Head Start Family Advocate

Department:
Head Start & Early Learning Programs

Position:
Family Advocate

Hours:

As Assigned

Location:

As Assigned

Status:
Non
- Exempt

Supervisor:
Family Services Supervisor

The Family Advocate engages in collaborative partnership building with enrolled families and provides comprehensive case management services, in accordance with Office of Head Start Performance Standards & Regulations and HS & ELP policies and procedures.

• Working on Certification in Human Services or Human Services Degree or related field (completed in 18 months of hire), and 2 years’ experience in Human Services or related field, and 2 years’ case management experience.
• OR Associate Degree in Human Services or related field, and 1 year experience in Human Services or related field, and 1 year case management.
• OR Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field, and 3 months experience in Human Services or related field, and 3 months case management.
• Experience working with families with low-income preferred.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Familiarity with Office of Head Start Program Performance Standards preferred.

• Become knowledgeable of and remain current regarding Head Start Performance Standards, HS & ELP program policies and procedures and other relevant program administrative requirements.
• Work closely with HS & ELP departments in the areas of health, developmentally appropriate education, mental health, nutrition, parent involvement, and other areas as required.
• Must demonstrate ability to work in partnership with families and have a professional demeanor.
• Must be able to follow direction as well as work independently and as part of a team, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adjust to a fluctuating work pace.
• Welcome, enroll and orient families to the Program; support family participation and engagement using the Parent Family Community Engagement framework and the Brazelton Touchpoints Approach.
• Participate in outreach/recruitment activities with other members of Family Services and Enrollment, occasionally on nights and weekends.
• Obtain Certification in Touchpoints Parenting Program and Facilitate Touchpoints Parent Groups for program participants.
• In collaboration with the family, assess family strengths and needs, identify goals, and maintain ongoing contact to follow through on progress towards meeting goals.
• Complete two or more home visits per year.
• Must be or become knowledgeable of a wide range of community resources for low-income families with young children.
• Provide referrals to community resources and ensure appropriate follow-up.
• Ensure integrity of family service data through regular data entry and reporting. Must be able to understand and be able to use GoEngage for job related data entry and tracking.
• Establish and maintain family files and ensure the completeness and accuracy of these files at all times.
• Monitor and obtain needed enrollment, health, educational and developmental information within prescribed timelines, as defined by Federal and State Regulations and HS & ELP procedures.
• Prepare for and participate in regular Child and Family Reviews and Case Management meetings.
• Prepare regular activity reports and participate in ongoing supervision. In collaboration with supervisor, create and maintain professional development plan, participate in trainings, as scheduled.
• Must be able to travel to all HS & ELP sites.
• Monitor excessive absence reports and follow up with family and educators as necessary.
• Review and assess transportation needs as applicable, at enrollment and quarterly.
• Maintain good in-house relationships with all other staff members and with community partners.
• Must adhere to agency confidentiality policies.
• Remote work from home will be assigned and determined by your supervisor;
  When schedule requires remote work, expected to be available for meetings, calls, responding to emails, and conducting regular duties during standard service/agency hours.

This does not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be adjusted to…