Family Advocate - Head Start

Head Start Family Advocate

Opportunity Alliance is seeking a Family Advocate in Portland to join the Head Start team and make a difference in the lives of children and families in the community. The Family Advocate supports family well‑being and school readiness through whole family coaching, helps families navigate the health care system, and promotes child health and wellness.

• Provide whole‑family coaching to support families’ goals for child school readiness and healthy development.
• Conduct needs assessments, create family goals, and connect families to community resources.
• Gather health information, facilitate community building, and support parent involvement in center activities.
• Assist families in identifying and achieving goals related to housing, employment, education, and parenting.
• Work within the Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing rules, and accreditation standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, or a related field (required).
• 1–3 years of social services/human services experience (required). 1–3 years of family services experience (preferred). 1–3 years of experience navigating complex systems and connecting families to resources (preferred).
• Knowledge of cultural influences on child and family development and ability to adapt interventions accordingly.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office and Outlook (required).
• Ability to respond calmly to rapidly changing situations and adapt teaching approaches to maintain a positive learning environment.
• Comfort working independently while contributing to a team.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background, child protective services, and sex offender checks; must not be on the state or federal suspension/disbarment list.
• Must pass pre‑employment physical and TB screen, and be current on MMR and TDAP immunizations.
• Must be able to exert moderate physical effort, including occasional standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, typing, and lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds.
• Driving may be necessary for meetings and trainings but is not a primary job responsibility.

Full‑time, 40 hours per week, year‑round.

Location:

Westbrook, Maine.

• Generous paid time off accrual, 9 paid holidays and up to 3 floating holidays per year.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (very reasonable cost).
• Basic life insurance and STD & LTD disability insurance.
• 403(b) retirement with agency match (all employees eligible).
• Tuition reimbursement once per year (applicable through application).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.