Family Advocate

Grand St Settlement Inc.•New York, NY

1d•$36,960 - $47,520

About The Position

The Family Advocate carries out the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) component of the program in connection with the partner’s School Readiness Goals and the Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) areas. The role supports high-quality service delivery in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations and the Head Start Program Performance Standards. Field work is required, along with meeting with families, planning, record keeping, and training. During the two-year start-up phase, the position will evolve, and interim responsibilities may be adjusted as program needs change. Responsibilities will be revisited once all center-based sites are operating. The role is based in Brooklyn, in the Early Childhood Department, and reports to the Family & Community Partnership Coordinator. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with one of the listed schedules: 8 a.m.–4 p.m., 9 a.m.–5 p.m., or 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Schedules may vary based on program needs. The salary range is $36,960–$47,520. Benefits include life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and vacation, personal, and sick time off.

Requirements

At minimum, a credential or certification, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field.
Experience working with families of children from birth to 48 months.
Ability to work effectively both as a team member and independently.
Experience, training, and skills in assisting parents of young children with advocacy and family decision-making.
Ability to develop positive relationships with children and parents.
Working knowledge of local community-based agencies and resources.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, and knowledge of web-based data systems.
Ability to work flexible hours to meet families’ needs.
Participation in required professional development activities to enhance skills.
Maintain certification in CPR and First Aid.
Complete required pre-employment clearances, including DOI fingerprint screening, NYS Central Registry and Sex Offender Registry clearances, three reference checks, and a physical examination with updated TB test, varicella, Tdap, and MMR; fees may apply.
Obtain a Mandated Reporter training certificate every two years and comply with agency policies and procedures for identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect.
Obtain First Aid/CPR and Preventive Infectious Diseases certificates within the first year of employment.
Meet all employee health requirements in Article 47 (DOHMH) and Head Start Performance Standards.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish/Chinese skills are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify, recruit, and enroll prospective families through outreach in accordance with eligibility regulations.
Support the center director in maintaining enrollment at 97% at all times.
Manage a caseload of families and develop and maintain strength-based relationships with them.
Collaborate with families to establish and achieve family goals, identify community resources, and track progress through Family Partnership Agreements.
Provide families with appropriate referrals and follow up with families and service providers.
Enter child and family information into the approved child-tracking database, COPA systems.
Assist with collecting children’s medical and dental records.
Maintain and provide data for the annual Program Information Report (PIR).
Record, monitor, and follow up on support-service referrals, and ensure children’s files are current and compliant with Head Start Performance Standards and the Head Start Act of 2007.
Encourage families to participate in Program Governance Meetings.
Maintain regular contact with partner providers to integrate family partnership goals with classroom efforts.
Assist in planning and facilitating parent involvement activities and events.
Participate in home visits as needed for follow-ups, attendance, or routine visits.
Communicate effectively with children, families, staff, management, and community partners.
Comprehend and implement Head Start Performance Standards and the policies of the Grand St. Settlement Early Childhood Program.
Provide verbal and written translations for parents or guardians and program needs as needed.
Assist parents with applications and transitions into 3K and Pre-K through the DOE.