On-Call Family Advocate

Bear River Head Start•Logan, UT

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

This On-Call Family Advocate position is part time, fixed hours Monday-Friday. Rate of pay is $20.26 hourly. Eligible for SEP retirement plan after 13 months of employment. Must be proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in English, must also have a GED or high school diploma. Preference will be given to applicants with a BA or BS degree in the Human Service Field. KEY FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Family Services Coordinator, direct supervision may be assigned according to program needs. The Family Advocate will provide services to children and families by making home visits, providing information and referrals as needed, and supporting families in developing and attaining goals.

Requirements

Must be proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in English
Must have a GED or high school diploma
Must have reliable transportation
Ability to work with adults and children from a variety of cultural backgrounds
Understand the special challenges faced by lesser income families
Ability to advocate for Head Start children and families in the community
Must be able to work flexible hours, i.e., evenings & weekends as needed
Creative problem solving skills
People orientated personality
Must be highly motivated
Excellent written and communication skills
Must maintain a high level of professional ethics at all times
Must be able to pass a background check
All applicants must also pass a drug test prior to hire including working with children and families. Refusal to submit to testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration.

Nice To Haves

BA or BS degree in the Human Service Field, i.e., Social Work, Family Human Development, Sociology, etc., preferred
A program must ensure staff who work directly with families on the family partnership process hired after November 7, 2016, have within eighteen months of hire, at a minimum, a credential or certification in social work, human services, counseling or a related field.
Previous experience working with families preferred
Spanish speaking preferred

Responsibilities

Meet with both parents.
Assess family strengths and needs by completing the Family Assessment with family.
Support the family in developing and attaining goals in areas of need identified in the Family Assessment.
Be aware of services available in the community. Provide parents with information about community resources and make referrals as needed. Follow up on all referrals. Ensure that families receive the services they need.
Maintain accurate and thorough documentation in Child Plus of home visits, all contacts with families, referrals, information given, and mental health updates, PIR, etc.
Assist parents in establishing a medical and dental home. Ensure children receive required initial medical and dental examinations and follow-up as needed. Provide appointment dates and documentation to the Health Specialist through meetings.
Keep Family Services Coordinator informed of families’ mental health needs through Child Plus.
Attend and facilitate Parent Committee Meetings in service area.
Participate in planning and presenting workshops, seminars and other trainings for parents.
Assist in facilitating and promoting Parent Engagement.
Keep food handler’s permit current.
Provide support to the Disabilities Specialist by assisting with Developmental Screenings and attending IEP & IFSP meetings when needed.
Become familiar with the Performance Standards, especially those in the Family & Community Engagement Section.
Include both parents in all aspects of Head Start and encourage participation in: Home Visits, Parent Committee Meetings, Parenting Classes, etc. Make sure to document these efforts.
Meet weekly with staff supervisor to review Child Plus, paperwork, medical and dental needs, discuss family concerns and problem solve, etc.
Meet weekly with teachers. Complete meeting form, make assignments and follow-up.
Attend all mandatory team meetings, trainings, etc.
Maintain a high level of professionalism in all job-related settings.
Oversee recruitment of eligible children for Head Start in service area.
Other duties as assigned.