Family Advocate (Center)

ERIE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE•Chicago, IL

13d•$21 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Erie Neighborhood House has provided the most comprehensive support immigrant and low-income families in Chicago need to thrive and has constantly evolved to meet their needs. Today, Erie House is a modern social services nonprofit with programming and resources for children and youth, mental health and community wellness, adult education and training, legal services, and more. Through these programs, we empower the people we work alongside to build powerful communities. Reporting to the Family Services Manager, the Family Advocate basic function is coordination of health requirements, goal setting, and family partnership agreements for families enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program. This includes written parent communications and data entry in CSD CARED and/or Child Plus database.

Requirements

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field preferred required
Illinois Gateways Family Service credential level 5
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
Proof of eligibility to work in the United States
Upon offer of employment, must complete all forms related to hiring, including Erie’s application and employment status.
Must provide three letters of recommendation.
In addition, must complete all DCFS licensing forms, including a criminal background check, fingerprinting and a child abuse and neglect background check
MUST BE A MEMBER OF AFSCME OR JOIN AFTER 30 DAYS

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

Maintains all records regarding health services (physical exams, dental exams, hearing and vision screenings, heights and weights, as well as any asthma action plans, or food allergies) according to Head Start/Early Head Start performance standards.
Enters all health related information into CSD-Cares and ChildPlus in a timely manner.
Follows up on progress of EPSDT
Documents all follow up notes in CSD CARES/ ChildPlus
Responsible for communicating with teaching staff about children’s health needs
Notifies parents of expiration of health requirements in a timely manner
Responsible for obtaining child health histories
Checks classroom First Aid kits and replenishes them as needed, maintains First Aid kit supply logs.
Checks classroom First Aid Backpack kits and replenishes them as needed
Participates in the program’s annual self-assessment and community assessment
Completes Family Partnership Agreements with all families.
Follows up on progress on goals monthly.
Documents all follow up notes in CSD-Cares and ChildPlus
Maintains a strong system of resource and referral for families including formal and informal partnerships
Assists Family Services Manager, Family Advocate Coordinator with all parent involvement activities and events including monthly parent meetings and special center events.
Maintains all children’s files in an organized and confidential manner
Collect and enter attendance for the assigned classes in CSD-Cares and ChildPlus daily by 10:30 AM according to Head Start standards.
Contacts parents of children who are absent to find and document the reason for absence by 10:30 AM daily. This contact is entered in CSDCares and ChildPlus
Assists parents with transition process.
Notifies parents of children’s transition into new classroom and meets with new teacher to share information regarding child’s health status and potential dietary needs
Responsible for compliance with all agency requirements, as well as DCFS licensing requirements, Head Start performance standards and NAEYC standards.
Participates in recruitment for program twice monthly or as assigned
Participates in monthly all staff meetings, and attends all mandated meetings and trainings
Maintains a current Illinois Gateways Registry membership
Participates in 20 hours of professional development per program year, five hours of which are gateways approved hours
Responsible for the program complying with Erie, the Board of Education and State Licensing requirements and performance standards, including promoting the health and safety of all the children, following sanitation procedures and universal precautions, completing a bi-annual physical exam, complying with the Confidentiality and Child Abuse and Neglect Act as a mandated reporter, as well as the American with Disabilities Act and Erie’s inclusion Policy
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

Compensation of $21.15- $22.11 / hour based on experience
Work / life integration
Generous paid time off
Full Time employee
12 accrued sick days per year
3 personal days
Paid birthday off
8 paid holidays, including Juneteenth
In addition to above paid holidays, paid week off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
Vacation Year 1 = 8 days
Year 2 = 13 days
Year 3 + = 20 days
Access to alternative and flexible work schedules and personal leave, where possible
Two-weeks fully paid Parental Leave, for eligible employees
Time off for school conferences and activities as well as bereavement leave
Employer-sponsored learning and development programs
Paid day off annually for personal professional development
Tuition Assistance & Debt Relief Program, as budget allows
DEI Council-sponsored education and engagement series
Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance
Employer-paid life insurance
Voluntary life and AD&D and shot and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, vision and dependent care
403b with employer match
Employee Assistance Program
Yoga, Zumba and Book Club, when onsite