Family Advocate

This position requires travel for home visits and outreach programs. You need a valid driver's license. Those with a good driving record will have access to an agency vehicle for traveling during the day for work.

The Children's Center is a non‑profit agency dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young children, one family at a time. Our mission is to nurture and educate children and their families. We provide opportunities for education, parenting support and resources to families in our communities.

The Children's Center Head Start/Early Head Start is a federally funded program that provides no cost services to qualifying families who reside in the community. Comprehensive services are provided to pregnant women and their partners and children from birth to 5. Child development, health and family services are provided through a variety of program options designed to meet the needs of low‑income and at‑risk families.

The Children’s Center is looking for highly motivated individuals to join our family services team! Our Family Advocates provide high quality comprehensive services by connecting families with community resources, assisting them with goal setting and promoting family well‑being. They work closely with parents to encourage engagement in their child’s education and development. They also ensure compliance with the program through regular documentation, home visits and collaboration with staff.

Love working with children? Then this is the job for you!

• Build trust and respectful relationships with families to assess strengths and needs, set individualized goals, and connect them with appropriate community resources.
• Promote family advocacy and leadership by encouraging active participation in program governance, parent training, and decision‑making opportunities.
• Facilitate meaningful parent engagement through workshops, events, home visits and activities that support child development, school readiness, and family well‑being.
• Collaborate with teaching staff and community partners to provide coordinated support services, while ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with Head Start performance standards.

• 1‑3 years of experience working in a Head Start program or working with families in a social work environment
• Flexibility with work hours and scheduling
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic

• 1‑3 years of experience in a Head Start program or working in a social work or family services environment
• Bachelor’s degree in social work or human services (minimum). Must have 2 or more years of related social work experience, preferably working with young children and families.
• Must demonstrate competency to plan and implement relationship‑building strategies and active listening skills, while utilizing documentation tools to effectively support and track family engagement in their child’s development.
• Valid Driver's License with ability to travel.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Dental and Vision:
  Group plan rates for employee and family.
• Health Savings: HSA/FSA accounts to assist with out‑of‑pocket expenses.
• 401(k) Contribution:
  Employer contribution to 401(k).
• Insurance Protection:
  Company‑paid life insurance, plus short‑term and long‑term disability coverage.
• Legal Shield/Legal Services:
  Providing affordable access to professional legal counsel and identity theft protection.
• Employee Childcare Discount:
  Employee discount for enrolled children in our program.
• Dependent Care Savings:
  Dependent Care FSA to assist with out‑of‑pocket expenses.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): 18 days of flexible PTO.
• Company Holidays: 14 paid holidays.

• Learning:
  Elevate your expertise with our robust training initiatives, featuring leadership coaching and continuous learning opportunities.
• Certification Reimbursement:
  Financial support for certification programs related to your career path.

This position may be located in Smithfield or Suffolk, depending on where greater need is at time of hire.

We are an equal opportunity provider and employer. We recruit, employ, train, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Offers of employment are contingent on successful background checks, drug screen, and tuberculosis screen. Requests for accommodation, including religious or medically‑based accommodations, are not guaranteed and will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

Requests must be made in writing and submitted to