Family Advocate (Early Childhood) (Head Start)

Guadalupe Centers•Kansas City, MO

2h•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Advocate serves as a liaison between the classroom and home environments to support family engagement, child development, and overall family well-being. Maintains a caseload of 40-45 families and provides direct services through recruitment, enrollment, family partnership development, and advocacy to support positive outcomes for children and families.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or certification in Social Work required.
Minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience in early childhood, family services, social services, or a related field required.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) verbal and written communication skills required.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse populations in a respectful and professional manner.
Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities, prioritize tasks, and maintain accurate documentation.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when working with sensitive information.
Strong cultural awareness, empathy, and ability to work effectively in a non-judgmental, inclusive environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace applications.
Ability to successfully pass a background check, drug screening, TB test, and required state and federal fingerprint clearances.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of community resources and family support systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Establish relationships with program families.
Support families by identifying their needs, strengths and goals.
Monitor progress toward families goals jointly.
Greet families at drop off and pick up times to establish solid relationships.
Develop Family Partnership Goals with families within 90 days of enrollment.
Conduct Family Needs Assessments biannually and connect families to appropriate community resources and support services.
Collaborate with Guadalupe Centers, Inc. programs and external community agencies to support family economic self-sufficiency, education and health.
Maintain consistent, ongoing communication with families.
Conduct a minimum of two home visits per case load annually.
Promote and facilitate monthly family engagement opportunities, including one father specific activity, based upon the interests and needs of fathers.
Maintain professional, supportive relationships with families and staff at all times.
Plan and implement recruitment, orientation, and enrollment activities for eligible children and families.
Collaborate with teaching staff to share relevant family information and support alignment between home and classroom environments.
Support families in understanding program expectations, including the Dual Language Curriculum and other program components.
Participate in referral processes and support families through Special Education services as needed.
Engage in recruitment efforts to increase interest in the program and maintain full enrollment.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of family interactions, services, and follow-up needs, including attendance, health, dental, nutrition, hearing, vision, and family goals.
Complete a Family Cultural Profile, gathering information about the family’s unique culture, ethnicity and linguistic background. This will identify any specific family need to share with the teacher and other staff.
Complete a Family Needs Assessment biannually to identify community resources that support parent specific needs and interests.
Spend no less than 75% of the time (30 hours per week) in activities directly related to working with, or in support of families.
Ensure compliance with confidentiality requirements and all applicable program standards.
Attend and complete required professional development, training, meetings, and workshops.
Perform other related duties as assigned.