Family Advocate Jobs

ABSTRACT OF THE POSITION:

The Family Advocate is responsible for implementing the core family partnership, parent involvement, and community partnership functions for the center-based option of an Early Head Start program. The Family Advocate recruits and enrolls children for the program and then uses a family development model to support and assist a caseload of up to 40 families as they identify and meet goals, they establish in Family Partnership Agreements. This position also assists with the completion of the child health requirements and other required screenings and assessments. The Family Advocate supports the larger system of social services coordinated by Early Head Start, thereby supporting the goals of the program. This position may involve reassignment of caseload and/or center location as deemed necessary for program needs and operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES (including but not limited to):

• Provide crisis intervention for families.
• Maintain funded enrollment levels and fill vacancies.
• Analyze causes of absenteeism.
• Ensure parents are involved in program services.
• Establish community partnerships and promote access to community services.
• Submit reports and participate in required professional development activities.
• Document family partnership efforts and outcomes.
• Facilitate parent orientations to the program.
• Coordinate with center staff to promote parent involvement.
• Engage in collaborative partnership building with up to 40 families.
• Identify and access services and resources for families.
• Assign infants and toddlers to program options that best fit their family's needs.
• Assist with child health screenings and other required screenings.
• Arrange for education and other appropriate intervention for families.
• Maintain contact with teaching staff and infants/toddlers in a classroom setting.
• Recruit underserved populations and determine the eligibility of children.
• Identify family goals, strengths, and necessary services and support.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Physical requirements: lifting up to 50 pounds, walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, reaching, stooping, and crouching.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Mobility: driving and traveling to different sites.
• Manual dexterity for operating equipment.
• Communication skills: hearing, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to communicable diseases and moderate to loud noise levels.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Active listening and asking questions to ensure full understanding.
• Maintain written documents and records, interpret policies and other materials, gather and interpret moderately complex information.
• Patience, tact, and professionalism when communicating with children, families, staff, and supervisors.
• Strong organization, time management, and attention to detail to meet client and program needs.
• Skills & Abilities
  • Must be at least 21 years old, have held a driver's license for at least 3 years, and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
  • Maintain written documents and records, interpret policies and other materials, gather and interpret moderately complex information.
  • Clear communication skills using correct grammar both verbally and in writing using English.
  • Strong organization, time management, and attention to detail to meet client and program needs.
  • Patience, tact, and professionalism when communicating with children, families, staff, and supervisors.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, & Excel), internet applications, and other software.
  • Flexibility to work a flexible schedule to fulfill job functions and program responsibilities.
  • Sensitivity and professionalism when interacting with persons from diverse backgrounds.
  • Active listening and asking questions to ensure full understanding.
  • Other requirements include acquiring CPR/First Aid training, Live Scan Fingerprinting, negative TB results, physical, and passing drug/alcohol testing.
• Sensitivity and professionalism when interacting with persons from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, & Excel), internet applications, and other software.
• Must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Education & Work Experience
  • Must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must have (or be willing to acquire) a minimum of a Family Resources Certification within the time frame designated by Sunrise Childrens Foundation.
• Must be at least 21 years old, have held a driver's license for at least 3 years, and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• Flexibility to work a flexible schedule to fulfill job functions and program responsibilities.
• Other requirements include acquiring CPR/First Aid training, Live Scan Fingerprinting, negative TB results, physical, and passing drug/alcohol testing.
• Must have (or be willing to acquire) a minimum of a Family Resources Certification within the time frame designated by Sunrise Childrens Foundation.
• Clear communication skills using correct grammar both verbally and in writing using English.

• Prefer 1-2 years of case management experience.
• Bilingual (English-Spanish) speaking and writing skills preferred.
• Prefer to be at least 25 years old in order to drive with clients, infants, or toddlers.
• Preferred
  • Associate Degree (or Higher) in Social Work, Family Services, Counseling, or another closely related field is preferred.
  • Prefer 1-2 years of case management experience.
  • Prefer to be at least 25 years old in order to drive with clients, infants, or toddlers.
  • Bilingual (English-Spanish) speaking and writing skills preferred.
• Associate Degree (or Higher) in Social Work, Family Services, Counseling, or another closely related field is preferred.

Wage (based on credential)

• $35,360.00 Annual Wage
• $1,360.00 per Pay-Period
• $17.00 per Hour
• HS Diploma/GED (FA I)
  • $35,360.00 Annual Wage
  • $1,360.00 per Pay-Period
  • $17.00 per Hour

• $38,979.20 Annual Wage
• $18.74 per Hour
• $1,499.20 per Pay-Period
• Family Services Credential (FA II)
  • $38,979.20 Annual Wage
  • $1,499.20 per Pay-Period
  • $18.74 per Hour

• $1,669.60 per Pay-Period
• BA Degree or Higher (FA III)
  • $43,409.60 Annual Wage
  • $1,669.60 per Pay-Period
  • $20.87 per Hour
• $20.87 per Hour
• $43,409.60 Annual Wage

Benefits

• Employer Paid Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Supplementary Benefits
• Hardship Assistance Fund
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with a match
• PTO with Accrual Starting at Hire
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• COVID Paid Sick Leave