Family Advocate/Family Support Specialist

PSESD•Seattle, WA

About The Position

We invite a highly qualified Family Advocate/Family Support Specialist to join our team. Family Support staff will work directly with our ERSEA and Family Engagement Team to implement Family Support Services at our subcontracted sites. Family Support will engage with families, teachers and children for the purpose of understanding and supporting ongoing needs of children and families in the program. The job of Family Advocate/Family Support Specialist is done for the purpose/s of determining eligibility for program, enrolling families in program, enlisting parental involvement in child educational programs; working with parents in identifying and achieving goals; accessing support services; creating training programs; and facilitating positive parent, school and student relationships.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or higher in human services, social services, family services, or counseling; or a related degree and 30 or more job-related credits; or a Family Development Certificate (completion within 6 months of hire date)
Experience working with culturally diverse families
Professional experience with Case Work
Demonstrates an understanding and commitment to using a racial equity lens

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a childhood setting
Experience with Community Based Organization, Grassroots Movements, and/or working with and for Social Justice
Experience with ECEAP reporting and administrative tasks
Bilingual speaking ability through Spanish language.

Responsibilities

Administers Head Start program standards for the purpose of ensuring program eligibility and compliance with mandated regulations.
Assesses family and infant/child needs for the purpose of determining eligibility and/or developing an action plan to remove barriers to child's success in school.
Assists parents in a variety of areas for the purpose of developing an action plan to remove barriers to child's success in school and supporting the family in basic life skills.
Develops individualized health, nutrition and family support plans for all enrolled children for the purpose of furthering family goals, plans, and success strategies.
Maintains a variety of manual and electronic documents, files and records for the purpose of providing required information and/or documentation.
Orients prospective participants for the purpose of establishing familiarity with program, services, and required processes.
Participates in workshops, meetings, community events, etc. for the purpose of receiving and/or presenting information.
Plans and facilitates family meetings and parent involvement events for the purpose of providing for family support needs and complying with program regulations.
Provides outreach to low income communities, community leaders and organizations for the purpose of recruiting families to Head Start, developing resources, and building partnerships with community members.
Provides or assists with providing health screenings, immunization verifications, and outside agency referrals for the purpose of promoting needed treatment and complying with program requirements.
Recruits selects and enrolls eligible children for the purpose of maintaining full enrollment and serving families most in need of services according to federal guidelines.
Reports suspected incidents (e.g. physical, sexual and/or substance abuse, contagious diseases, etc.) to appropriate parties for the purpose of maintaining students’ personal health and safety and adhering to Education Code, district and/or school policies.
Visits children's homes for the purpose of enrolling students in program, interviewing parents, informing parents/students of school and/or community resources and providing child development and parenting information.
Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.