Bilingual Lead Family Community Advocate

Volunteers of America Colorado•Denver, CO

14d•$57,784 - $57,784•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Family Community Advocate works closely with the Director of Children’s Programs, Center Manager, and Education and Disabilities Manager to support compliance with Head Start Performance Standards. The position directly supervises the Family Community Advocate team and coordinates outreach and recruitment to enroll eligible children and families in accordance with ERSEA. It also oversees enrollment and attendance records and data submissions. Using trauma-informed, culturally responsive case management, the Lead Family Community Advocate assesses family strengths, connects families with services within Volunteers of America and the community, and encourages parent participation in trainings and center activities. The role collaborates with program teams to meet outcomes and maintain compliance with Head Start Performance Standards. This is a full-time position at 321 S. Yates St., Denver, CO 80219. The schedule is Monday through Friday, either 7:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. or 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends. The listed annual pay is $57,784, exempt. Work is generally indoors, with occasional outdoor activities at playgrounds or community events. The position involves frequent sitting, standing, walking, and bending, and occasional lifting or pushing up to 50 pounds. Office noise is low; classroom and gym noise can be loud.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or a closely related field, with equivalent relevant experience, and/or obtain a Family Development Credential within the first six months of employment.
At least two years of experience providing case management and family support.
Demonstrated ability to build rapport with families from diverse backgrounds and facilitate parent involvement in program activities.
Bilingual in Spanish and English, with the ability to translate verbally and in writing.
Valid Colorado driver’s license and state-mandated automobile insurance.
Knowledge of Colorado Department of Early Childhood licensing requirements and Head Start Performance Standards.
Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and trauma-informed care.
Ability to provide equitable and inclusive services.
Knowledge of how children, adults, and elderly people learn.
Ability to facilitate large-group adult trainings.
Knowledge of state and federal standards, regulations, and requirements for early childhood centers.
Knowledge of CACFP, DPP, Denver Great Kids Head Start, UPK, and CCAP.
Ability to read detailed child educational plans.
Ability to maintain a positive organizational culture.
Understanding of human diversity.
Understanding of HIPAA, FERPA, the NAEYC Code of Ethics, and the Social Workers Code of Ethics.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health.

Nice To Haves

Infant Mental Health Endorsement.
Experience evaluating situations and making decisions.
Good organizational skills and effective communication ability.

Responsibilities

Work with Family Services, teaching teams, and the Education and Disabilities Manager to design and implement activities that increase parent involvement in program, community, and family literacy activities.
Coordinate outreach and recruitment with the Family Services team to enroll eligible children, help parents meet enrollment criteria, and maintain a prioritized wait list.
Use a database to track program enrollment and attendance, gathering information from teaching staff and the Family Services team.
Document monthly attendance and enrollment changes and report them to the Head Start Director, agency, teaching staff, and Family Services team.
Prepare and submit required reports and administrative forms to the Director of Children’s Programs.
Provide case management services and support families in progressing toward self-sufficiency.
Build rapport and maintain ongoing communication with families through classroom contacts, home visits, phone calls, monthly calendars, and other written materials.
Develop individualized, flexible, accessible, and responsive options based on each family’s strengths and needs, and help families define and set attainable goals.
Guide families in obtaining and using medical and dental services.
Initiate and track in-kind services, including recruiting and supervising parent volunteers.
Work with the assigned classroom team and occasionally fill in for a teacher or teacher assistant when necessary.
Attend orientations, trainings, education programs, staff meetings, community meetings, conferences, and workshops relevant to the position.
Perform duties professionally, follow the Social Work and NAEYC codes of ethics, and maintain confidentiality.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Directly supervise the Family Community Advocate team.
Support compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and ERSEA requirements.