Family Advocate - Head Start (Aberdeen & Edgewood)

The Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) is a private non-profit organization that provides services in response to the needs of rural, low-income households and communities. MRDC serves as Caroline, Cecil, Harford and Kent Counties’ official Community Action Agency.

The Family Advocate serves as a vital link between Head Start preschool families and the program, ensuring that families receive the necessary support, resources, and education to foster a strong home-to-school connection. This role involves assisting families in identifying needs, setting goals, accessing community services, and promoting family engagement in their child’s early education.

This position will be required to travel between the Aberdeen and Edgewood Centers.

Job Responsibilities:

• Build trusting relationships with families to encourage active participation in their child’s education.

• Conduct home visits and family meetings to assess strengths, needs, and goals.

• Support families in achieving self-sufficiency by connecting them with community resources (e.g., housing assistance, employment services, healthcare).

• Develop and implement family partnership agreements to set individualized goals.

• Encourage parental involvement in classroom activities, school events, and volunteer opportunities.

• Provide guidance to families on child development, school readiness, and positive parenting strategies.

• Work closely with teachers and staff to ensure family engagement is integrated into educational activities.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local services, including healthcare, mental health, food assistance, and social services.

• Refer families to appropriate agencies and follow up to ensure services are received.

• Advocate for families in accessing benefits and overcoming barriers to support.

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of family interactions, assessments, and referrals.
• Assist in enrollment and recruitment efforts to ensure program capacity.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and other regulatory requirements.
• Participate in staff training, meetings, and professional development activities.
• Thinks, concentrates, and positively interacts with others
• Comes to work promptly every day
• Works under stress and meets all deadlines
• OTHER DUTIES: (Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.) Performs related work as required or assigned.

Experience:

•  Associate’s (Bachelor’s degree Preferred) in Social Work, Family Studies, Early Childhood Education, Human Services, or a related field from an accredited college or university
• Prior experience in social services, family support, early childhood education, or community outreach preferred

Required Skills/Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse families in a non-judgmental, supportive manner.
• Knowledge of community resources and referral processes.
• Ability to manage documentation and maintain confidentiality.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not required
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive to various MRDC locations throughout the sate
• Demonstrated success in accomplishing tasks as outlined above
• Must pass criminal background check and fingerprinting
• Must pass all Maryland licensing requirements to include medical evaluation and tuberculosis screening

Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in a combination of office, classroom, and home visit settings.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for family events or meetings.
• Position requires significant periods of standing, walking, kneeling, sitting on the floor or crouching
• May at times require lifting 25lbs – 50lbs

Terms of Employment:

Twelve (12) month; full-time position

Compensation:

Hourly Range $23.58 - $24.90 Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

Benefits:

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

• Health Saving Account
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term Disability
• Training & Development

Maryland Rural Development Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]