Family Advocate - Head Start/Early Head Start

Indiana Public Schools•New Albany, IN

50d•$22 - $23

About The Position

We are seeking a compassionate, strengths-based Family Advocate to partner with families, promote child development and school readiness, and connect households to community resources and support services. The ideal candidate will build trusting relationships, help families set and achieve goals, support family engagement and leadership within the program, and coordinate referrals and advocacy to remove barriers to success. Strong communication skills, cultural humility, and a commitment to trauma-informed practice are required.

Requirements

Associate Degree in Human Services or related field required.
Possess a valid driver's license.
Ability to safely and physically transport a preschool/toddler/infant child; vision and hearing adequate to supervise children.
Hold or obtain CPR card for Adult, Child, & Infant within 90 days of employment.
Have ability to communicate with children, parents, staff, and professionals and work in a group setting.
Ability to be flexible and work as a member of a cooperative team.
Must be computer literate, with skills sufficient to work in the tracking system.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor Degree in Social Work preferred.

Responsibilities

Complete eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment and attendance activities based on company policies and procedures and Family Service Manual
Recognize and identify each family's risk and protective factors.
Establish professional roles and boundaries in working with families.
Complete Assessments, Agreements, and Goal-setting with families as required.
Follow documentation procedure for all Family contacts, attempts, and family-related information
Plan and Facilitate workshops and events as assigned, fulfilling assigned duties
Make family contacts and visits as required by Family Partnership Procedure, documenting all efforts and addressing the highest risk first.
Facilitate the delivery of services to children and families through collaboration with community partners.
Participate in community resource opportunities and establish strong partnerships
Record and Documentation procedures are followed as required in Policies.
Record data and progress on Monthly Report to Supervisor
Carry Out any family or contact release data updates and inform others according to the Policy.
Attend and contribute to regular Advocate Meetings, trainings, etc.
Exhibits willingness/flexibility in day to day operations and in providing needed services to families and staff
Actively participates in two-way communication to ensure staff is informed of pertinent information
Complete regularly meetings with education staff as assigned to mindfully address Family needs
Occasionally provide backup classroom staff coverage for breaks
Reliable, consistent attendance is a requirement and essential function of the job.
Positive relationships are developed with staff, parents, children and the community
Professional knowledge, skills and attitudes are enhanced by the utilization of opportunities and resources available,
Confidentiality will be maintained in accordance with federal, state and local regulations and agency policy.
Responsibilities are carried out to a successful completion
Desired results are achieved with children, parents, staff and community by effectively using all forms of communication

Benefits

All staff work 36 hours but are paid for 40 as long as all scheduled time is worked, the additional 4 hours may be utilized for makeup if needed/wanted
Some Fridays are required (4 hours only) through out the school year for In-Service and Training times, all dates are provided up front.
49 weeks per year paid (1 week in October, 1 week in December, and 1 week in July off and unpaid)
Pay is $22.36/hour for the first 65-working days then raises to $23.03/hour
PTO accrued monthly
Paid holidays
Health, Dental and Vision insurance
Life Insurance (Agency paid)
Paid professional development
Tuition assistance opportunities
Access to on-site staff gym