Family Advocate​/Center Floater: Columbus

Family Advocate/Center Floater

Reports to:

Family Community Services Manager/Center Manager

Department:
Early Childhood Services

Classification:
Full-time

Status:
Non-exempt

Position Summary:

Support comprehensive functions of all center staff by reporting to classrooms as needed to ensure a safe and secure environment that encourages play, exploration and learning for children participating in the Head Start program. You will support children's academic, social, and behavioral development by reinforcing developmentally appropriate learning experiences and responding to individual needs within the classroom. This position supports continuity of children's education and care by providing classroom support to ensure appropriate adult/child ratios, while supporting a safe environment that encourages play, exploration, and learning, using a variety of resources.

Work as a team member in carrying out all duties in the center related to 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. You will work as an effective team member and implement guidance given from your Center Manager and Family Community Services Manager.

The allocation of duties may vary based on program needs, staffing levels, enrollment, and regulatory requirements. While this position is expected to maintain an approximate 60/40 division between Family Advocate and classroom responsibilities, actual daily assignments may shift.

Essential Functions:

Family Advocate Specific (Approximately 60%)

• Provide social services to assigned families according to the Head Start Performance Standards, under the direct supervision of the Family and Community Services Manager.
• Recruit families to apply for the Early Head Start and Head Start program within identified service areas.
• Submit requisitions for parent events and recruitment when needed.
• Maintain a wait list of eligible families and maintain contact with the families on the wait list.
• Submit required documentation 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 documents.
• Build rapport with families and construct a Family Development Partnership with the families. (FA/FE)
• 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 goals.
• Perform and assist with additional home visits that affect performance standard compliance (such as talking with parents concerning attendance or head lice).
• Partner with parents and other staff to provide parent training, parent meetings per month and 4 PACT nights per year.
• All information – case notes, updated goals, 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 services.
• Assist parents and health staff with referrals 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.
• Encourage families and Community members to volunteer in the program.
• 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 Council.
• Work cooperatively within the program (teachers) and with community partners to plan and conduct transitional activities from one educational setting to the next.
• Support staff in classroom as assigned, to meet needs for supervision and safety and to ensure…