Family Advocate- Mt. Vernon

Inspire Development Centers•Mount Vernon, WA

2d•$45,594 - $60,798

About The Position

The Family Advocate ensures families meet eligibility criteria for social and health-related program services. Within an assigned caseload, the advocate interviews clients individually, as families, or in small groups to identify child and family needs, support families in mobilizing their strengths, and help them access community resources to improve social, health, and mental health functioning in accordance with Head Start and/or ECEAP Performance Standards. The role also participates in developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs). Inspire Development Centers provides early childhood education and social services to children through center-based and home-based programs at more than 25 Child Development Centers across Washington State. Its programs include Regional Head Start, Migrant Seasonal Head Start, ECEAP, and Early Head Start. The organization coordinates requirements across federally and state-funded programs and works with families, many of whose children speak Spanish as their first language. The Family Advocate reports to the Center Manager and works closely with Program Support, Compliance Specialists, Registered Nurses, the Core Team, center staff, parents, and children. The position requires at least two years of related work experience and the specified education, credentials, or a plan to meet the minimum education requirement within 18 months of hire. The role also requires bilingual English/Spanish fluency and compliance with the listed driving, background-check, health, training, and confidentiality requirements.

Requirements

Associate degree or higher with the equivalent of 30 quarter credits in adult education, human development, human services, family support, social work, early childhood education, child development, psychology, or a directly related field; alternatively, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field such as a Family Development Credential. The credits may be included in or additional to the degree.
Alternatively, a high school diploma or GED and a requirement to obtain an Initial/CDA/AA in early childhood education or a related field.
English/Spanish fluency in speaking, reading, and writing.
Extensive knowledge and understanding of child development theories and practices.
Experience working in a federally funded and regulated environment.
Experience with policy and procedure processes and facilitating groups.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Experience with family concerns and risk management.
Understanding of interrelationships between services and systems.
Ability to learn tasks quickly and efficiently, manage multiple tasks and deadlines, and gather and analyze data for reports.
Strong customer service focus and ability to work with culturally diverse populations.
Proficiency with a personal computer, including Microsoft Office.
Accurate data management, documentation, and recordkeeping skills.
At least two years of work-related experience.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Valid Washington State driver's license, yearly driving abstract, acceptable driving history, and ability to travel to perform job duties.
Must pass initial and periodic background checks and employee health clearances; health clearance must be presented within 45 days of employment.
MMR immunization record or proof of immunity.
Subject to drug and/or alcohol testing under the organization's policy.
Current Food Handler card, First Aid/CPR cards, HIV/AIDS training, and Blood Borne Pathogen training; training must be obtained within 30 days of employment where applicable.
Must sign a Confidentiality Agreement and complete all required position-related training.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education and/or a related field.
Previous Head Start or ECEAP experience and working knowledge of Performance Standards.
Knowledge of federal, state, and private social service programs available to the agricultural worker population.

Responsibilities

Recruit eligible children for enrollment under applicable funding-source criteria, including children with disabilities and severe disabilities.
Verify child and family eligibility, maintain the waiting list, select and enroll children according to established criteria, and enter family and child information into database systems.
Review daily attendance, enter attendance information into database systems, and contact parents to assist with attendance plans when needed.
Assess family strengths and needs, develop progress goals, document progress and services in child and parent files, and conduct home visits according to service plans.
Develop local community partnerships and connect families with information and resources, including employment, education, welfare, health, legal services, housing, and training.
Contact and encourage parents to attend PCC and Parent meetings, follow up on requested parent trainings, and provide transportation to parent representatives for Policy Council meetings as needed.
Prepare and present relevant training for parents and staff, participate in center-level meetings, and organize local skill-building trainings based on community interests.
Ensure mental health and disabilities processes are followed, make referrals, help families access services, review ASQ screening scores and screening-tool selection, schedule contractor services, participate in IEP and IFSP development, and coordinate severe-disability staffing as needed.
Complete enrollment health packets and basic non-invasive health screenings; review immunizations; follow up on well-child and dental exams; make health, dental, and nutrition referrals; schedule related staffing; dispense authorized medication; and treat minor injuries and illness.
Attend staff meetings, workshops, trainings, and seminars to support professional growth.
Support in-kind contributions by requesting goods, services, and cash donations and encouraging professionals, community members, and parents to volunteer.
Maintain confidentiality of program and client information.