid Holidays

· Paid Time Off

· Paid Education (Upon Approval)

· Medical Insurance

· Dental Insurance

· Vision Insurance

· 403(b) plus employer match

· Employee Assistance Program

· Chipper-Assistance in Student Loan Forgiveness and Lower Payments

Who We Serve:

Opportunities serves thousands of people annually in Williamson & Burnet Counties. Working cooperatively with other agencies, we are an advocate for those who might not otherwise have a voice in the community. We are dedicated to providing services to help those in need achieve a better, more productive life.

Our Mission:

To empower children, families, and seniors to achieve and maintain independence by partnering with area organizations to provide education, nutrition, and community support.

Our Vision:

A healthy, educated community in which all people live independently and with dignity.

Position Summary:

The Family Support Specialist serves as the link between families and community resources for children and families who qualify for Head Start and is responsible for supporting family well-being and encouraging parent involvement. The position works as part of a comprehensive team and reports to the Family Support and Engagement Coordinator. Family Support Specialist will serve as Center Director in the Center Director’s absence.

Position Summary:

The Family Support Specialist serves as the link between families and community resources for children and families who qualify for Head Start and is responsible for supporting family well-being and encouraging parent involvement. The position works as part of a comprehensive team and reports to the Family Support and Engagement Coordinator. Family Support Specialists will serve as Center Director in the Center Director’s absence.

Essential Job Duties:

• Recruit eligible families or prenatal clients and assist with the application process.
• Establish partnerships with parents and other significant family members to create a welcoming program environment that incorporates the unique cultural, ethnic, and linguistic background of families in the program and the community.
• Accompany teachers on home visits or homebound educational visits.
• Support children’s learning and development by coordinating opportunities for parents to engage in activities with their children at the center level and home.
• Assist parents with children’s health needs by connecting them with resources for medical, dental, and emotional wellness.
• Provide information and referrals for emergency assistance and crisis intervention.
• Collaborate with teachers to provide parents opportunities to engage in their child’s learning.
• Conduct strengths-based assessments with parents to assist them in identifying their family strengths and needs.
• Encourage parents to identify and pursue individual and family goals by providing information and resources to aid success.
• Act as an advocate for the family while also teaching and supporting parents to advocate for themselves.
• Present parenting education by using an evidence-based curriculum.
• Provide transportation, if necessary, for families who need assistance to access resources or medical appointments.
• Works collaboratively with the rest of Early Head Start/Head Start staff and service areas to include Education, Professional Development, ERSEA, Health and Disabilities, Emotional Wellness, and Nutrition to ensure delivery of integrated services.

• Complete progress reports and regular documentation. Maintain files with strict client confidentiality objectively and professionally.
• Plan, facilitate, and encourage parents to be involved in regular parent meetings, informational meetings with community speakers, and Parent Cafes.
• Provide training and information to parents on life skills (finances, nutrition, health, child development, and parenting.
• Provide guidance to parents with parent fundraising activities and Highlight Head Start events.

· Represent Head Start and create partnerships for referrals by attending area agency and other community meetings.

· Complete Family Credentialing process as…