Family Advocate

General Description

The Family Advocate is responsible for enrolling eligible children and families into the Head Start program, maintaining full center enrollment, and building supportive, professional relationships with families. Ensures family strengths and needs are assessed and that appropriate referrals and follow-up services are provided.

• Collaborate with Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) to identify and refer eligible children and families.
• Recruit, interview, and enroll eligible children based on selection criteria; maintain accurate waitlists and re-enroll as needed.
• Enter and manage application data in Child Plus and ensure full center enrollment is maintained.

• Maintain USDA food program rosters and child participation forms.
• Monitor attendance and follow up on excessive absences.
• Keep current and accurate health records for all enrolled children.
• Assist with developmental and health screenings as needed.

• Conduct family needs assessments and develop individualized family support plans with goals, timelines, and follow-up.
• Provide referrals to appropriate community services and ensure timely follow-up.
• Maintain detailed documentation of family services and interactions.

• Plan and participate in monthly parent meetings, workshops, and literacy events.
• Develop and distribute newsletters, calendars, and flyers to keep families informed.
• Attend inter-agency meetings to promote Head Start services and foster community partnerships.
• Ensure policy council representation and participate in school readiness transition planning.

• Advocate for Head Start children and families within the community.
• Use the Head Start PFCE and Early Learning Outcomes Frameworks to guide family engagement strategies.
• Submit accurate and timely reports as required.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required;
  Associate degree in Social Work, Psychology, or other human services related field and experience working with populations served by the grant, expectant women and children birth through age four preferred.
• Within 18 months of hire, must obtain at minimum a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field if not already held.
• An unrelated degree with six credit hours in relevant subjects (e.g., family systems, case management, counseling, social work, etc.) may satisfy the requirements.

• Ability to safely transport families to appointments or the central office as needed.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, to support family and program needs.
• Strong knowledge of child development, early childhood education, family dynamics, and adult learning principles.
• Understanding of child and maternal health, safety, nutrition, and abuse-reporting procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including staff, families, and the public.
• Skilled in motivating families toward achieving goals and providing empathetic, solution-focused support.
• Capable of presenting information clearly and responding to questions with professionalism and sensitivity.
• Familiarity with local community resources and the ability to connect families—especially those in crisis—with appropriate services.
• Experience advocating for families and building collaborative relationships with service providers.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to maintain accurate records, manage confidential information, and prepare reports.
• Capable of multitasking, prioritizing, and working independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.
• Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
• At least 10 hours of state-approved training completed within the first 90 days of employment.
• 25 hours of annual training (January–December) in topics related to child development, health and safety, curriculum, and program…