Family Advocate

Early Learning Essentials•Provo, UT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Make a difference in the community with Early Learning Essentials (ELE)! We are a non profit organization that offers preschool services to children and families who encounter life's challenges and need a hand up. Full-time positions enjoy exceptional benefits with medical, dental, life, and a 401(k). We are a family friendly company as all staff enjoy gym benefits, weekends off, and twice the normal holidays! POSITION SUMMARY: Position is 204 working days and 11 paid Holidays; a typical work week Monday - Friday with an expectation of no more than 40 hours per week (part-time is 204 working days and does not include Holidays and an expectation of no more than 20-28 hours per week depending on assigned site and caseload). Occasional evening and Saturday work may be required. For weeks with less than five working days, daily hours only apply. Requires use of own vehicle to conduct business. Part-time summer work may be available and may be required depending on agency needs for full time staff and is a requirement for part-time staff with a beginning employment date of July 15, 2013 or later. This position is not eligible for telecommuting as it is front-line work in nature working face-to-face with families and/or children, as well as center- based supporting classroom and center operations. Supports ELE in achieving the organizational mission, as well as grant and School Readiness goals/plan through the implementation of organizational policies and procedures, and in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and indicators outlined in the 2007 Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act. Collaborates with the Family & Community Services Director, Family Service Coordinators, and other Family Service staff in achieving Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) outcomes through providing comprehensive social services to assigned children and families. Has major responsibility for the promotion of Head Start in the community . Responsible for ongoing recruitment and enrollment efforts and supports transition services. Monitors and supports attendance at assigned sites. Provides family Orientations and Home Visits for assigned families. Responsible for guiding parents in the development of the Family Partnership Agreement, with strength-based activities that address their individual interests and needs and achieve the outcomes of the PFCE Framework. Helps families identify their strengths and needs using assessment tools; and empowers families in setting and achieving family goals and objectives. Follows through with the delivery of needed services and referrals. Supports parent engagement activities including the Parent Committee and Policy Council. Encourages male involvement.

Requirements

Ability to write and speak the English language in a proficient and professional manner to meet requirements of the job.
Knowledge of e-mail, internet and computer programs and ability to use a computer to collect, record, retrieve data and prepare reports.
Ability to plan, formulate and execute record keeping procedures in accordance with assigned duties.
Ability to prioritize and manage workload to meet strict deadlines.
Ability to relate to low-income and diverse populations.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, be detail oriented, and to develop solutions to problems with limited supervision.
Ability to work independently and as a team to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, families, community groups, and other related agencies and people.
Must obtain Food Handler Certificate upon hire, if not currently certified.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree or graduating within 6 months in social services, psychology, family studies, human services or related field preferred.
If no bachelor's degree, candidates who have a High School diploma and a Family Support Professional or similar Certification acceptable to the agency or, who are willing to complete training and receive The National Family Support Certification from the Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals (IAFSP), within 18 months of hire, will be considered (IAFSP) Certification cost paid for by the agency.
Two years relevant experience preferred in a social service or human service-related field providing social services for low-income clientele or a combination of education and experience.
Bilingual in Spanish is preferred and may be required for specific locations.

Responsibilities

Builds trusting relationships with parents to provide professional case management, prevention and early intervention services.
Visits with assigned families throughout the year in their home to support families with any needs and help them in setting and achieving family goals and objectives.
Uses and increases knowledge of community resources to refer families to services according to what they need and follows through with the delivery of needed services and referrals.
Monitors child's attendance and works closely with parents to identify obstacles and problem solve with them to establish regular attendance.
Promotes parent and male engagement at school to help them develop strong relationships with their child, understand their impact on their child's education and to advocate for their child.
Helps train parents elected to a Parent committee officer position to plan and carry out the activities of the committee, and participates in those activities.
Participates in Family and DUDE activities when possible.
Actively promotes Head Start in the community by participating in recruitment efforts and activities.
Supports parents with transition into and out of ELE services.
Demonstrates understanding of the child abuse/neglect laws and reports suspected child abuse to the Family & Community Services Director.
Takes an active role in monthly correlation meetings as an integral and supportive team member at the assigned center and works with teaching staff, Health Specialists and other center staff to accomplish all tasks.