Child & Family Advocate

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids•Grand Rapids, MI

3d•$18 - $22

About The Position

Child and Family Advocates will provide a strength-based partnership to parents and guardians enrolled in early childhood programs. By conducting assessments and collaborative goal setting, they will offer intentional and meaningful referrals to community resources and create diverse parent/guardian engagement opportunities. They will be culturally responsive, addressing the individual and unique needs of each family to ensure comprehensive support and inclusivity. Advocates will work to empower families, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that enhances the well-being and development of children within the program. Must be available Monday - Thursday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. This is a grant funded position through 09/30/2026

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in social work, education, public health, or 3-5 years related experience in family engagement, community outreach, or a related area. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to build trust and relationships with diverse families and community members. Excellent organizational and data management skills. Knowledge of local community resources and services.
Blood Borne Pathogen training
CPR Certification required within the first 60 days
First Aid Certification required within the first 60 days
State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT)
Fingerprinting
DHS clearance
Negative T.B. skin test

Nice To Haves

Multilingual abilities preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the establishment and maintenance of partnerships with 50 to 60 families annually.
Spearhead family engagement activities, including completing the Parent Gauge interviews, the Social Determinants of Health Assessment, co-creating family engagement events with families, connecting and referring families to appropriate resources such as housing, public benefits, medical or dental care, employment, etc., facilitating family involvement in their children’s education, and ensuring a collaborative partnership between parents and the school.
Drive the program’s efforts to partner with community agencies to align community resources to improve family outcomes.
Collaborate with families to successfully transition their child to the next classroom, program, or school through internal and external coordination of services and resources to support the child's well-being, academic development, and health.
Establish strong, productive, and trusting relationships with administrative team, school personnel, staff, families, and community members.
Actively seek input on family needs and address barriers to learning, equity and inclusion.
Collaborate with the family, child care director, teachers, the community, and agencies to design and implement the identified services at the school.
Assist with establishing the Parent Advisory Council by recruiting parent leaders, incorporating parent feedback through interviews, assessments, surveys, meetings etc.
Collect, interpret, and implement data informed decisions on a case-by-case basis to improve the desired outcomes of each individual family.
Ensures the timely submission of all required reports and supporting materials monthly.
Coordinates documents needed for internal and external program audits and compliance requirements.
Represent the organization at various school meetings and other outreach events including open houses, recruitment, and community events.
Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids