Family Advocate

Oregon Child Development Coalition•Independence, MO

3d•$19 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

Provides program case management services to children and families that include health, social services, literacy, and training in compliance to Head Start Performance Standards, federal and state regulations. Assists in the planning, implementation and evaluation of parent related activities at the center level.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
A credential, certificate or degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling or related field.
1 year of work experience in a health and/or social services field or in a position that combines administrative and customer support duties AND Must complete OCDC’s Family Advocate Certificate Level 1 within 12 months of hire.
2 years of work experience in an environment working with children and/or families. AND Must complete OCDC’s Family Advocate Certificate Level 1 within 12 months of hire.

Responsibilities

Provide direct health and social services to children and families by: Conducting enrollment procedures including identifying and addressing immediate needs. Gathering child health and development information. Conducting home visits. Assessing individual family strengths and needs to assist families in setting and achieving goals. Conducting child health screenings. Providing medication to sick children in accordance with OCDC’s medication administration protocols.
Connect families to needed resources in the community by: Referring families to community agencies to obtain emergency assistance, adult education, job training, health, mental health, and dental services; including ensuring the establishment of medical and dental homes. Following up with families to assure satisfaction with services provided by community agencies. Establishing rapport and forming partnerships with community agencies to ensure that services and/or resources are obtained to meet child and/or family needs.
Implement the program’s work plan through collaboration with program staff to deliver integrated comprehensive services by: Participating in program’s recruitment activities. Coordinating and facilitating case management meetings. Coordinating with other staff to support child attendance by following up with families regarding absenteeism. Participating in planning and implementing transition activities that support families. Assisting supervisor with approval of enrollment documentation for family and health services. Consulting with Family and Health Services Supervisor to develop the Care Plan to ensure needs are met prior to child beginning program. Observing classrooms to ensure safe, healthy environments and providing staff training as needed.
Assist in the planning, implementation and evaluation of parent involvement requirements by: Participating in the planning and delivery of parent events, including supporting parent education. Encouraging parents to participate in program activities. Assisting with limited translation and interpretation for communicating related to OCDC services.
Maintain a current and accurate record keeping system by: Efficiently compiling, documenting, and sorting data related to program services and individual family case management. Entering data and running reports utilizing electronic tracking system. Completing monthly reports for supervisor.
Advocate for Head Start children and families by: Fostering an understanding in the community of the program’s mission, goal, objectives and services. Participating and encouraging parents to participate in local community advocacy and support networks that provide services to children and families. Encourage and empower parents to influence the systems of care for health and social services.
Protect family confidentiality and Agency operations by: Adhering to OCDC Confidentiality Policy. Reporting any discrepancies relating to family files or other information to Family and Health Services Supervisor.
Maintain technical and professional knowledge by: Attending trainings, networking, and reading professional publications.
Continually apply safety practices in all facets of the performance of duties by: Complying with agency safety standards. Supporting participation of a safe environment. Immediately reporting any unsafe or hazardous working conditions and/or any injury. Participating in emergency drills and assisting in the evacuation of children.