Family Advocate

READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT?

Are you passionate about working with families and making a difference in you community? Head Start, Inc. is looking for a Family Advocate who will provide case management support and act as a liaison between families, staff, the community, and other family-related services.   Family Advocates coordinate services and activities that encourage healthy living and well-being among families and most importantly, encourage family members to become advocates for their children and family. 

Are you looking for a company that cares as much about you as you do the people you serve? Head Start, Inc. recognizes the value of work-life balance and is proud to offer our employees a generous comprehensive benefit package and is committed to your well-being. Benefits include: 3% match 401(K), medical coverage, dental and vision care, as well as short- and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, professional development opportunities, and gifted Paid Time Off.     

The purpose of the Head Start program is to increase the capacity of eligible children to succeed in school by promoting an inclusive community that enhances their overall development, equalizes opportunities, strengthens parent-child relationships, and supports and empowers parents to achieve their identified goals. Head Start, Inc.’s culture is rooted in our values, ensuring that we put the interest of our children first, along with respect, positivity, empathy, and competence. We are looking for passionate employees that are committed to creating a positive learning environment where students and adults alike are encouraged to be innovative, creative, and inquisitive.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services or related field 
• Two years’ experience working with low-income children and families preferred   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Assists in the recruitment of children and their families to ensure full program enrollment and appropriate waiting lists. 
• Establishes mutually respectful partnerships with parents by maintaining consistent contact with families via face-to-face meetings, phone calls, letters, etc. 
• Supports families in their efforts to achieve their family goals by helping them identify needs and develop plans to meet those needs and by assisting families to follow through on plans. 
• Collaborates with Head Start, Inc. staff, School District staff, Mental Health staff and community agencies to provide complete services for children and families. 
• Develops a working knowledge of community services and resources available to low-income families and makes referrals as needed.
• Using a strength-based model, provides short term individual and family crisis counseling, emergency assistance, and crisis intervention to address identified needs. 
• Assists parents in becoming empowered advocates for themselves and their children. 
• Seeks parent input in developing and implementing activities to encourage parent involvement in Head Start, Inc. activities. 
• Supports families to identify and engage in volunteering with the Head Start program and community activities. 
• Seeks parent input to identify, develop and implement or link parents to educational activities that are responsive to identifies parent needs. 
• Develops plans for families to navigate their transition into and out of the program. 
• Provides families with appropriate information, training, and connections to future care and/or educational settings to help facilitate the transition into and out of the program. 

ESSENTIAL SKILLS   

• Must maintain self-control and manage difficult or emotional situations with tact and professionalism. 
• Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in written format. 
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of required records and reports. 
• Demonstrate respect and sensitivity at all times for cultural, racial, and economic differences. 
• Must support and advocate Head Start, Inc.’s mission and philosophy. 
• Must be able to use computer technology and understand its application to organizational and/or departmental function.