Family Advocate

Company Description

Make a difference in the community with Early Learning Essentials (ELE)! We are a non profit organization that offers preschool services to children and families who encounter life's challenges and need a hand up.

Full-time positions enjoy exceptional benefits with medical, dental, life, and a 401(k). We are a family friendly company as all staff enjoy gym benefits, weekends off, and twice the normal holidays!

POSITION SUMMARY:

Position is 204 working days and 11 paid Holidays; a typical work week Monday
- Friday with an expectation of no more than 40 hours per week (part-time is 204 working days and does not include Holidays and an expectation of no more than 20-28 hours per week depending on assigned site and caseload). Occasional evening and Saturday work may be required. For weeks with less than five working days, daily hours only apply. Requires use of own vehicle to conduct business.

Part-time summer work may be available and may be required depending on agency needs for full time staff and is a requirement for part-time staff with a beginning employment date of July 15, 2013 or later. This position is not eligible for telecommuting as it is front-line work in nature working face-to-face with families and/or children, as well as center- based supporting classroom and center operations.

Supports ELE in achieving the organizational mission, as well as grant and School Readiness goals/plan through the implementation of organizational policies and procedures, and in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and indicators outlined in the 2007 Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act. Collaborates with the Family & Community Services Director, Family Service Coordinators, and other Family Service staff in achieving Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) outcomes through providing comprehensive social services to assigned children and families.

Has major responsibility for the promotion of Head Start in the community. Responsible for ongoing recruitment and enrollment efforts and supports transition services. Monitors and supports attendance at assigned sites. Provides family Orientations and Home Visits for assigned families. Responsible for guiding parents in the development of the Family Partnership Agreement, with strength-based activities that address their individual interests and needs and achieve the outcomes of the PFCE Framework.

Helps families identify their strengths and needs using assessment tools; and empowers families in setting and achieving family goals and objectives. Follows through with the delivery of needed services and referrals. Supports parent engagement activities including the Parent Committee and Policy Council. Encourages male involvement.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Not all inclusive):

• Builds trusting relationships with parents to provide professional case management, prevention and early intervention services.
• Visits with assigned families throughout the year in their home to support families with any needs and help them in setting and achieving family goals and objectives.
• Uses and increases knowledge of community resources to refer families to services according to what they need and follows through with the delivery of needed services and referrals.
• Monitors child's attendance and works closely with parents to identify obstacles and problem solve with them to establish regular attendance.
• Promotes parent and male engagement at school to help them develop strong relationships with their child, understand their impact on their child's education and to advocate for their child.
• Helps train parents elected to a Parent committee officer position to plan and carry out the activities of the…