Family Advocate - Sioux County

Mid-Sioux Opportunity Inc•Orange City, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Advocate position is within the Early Head Start program in Sioux County, reporting to the Family Engagement & Health Coordinator. The primary work location is Orange City. This is a regular, full-time position eligible for benefits, working 8 hours per day, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, for 52 weeks a year. Hours are subject to change based on financial and program requirements. The role involves working collaboratively with staff to achieve positive outcomes for children and families, establishing and maintaining a positive and supportive environment, and communicating effectively with parents on an ongoing basis. Key responsibilities include conducting weekly home-visits, involving families in educational activities, collecting and assessing child development data, assisting families with goal setting, tracking health-related appointments, planning socializations, partnering with community resources, making referrals, and completing necessary documentation accurately and in a timely manner. The position also requires promoting health education, representing the program in community meetings, participating in recruitment, promoting dental hygiene, and collaborating on child and family transitions. The role demands flexibility in hours, including some evenings, and the ability to work without direct supervision. Additionally, the Family Advocate must follow cleaning procedures, maintain accurate data entry, adhere to program policies, contribute to a positive work environment, and complete at least 15 hours of professional development training annually. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Early Childhood or related field required.
Able to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, push and pull regularly.
Lift up to 10 pounds often; lift up to 20 pounds occasionally; lift over 20 pounds rarely.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational and computer skills.
Submit to the Department of Human Services Criminal History and a Request for Child Abuse Information Records Check prior to employment and every two (2) years thereafter.
Submit to FBI National Fingerprint Criminal History Check prior to hire and every four (4) years thereafter.
Submit to a Motor Vehicle Records check prior to employment and every year thereafter.
Complete a DHS Physical Exam prior to employment and every 3 years.
Complete a Tuberculosis Screening or Assessment prior to employment.
Complete mandatory reporter training within 3 months of hire and every 3 years thereafter.
Adhere to HS/EHS Standards of Conduct.
Sign and maintain required confidentiality statement.
Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance and reliable transportation.
Attend required in-services, trainings, orientations and meetings.
Must be able to complete job duties as described with reasonable accommodations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s is preferred.
Experience in human services, social services, adult education and/or early childhood education preferred.
Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Be knowledgeable of Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards, Iowa Licensing Regulations and programs policies/procedures.
Must be able to relate to low resource preschool children, families and staff in a positive manner.
Works collaboratively with staff to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
Establish and maintain a positive and supportive environment for families.
Effectively communicate with parents on an ongoing basis.
Complete weekly home-visits with families. Families may be high-risk with DHS involvement.
Involve families in activities to enhance their role as the primary influence on their child’s education and development by utilizing Parents-As-Teachers (P.A.T.) Curriculum and Language Environment Analysis (LENA) Program.
Collect anecdotal notes that are current, ongoing, factual and objective on children and enter into the Teaching Strategies online GOLD.
Use ongoing assessment information to improve curriculum implementation and individualize learning experiences.
Assist families in assessing strengths and needs. Help families use the results of the assessment to develop goals. Follow up and support family efforts to achieve these goals.
Complete Family Outcomes three times a year.
Track, remind and follow up to ensure child’s well-baby checks, physicals, immunizations and dentals and up to date.
Plan and organize group socializations for children and families.
Partner with community resources to provide services to families and children.
Make appropriate referrals and follow-up on referrals to ensure that the family receives appropriate services.
Complete home-visits, reports, scanning, paperwork and documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
Transport children and families to WIC, medical/dental appointments and Policy Council.
Assist in meeting in-kind program requirements.
Promote and instill the importance of prenatal care, good nutrition, healthcare of an infant, breastfeeding, birth control, smoking cessation, parenting classes, substance abuse or other health education classes.
Represent program by attending community planning council meetings.
Participate in programs recruitment process; including attending WIC clinics.
Promote best dental practices to children and parents.
Collaborate with center team in transitioning the children and families after they leave the program.
Able to work flexible hours without direct supervision, including some evenings.
Follow cleaning procedures to maintain a clean and sanitary classroom/center.
Complete necessary paperwork in an accurate and timely manner including data entry into the Child Plus system.
Follow HS/EHS policies and procedures.
Responsible for contributing to a positive and productive work environment.
Attend at minimum 15 hours of trainings for professional development requirements.
Able to work flexible hours without direct supervisions, including some evenings.
Other duties as assigned.