Child and Family Services Advocate Job Topeka area,Kansas USA,Social Work

Position Purpose

Under the supervision of the Head Start Principal/Director and the Family Service Coordinator, the Child and Family Services Advocate provides a vital role to the Head Start Family Services process. This position ensures program success in meeting the Family Engagement Outcomes on the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED
Maintain or obtain a Family Development Credential (FDC) or Associate’s degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field within 18 months of hire
Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred
Preference given for former or current Head Start parents
Preference given for Head Start experience
Experience and knowledge in social services field
Knowledge of community resources
Ability to connect with and communicate with families in a positive, healthy way

Duties/Responsibilities

ERSEA-Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, Attendance

a. Assist families in application and enrollment process
b. Process application and assist families with paperwork and documentation requirements
c. Track student attendance and assist families in overcoming attendance barriers
d. Participate in recruitment efforts for the program
e. Initiate follow up phone calls with families

Family Partnership Agreement Process

a. Maintain an active caseload
b. Interview families on the Family Needs Assessment Survey helping families identify areas of strength and possible areas of need
c. Help families identify areas of need based on the Family Needs Assessment and areas where the family wants to form a goal.
d. Support families in efforts to complete family plan as part of the family partnership agreement this may include, but not limited to:
- i. Seeking/making community referrals for families, such as food, clothing, housing, education, etc. through community resources available
- ii. Providing contact information, referrals, help families schedule the appointments, etc.
- iii. Provided crisis intervention partnerships (i.e., good relationship with the Rescue Mission to assist families in housing crisis-homelessness)
e. Home visits (or where safety is an identified concern, a neutral safe setting) that the family and family service worker have an opportunity to form a trusting relationship in which families are encouraged to share current situations, barriers, etc. that may be impacting their ability to make progress towards their Family Partnership Agreement.
f. On-going documentation - records of attendance/attendance data, phone calls, referrals, changes of family information, and goal progress

Professional Responsibilities

g. Documentation and reporting of family interactions and communication
h. Building duties (i.e., answering phones, greeting students and families)
i. Participate in the creation of program School Readiness Goals
j. Attend building, grant and district required meetings (i.e., pertinent faculty meetings, family meetings, professional development opportunities)
k. Stay current on Head Start Performance Standards and Program Instructions
l. Provide support in the area of health documentation
m. Assist in developing and implementing monthly family engagement events
n. Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Basic computer skills in Google and Mircrosoft Office
Documentation skills
Experience and comfort with making presentations
Ability to collaborate and work constructively in a team
Thorough written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently as well as in a team
Good attention to detail
Ability to work with families with special needs, challenging behaviors, and who are culturally diverse
Experience following confidentiality guidelines
Enhance the effectiveness of Head Start Services
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with program staff
Positive attitude, compassionate and dedicated to helping others

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