Family Advocate

You Thrive Florida•Brooksville, FL

3d•$19 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Advocate recruits and enrolls eligible families for the Head Start/Early Head Start program and identifies the needs of families and children. The role provides comprehensive case management to help families establish and pursue goals, access services, and achieve and maintain self-sufficiency. The position is based at Brooksville Head Start in Brooksville, Florida, with occasional travel to other counties and possible changes to the primary work location within the program’s operational regions with reasonable notice. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Occasional weekday evening or weekend community events may be required. The Family Advocate works with families, center staff, health services staff, community partners, and program leadership. The role maintains accurate and confidential records, supports family participation and parent engagement, and follows applicable Head Start/Early Head Start standards, laws, and organizational policies. The position requires a valid Florida driver’s license and the ability to meet background-screening and clearance requirements for working with children. The position is full-time and benefits eligible. The employer offers vacation, sick leave, PTO, employer-paid health benefits, vision and dental plans, a 403(b) retirement plan, company-paid holidays, pet insurance, employer-paid basic life insurance of $30,000, long-term disability insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. The employer is qualified for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Requirements

Minimum of a high school diploma and FDC Course.
A credential or certification in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, counseling, or a related field.
Obtain First Aid and CPR certification.
Within 90 days of employment, begin at least one of the DCF Child Care training courses listed in Florida Statute 402.305(2)(d).
Within 18 months of hire, complete the required Head Start/Early Head Start certification training hours.
Complete the mandated 55 hours of Florida DCF Child Care Training as outlined in the Family Advocate Career Advancement Criteria.
Obtain ERSEA certification within one year of hire and maintain it annually thereafter.
No experience is required for candidates with an associate degree or higher in Human Services or Social Work.
Valid Florida driver’s license and insurability under the company’s current carrier.
Meet federal, state, and local legal requirements and background-check/clearance requirements for working with children.
Ability to arrive at work daily and on time and work with limited direction.
Knowledge of organizational methods and ability to complete work accurately.
Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to establish effective working relationships, particularly with parents and children.
Ability to analyze and interpret data and human/family needs.
Ability to use and operate a personal computer and work with children.
Knowledge of early childhood issues and community programs and resources.
Ability to maintain child and parent confidentiality and be reliable, responsible, and accountable.
Ability to pass a competency exam with a satisfactory score as defined by YTF administration.

Responsibilities

Recruit eligible children, including children with disabilities, to meet Head Start/Early Head Start enrollment requirements.
Complete applications, parent interviews, and enrollment processes.
Schedule, facilitate, and document Project Spotlight and ensure required follow-up is completed.
Provide case management by helping families identify needs and goals, develop family partnership agreements, make referrals, and follow up.
Collaborate with health services staff to ensure child health requirements are met.
Connect families with community resources to address basic needs during crises.
Document case management activities and maintain required documentation in ChildPlus.net.
Assist with scheduling initial home visits for teaching teams when required, and provide subsequent visits as needed.
Prepare, maintain, and update child and family files and records in accordance with policies and procedures.
Support families in coordinating, preparing for, and participating in Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Experiences; participate in parent events.
Collaborate with the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Committee and Family Services Coordinator to support parent and male engagement and center activities.
Work with center staff to promote and document family participation and provide participation feedback to parents and staff.
Document and follow up on excessive absenteeism and attendance concerns; ensure compliance with the Rilya Wilson Act.
Submit reports, documents, and files as directed, and meet monthly with the ERSEA Supervisor to discuss report outcomes.
Maintain ongoing, positive communication with families, greet parents during child arrival and departure when possible, and share information about community events.
Collaborate with the Community Outreach Coordinator and participate in community activities and events that support families, the program, and community awareness.
Act as an advocate and role model for Head Start/Early Head Start families.
Attend and actively participate in training programs, staff meetings, and other meetings and trainings.
Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information and effective working relationships with coworkers and outside contacts.
Organize and prioritize assignments; participate in safety, storm, and fire drills.
Follow applicable federal, state, and local regulations, Head Start/Early Head Start standards, administrative directions, and You Thrive Florida policies and procedures.
Participate in ongoing monitoring, Community Assessment, and Self-Assessment, and perform related functions.
Perform additional duties as directed by a supervisor or management.