Family Advocate- Mt. Vernon

Inspire•Mt. Vernon, WA

About The Position

The Family Advocate ensures families meet eligibility criteria for social and health-related program services. For an assigned caseload, the advocate interviews clients individually, as families, or in small groups to identify child and family needs, support families’ capacities, and connect them with community resources to improve social, health, and mental health functioning in accordance with Head Start and/or ECEAP Performance Standards. The position participates in developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs). The advocate oversees recruitment, eligibility verification, waiting lists, enrollment, attendance tracking, and accurate entry and maintenance of family and child data. The role assesses family strengths and needs, develops progress goals, documents services and progress, conducts home visits, builds community partnerships, and connects families with available services. The advocate also promotes parent participation, organizes and delivers training, coordinates mental health and disability services, and performs specified enrollment health tasks and basic screenings. The position works under the Center Manager and collaborates with program support staff, compliance specialists, registered nurses, the Core Team, center staff, parents, and children. It also supports professional development, in-kind contributions, and confidentiality requirements. Inspire Development Centers provides early childhood education and social services through multiple federally and state-funded programs at centers across Washington.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or higher with the equivalent of 30 quarter credits in adult education, human development, human services, family support, social work, early childhood education, child development, psychology, or another directly related field; the credits may be part of or additional to the degree. Alternatively, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field, such as a Family Development Credential.
Alternatively, a high school diploma or GED and a requirement to obtain an Initial/CDA/AA in ECE or a related field; candidates who do not meet the minimum education requirement must meet it within 18 months of hire.
Fluency in spoken, written, and read English and Spanish.
Extensive knowledge and understanding of child development theories and practices.
Experience working in a federally funded and regulated environment, in policy and procedure processes, and in facilitating groups.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Experience addressing family concerns and risk management; understanding of interrelationships between services and systems.
Ability to learn tasks quickly and efficiently, handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, gather and analyze data for reports, and work with culturally diverse populations.
Strong customer service focus and proficiency with a personal computer, including Microsoft Office.
Accurate data management, documentation, and recordkeeping skills.
At least two years of work-related experience.
Must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid Washington State driver’s license; provide an annual driving abstract, maintain an acceptable driving history, and be able to travel for job duties.
Must pass initial and periodic background checks and employee health clearances; provide an employee health clearance within 45 days of employment.
Must provide an MMR immunization record or proof of immunity and comply with drug and/or alcohol testing under the organization’s policy.
Must have a current Food Handler card or obtain the training within 30 days of employment.
Must have current First Aid/CPR cards or obtain the training within 30 days of employment.
Must complete HIV/AIDS and Blood Borne Pathogen training within 30 days of employment.
Must sign a confidentiality agreement and complete all required position-related training.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field.
Previous Head Start or ECEAP experience and working knowledge of Performance Standards.
Knowledge of federal, state, and private social service programs available to the agriculture worker population.

Responsibilities

Recruit eligible children, including children with disabilities and severe disabilities, according to the criteria of different funding sources.
Verify child and family eligibility, maintain an up-to-date waiting list, select and enroll children using established criteria, and enter family and child information into database systems.
Review daily attendance, enter attendance results into database systems, contact parents about attendance, and assist with attendance plans when needed.
Assess family strengths and needs, develop progress goals, document progress, activities, services, and concerns in child and parent files, and conduct home visits as stated in service plans.
Develop local community partnerships and connect participants with information and resources for employment, education, welfare, health, legal services, housing, and training.
Communicate with parents to encourage participation in PCC and Parent meetings, follow up on requested parent trainings, and provide transportation to PC Representatives attending Policy Council meetings as needed.
Prepare and present relevant training for parents and staff; participate in center meetings; and organize local skill-building trainings based on community interests.
Ensure mental health and disability processes are followed, make referrals, help families access services, review ASQ screening scores and tool selection, schedule mental health observations, consultations, trainings, and orientations, participate in IEP and IFSP development, and coordinate severe-disability staffing as needed.
Complete enrollment health packets and basic non-invasive child health screenings; review immunizations; follow up on well-child and dental exams; make health, dental, and nutrition referrals; schedule related staffing; dispense authorized medications; and treat minor injuries and illness.
Attend staff meetings, workshops, trainings, and seminars to support professional growth.
Contribute to in-kind funds by requesting goods, services, or cash donations and encouraging professional, community, and parent volunteer participation.
Maintain confidentiality of program and client information.