Family Advocate

Overview

The Family Advocate oversees the certification process for families seeking subsidized childcare services. This role involves managing a caseload of families, conducting initial interviews to determine eligibility, assessing parents' work or training goals to determine appropriate level of childcare, and assisting families in accessing quality care options and additional supportive resources both within and outside the YMCA. Achieving and maintaining a 90% accuracy rate is essential.

This position follows and maintains compliance with California Department of Social Services, Title 5, or County childcare regulations and CRS policies and procedures.

The Stage 1 contract requires that the program align with Equus and County expectations. The team consists of 3 team members. One in each office travels between Escondido and Oceanside. Staff in this role must have a strong ability to work independently and ensure responsibilities align with contractor requirements and team goals.

• This position is Monday – Friday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM

• In-Person at the North Coastal Family Resource Center (3708 Ocean Ranch Blvd, Oceanside, CA 92056)
  • Please note that the work designation may change based on business needs.

• Monitor and maintain program resources essential for family enrollment in subsidized childcare, ensuring accurate documentation in program files;
  Provide direct assistance to program parents and providers, facilitating access to childcare subsidies
• Maintain quality assurance of program files, ensuring compliance with Funding Terms and Conditions and Title 5 or county childcare guidelines
• Maintain database and tracking information for program statistics and prepare program reports
• Conduct initial screenings and schedule certification interviews for new and returning participants, meeting all program deadlines for documentation and case actions
• Interpret and communicate rules, regulations, and timelines of childcare programs to participants, both verbally and in writing
• Gather necessary documentation such as work, training, or other need verification from relevant entities, using CDSS regulations to determine eligibility and shared costs where applicable
• Build trusting relationships and partner with participants to assess goals and needs for various resources, including medical and dental care, affordable housing, education and career advancement, finances and budgeting, counseling, substance abuse, parenting resources, child behavior support, special needs and more
• Provide trauma-informed and culturally responsive support and services to families, connecting them with childcare services and other relevant programs
• Participate in meetings and collaborative opportunities with Community Support Services region, the YMCA, and community partners to expand the agency's supportive services network

• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel regularly throughout San Diego County

• Bachelor’s degree in child development, human services, or related field, or four (4) years’ equivalent related experience required AND,
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience in any of the following or a combination thereof:
  • Working in an administrative setting
  • Performing data entry and/or data validation tasks
  • Working in a community-based organization serving children, youth, families and/or adults
  • Experience working in a high-volume environment

• Must have intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), experience with data entry, and a comparable client management software program
• Proficient in basic mathematical skills, including arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as the ability to interpret and analyze numerical data accurately
• Proficiency in managing an assigned caseload effectively with appropriate guidance and supervision
• Ability to follow, interpret, and apply policies, procedures, and state regulations accurately when determining need and eligibility
• Possess strong customer service, conflict de-escalation, active listening, and communication skills to effectively…