Family Advocate

Joint Council For Economic Opportunity•Malone, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

JCEO is a private, not-for-profit Community Action Agency serving Clinton and Franklin Counties in New York State since 1966. The Family Advocate supports families and individuals on their path to stability and self-sufficiency by building relationships through home visits, connecting clients with community resources, and advocating for families in everyday situations and during crises. The role guides families through enrollment and participation in Head Start and related services in a supportive, mission-driven environment. This is a full-time, non-exempt position located in Franklin County, New York, with an hourly pay rate of $16.82–$19.08. The position carries out community and family engagement activities, recruits and supports eligible children and families, maintains enrollment and records, coordinates referrals, and works with families, center teams, and community agencies. The employee must obtain a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field within eighteen months of hire, or have equivalent coursework as part of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Requirements

Within eighteen months of hire, obtain a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field; alternatively, have 12 credit hours in those fields as part of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Ability to read and understand governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, correspondence, and newsletters.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from groups of clients and coworkers.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, and percentages.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Meet the position's vision requirements, including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Carry out goals, policies, and activities designed to implement community and family engagement and performance standards.
Assist with preparing and distributing recruiting information and materials.
Recruit low-income children and children with disabilities through methods including door-to-door visits, and maintain full child enrollment through ongoing recruitment.
Notify the office of upcoming moves or changes in enrollment.
Maintain the center waiting list established by the Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment and Attendance (ERSEA) Specialist.
Conduct scheduled and as-needed home visits.
Inform families, as directed by the Family and Community Services Coordinator, of requirements for children's physical examinations, immunizations, and medical reports.
Participate in center team meetings.
Help team members maintain resource files and share information through parent newsletters approved by the Family and Community Services Coordinator.
Develop and maintain a calendar of events for parents and staff.
Participate in the self-assessment validation process as approved by the Family and Community Services Coordinator.
Participate in case conferences as required.
Assist parents, at the direction of the Family and Community Services Coordinator, with electing Policy Council representatives and forming parent groups.
Refer families to needed resources and community services and advocate on their behalf.
Transport parents to Head Start activities as needed.
Help parent volunteers understand Head Start procedures and regulations.
Maintain required records and documentation in locked files.
Enter family contacts, Family Partnership Agreements, referrals, and goal progress into CAPTAIN at least weekly.
Help classroom staff document Non Federal Share for volunteers and classroom donations.
Act as a liaison between families, center teams, and outside agency referrals as directed by the Family and Community Services Coordinator.
Report instances of child abuse or neglect and provide required follow-up.
Attend required meetings, in-services, and training.
Submit reports on time.
Maintain a complete inventory of parent supplies, equipment, and library resources.
Comply with health and safety regulations and perform duties consistently with JCEO's mission and goals.
Perform other related duties as assigned.