Family Advocate

Position Summary:

The Family Advocate serves as the link between families and community resources for children and families who qualify for Head Start and is responsible for supporting family well-being and encouraging parent involvement. The position works as part of a comprehensive team and reports to the Family and Community Engagement Coordinator.  Family Advocates will serve as Center Director in the Center Director’s absence. 

Essential Job Duties: 

• Recruit eligible families or prenatal clients and assist with the application process.
• Establish partnerships with parents and other significant family members to create a welcoming program environment that incorporates the unique cultural, ethnic, and linguistic background of families in the program and the community. 
• Accompany teachers on home visits or homebound educational visits. 
• Support children’s learning and development by coordinating opportunities for parents to engage in activities with their children at the center level and home.
• Assist parents with children’s health needs by connecting them with resources for medical, dental, and emotional wellness.
• Provide information and referrals for emergency assistance and crisis intervention.
• Collaborate with teachers to provide parents opportunities to engage in their child’s learning. 
• Conduct strengths-based assessments with parents to assist them in identifying their family strengths and needs.
• Encourage parents to identify and pursue individual and family goals by providing information and resources to aid success. 
• Act as an advocate for the family while also teaching and supporting parents to advocate for themselves. 
• Present parenting education by using an evidence-based curriculum.
• Provide transportation, if necessary, for families who need assistance to access resources or medical appointments.
• Works collaboratively with the rest of Early Head Start/Head Start staff and service areas to include Education, Professional Development, ERSEA, Health and Disabilities, Emotional Wellness, and Nutrition to ensure delivery of integrated services.

• Complete progress reports and regular documentation. Maintain files with strict client confidentiality objectively and professionally.
• Plan, facilitate, and encourage parents to be involved in regular parent meetings, informational meetings with community speakers, and Parent Cafes.
• Provide training and information to parents on life skills (finances, nutrition, health, child development, and parenting.
• Provide guidance to parents with parent fundraising activities and Highlight Head Start events. 
• Represent Head Start and create partnerships for referrals by attending area agency and other community meetings. 
• Complete Family Credentialing process as required by Head Start Performance Standards.
• Maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and community referral sources.
• Participate in professional development opportunities by attending monthly center and Family Advocate meetings, in-service training, and community seminars.
• Educate parents on the importance of in-kind, collect data and record in-kind into database for monthly reports.
• Collaborate with Center Directors to plan monthly parent meetings
• Participate in and attend monthly parent meetings. 
• All employees are expected to adhere to OWBC ethics expectations
• Must be able to cooperate and work effectively with others
• Must be diplomatic, honest, and fair
• Regular and punctual attendance is an essential function of the position
• Perform other duties as assigned or as they become apparent
• Assist and be responsible for leading and monitoring the center in the absence of the Center Director

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to learn and implement Head Start Performance Standards and state and local licensing requirements.
• Ability to ensure compliance with regulatory agency requirements and policies.
• Knowledge of child development of children 0-5 years old.
• Ability to perform duties independently and to function well as a team member.
• Ability to lead group sessions.
• Ability to work with and communicate with diverse families and professionals.
• Ability to operate various word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
• Ability to communicate tactfully and relate in a manner that demonstrates professional ethics, respect, and sensitivity with parents, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and utilize effective time management techniques and organizational skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Ability to carry out multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel to partner sites throughout Williamson and Burnet counties.
• Ability to ensure compliance with regulatory agency requirements and policies.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Training:

• Demonstrated experience in social work or community service preferred. 
• A minimum of 2 years of a relevant college degree or related experience is required. 

      Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field
• Bilingual

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Obtain and keep current Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification

Mental / Physical Tasks (F= Frequent, O=Occasional, R=Rarely):

F Standing- required when making copies, meeting people, moving from work area to work area

F Handling- reports, vehicles, laptop, keys

F Hearing/Talking/Listening-communicate with employees and others, answer the telephone, participate in meetings, give presentations

F Fine Dexterity-operate computer, calculator, to write, mouse, projector tools

F Sitting-performing work at a desk, while reading, writing, in meetings, driving, riding in a vehicle to sites and meetings

O Kneeling/Crouching/Crawling-plug in equipment, when connecting PC components, plugging in cords, open lower desk drawers

F Walking from vehicle to site, area to area, to the copier  

F Bending/Twisting – to reach files, reports, handle paper, reach drawers

F Grasping/Holding-holding binders, phones, tablets, work resources

F Balancing – standing, reaching, driving

F Lifting/Carrying-report binders, paper, laptop, supplies up to 45 lbs. 

F Vision-to drive and assist individuals in medical need

F Pushing/Pulling – open/close file/copier drawers, open & close doors, rolltop carriers 

F Foot Controls – driving

F Driving –scheduled & unscheduled trips to and from meetings and sites

F Reaching-answer phone, reach files, reports, plug in a laptop

Working Conditions:

• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required