Family Advocate

Community Action Corporation of South Texas•Rockport, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Advocate provides case management to designated families through referrals and supportive services, serving as a liaison among families, staff, and community partners. The position plans, implements, and documents services across health, nutrition, disability, transition, mental health, and parent, family, and community engagement content areas for Head Start families with children ages 0–5. The role builds partnerships and relationships with families, uses individualized Family Assessments and a strengths-based approach to establish family goals, and connects families with resources and opportunities that support engagement and school readiness. It coordinates with teaching staff and the Operations Manager, maintains accurate electronic records, supports enrollment and classroom-related activities, and follows up on referrals and family needs. Work is performed in a classroom and office setting, generally during regular business hours and averaging at least 40 hours per week. Hours may vary due to special projects and deadlines. The position requires a pre-employment physical and the ability to meet the listed physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Experience working with parents and/or children in a childcare, school, or office setting where social services are coordinated.
A baccalaureate or associate degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling, or a related field; or a credential or certification in one of these fields or a related field.
Prepare and train in the competency goals and indicators for Family Service Workers and attend the certification course as required by Head Start Act 648A.
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Pass a DFPS background check.
Pass a pre-employment physical before employment begins.
Obtain a Health Certificate annually.
Within 30 days of employment, obtain Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification and have a current Food Handler’s Card.
Attend 24 clock hours of professional development and staff training per year as outlined by Head Start Program Performance Standards and Texas HHS Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers.
Frequent significant decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work as a team member and collaborate with staff, parents, and community resources.
Meet the listed sensory, communication, mobility, and lifting requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

At least 1 year of Head Start experience.
Master’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Establish community partnerships to enhance the quality of services provided to Head Start families with children ages 0–5.
Assist Enrollment and Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) content areas with outreach, recruitment, transitions, and other required activities.
Connect families with opportunities supporting family engagement in school readiness, safety, financial literacy, health, and family wellness, including parent committee meetings, advisory committee meetings, parent/caregiver trainings, and Policy Council.
Deliver appropriate, timely case management services to diverse family systems and families experiencing crisis.
Maintain accurate, organized, and current electronic documentation of event notes and information related to health, mental health, disabilities, family engagement, and nutrition.
Work closely with the Operations Manager to report on family-related services and end-of-year Program Information Reports.
Build strong family relationships using individualized Family Assessments and a strengths-based approach to set family goals.
Maintain ongoing contact with teaching staff to share relevant home information and learn about children’s classroom performance.
Assist families in obtaining current immunizations and meeting care plan, physical, dental, mental health, disability, and nutrition requirements, including referrals and follow-up.
Ensure health assessments are completed for all assigned sites in accordance with Program Performance Standards.
Provide appropriate information and referrals for families and children, and follow up and document whether services were received and needs were met.
Assist teaching staff with documentation and child supervision in the classroom as required.
Support teaching staff in providing children with safe, nurturing, high-quality educational practices, including positive staff-child interactions, safe handling, and child-centered learning experiences, as needed.
Complete enrollment interviews, monitor classroom folders, and ensure all forms are uploaded into electronic software.
Perform other duties as assigned by the assigned Supervisor.