Early Head Start-Child Care Family Advocate - Choctaw and Pushmataha Counties

LIFT Community Action Agency•Hugo, OK

24d

About The Position

The Early Head Start–Child Care (EHS-CC) Family Advocate provides family service assistance and case management to families with children enrolled in the LIFT CAA Early Head Start Program. The role supports the safety and well-being of enrolled children and implements, coordinates, and provides family support services, including Family Partnership Agreements, parent involvement, volunteer services, and community partnerships. The Advocate helps families build on their strengths, set goals, identify resources, and address concerns such as access to health services, education, job training, and employment assistance. The position also coordinates or provides training to parents and community agencies and may substitute in an Early Head Start classroom as needed. The role requires maintaining accurate and confidential family records, conducting home visits and parent contacts, following up on referrals, supporting parent advocacy, and coordinating with community agencies and program staff. The Advocate assists with developmental and health screenings, medical and dental appointments, referrals, and transitions from Early Head Start to Head Start. The position is safety-sensitive and involves work in enclosed classroom and office settings, occasional home visits, daily driving, and frequent interaction with children and families. The position reports to the Assistant Director and has no supervisory responsibilities. It is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a sociology field, or obtain a Family Development Credential within 18 months of hire; experience may be considered in lieu of education requirements.
Must be able to read, speak, and write English proficiently.
Must demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, problem-solving, planning, and organizational skills; patience; conflict-resolution ability; kindness; creativity; resourcefulness; attention to detail; multitasking ability; a desire to succeed; and the ability to cope with stress.
Must become CPR-certified as an instructor as soon as classes are available.
Must obtain and maintain first aid and infant/toddler CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
Must obtain required criminal record check clearance before hire and during employment as required, and meet the stated restrictions concerning criminal activity, convictions, charges, and offender registration.
Must provide documentation of a physical health examination, obtain an annual health examination, and complete TB screening.
Must provide reliable transportation and hold a valid driver's license; daily driving is required.
Must be able to sit or stand in a stationary position, move around the office, operate a computer and office machinery, communicate and exchange accurate information, and visually monitor children.
Must frequently lift at least 40 pounds and occasionally move or carry items weighing up to 30 pounds or more; must be able to lift arms above shoulder level and spend time daily sitting on the floor with children.
Must sit and eat with children at mealtimes and share the same menu; a physician's statement is required for special dietary needs.
Must maintain confidentiality, accurate records, and professional conduct.

Responsibilities

Provide case management and conduct regular case reviews for assigned EHS-CC children and families.
Conduct home visits, collect data, maintain records, and complete other case management duties.
Maintain accurate, current, and confidential child and family files and complete accurate data entry.
Implement family support services in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, including helping families obtain health, dental, and other identified services.
Provide individual and group services to EHS-CC families.
Follow up with families on referrals to community agencies to ensure services are satisfactorily provided.
Develop and maintain linkages with family support service agencies and advocate for Early Head Start families in the community.
Train and support parents to advocate for themselves and their families; assist with compiling a resource manual.
Support parent involvement, including organizing and supporting the Parent Classroom Committee and participating in monthly classroom parent meetings.
Complete required home visits and parent contacts according to program schedules and procedures.
Help families identify and access health, mental health, social services, education, and job-training resources; support family goal development.
Coordinate or provide training for parents and community members based on Family Assessments.
Assist families in obtaining medical and dental services, maintain records of results, and document follow-up.
Refer children for further evaluation when necessary and assist with developmental and health screenings, including hearing, vision, height, and weight screenings.
Schedule and follow up on medical and dental appointments in a timely manner.
Participate in IEP and IFSP staffing as required.
Assist classroom staff and parents in developing transition plans for children moving from Early Head Start to a Head Start center.
Maintain an environment respectful of child and family cultures, values, and differences; assist non-English-speaking families.
Provide program documentation in a timely manner and maintain confidentiality.
Substitute in an Early Head Start classroom as needed and assist other staff with projects as requested.
Attend and participate in staff, parent, and training meetings and pursue professional growth through available classes, workshops, and conferences.
Report to work as scheduled, maintain good attendance, and perform duties in a timely and professional manner.
Perform other duties as assigned and reasonably within the scope of the position.
Follow program rules concerning smoking, language, cell phone use, meals, and beverages while children are present.