Family Advocate - Head Start Program

Overview

The position of Family Advocate is responsible for creating and implementing successful Family Partnership with families of Head Start Community; and for advocating on behalf of all Early Head Start Families.

Work Location:

Head Start Center

1198 Southard Street

Trenton, NJ 08638

Salary: $35,040.72  = $19.2531 per hour

Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexibility Spending Account, Life and LTD Insurances, 403(b) plans

12 Personal Time Off Days, 1 Wellness Day, and Holidays and Paid School Breaks

Responsibilities

• Ensure that as a Family Advocate you meet program requirements as outlined in th Head Start Performance Standards 1302.10 – 1302.18 Sub Part A (ERSEA) and 1302.34, and Sub Part E 1302.50 – 1302.53
• Process Head Start and Abbott applicants and screen for their eligibility under Head Start/Head Start Standards, Abbott and the organization’s eligibility procedures.
• Work with parent leaders to organize parent and center committee meetings.
• Work in collaboration with other program content areas to ensure parent engage is present in all aspects of child development.
• Coordinate family activities with classroom activities.
• Conduct three home visits a year per family: Orientation home visit two home visits with classroom teacher.
• Support parent understanding of their child goals for learning in conjunction with teaching staff.
• Complete Family Needs Assessments for 100% of the clients assigned to your caselod.
• Help families identify and access needed resources: health, mental health, social services, education, employment and training.
• Develop a Family Partnership agreement in collaboration with program participants for a minimum of 80% of all families within your caseload.
• Help families learn how to advocate for needed resources when necessary.
• Assist classroom staff and parents in developing transition plans for Head Start children entering public school.
• Ensure accurate and up to date records are maintained according to the performance standards and the agency’s recordkeeping requirements.
• Conduct and record medical screening for vision, height, and weight as required.
• Follow Policies and Procedure to document all work with families from program entry until the family transition out of Head Start.
• Administer attendance and late arrival/pickup policies.
• Assist other Head Start staff with projects as requested.
• Maintain Professional and Ethical Standards:
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with Agency policy and legal requirements.
• Respect and maintain rights and privacy of all staff, parents, and children. Maintain HIPAA compliances of all confidential information.Attend mandated trainings and meetings, and seek out staff development opportunities.
• Work as a team member with all Head Start and agency staff and maintain a positive work ethic.
• Adhere to NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and NASW Code of Ethics.

Qualifications

Educational Requirements: Minimum of a credential or certification within 18 months of hire, in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field. Candidates must hold an Associate's Degree or a minimum of 60 College Credits in a related field of study. Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or the required credential and certification as noted abouve preferred.

Experience Requirements: Experience in fields related to social, human, or family services.

Additional Qualifications:

• Work experience with multicultural populations.
• Ability to write reports and correspondence, and read and interpret documents
• Knowledge of various software programs such as MS Word, Excel, Power-Point, and Publisher. ChildPlus software or equivalent a plus
• Ability to effectively engage and communicate with community members and groups, managers, regulatory agencies, and families both individually and in group settings
• Ability to organize and manage time effectively
• Bilingual English/Spanish Required for one of the open positions