Family Advocate

You Thrive Florida•Pierson, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Advocate recruits and enrolls eligible families in the Head Start/Early Head Start program and identifies family and child needs. The role provides comprehensive case management to help families set goals, connect with resources, and achieve and maintain self-sufficiency. The position is full-time, with a Monday–Friday schedule from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The primary work location is a Head Start/Early Head Start facility in Hernando, Sumter, and/or Volusia County, with occasional travel to other counties; the primary location may change within the program’s operational regions with reasonable notice. The Family Advocate maintains family and child records, documents case management in ChildPlus.net, supports parent and family engagement, and coordinates with program staff and community partners. The role follows applicable Head Start/Early Head Start standards, laws, regulations, and agency policies. Community activities may occasionally take place on weekday evenings or weekends.

Requirements

Minimum high school diploma and FDC course; a credential or certification in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, counseling, or a related field.
No experience required for candidates with an associate degree or higher in Human Services or Social Work.
Obtain First Aid and CPR certification.
Begin at least one of the specified DCF Child Care training courses within 90 days of employment.
Complete required Head Start/Early Head Start certification training hours within 18 months of hire.
Complete the mandated 55 hours of Florida DCF Child Care Training described in the Family Advocate Career Advancement Criteria.
Obtain ERSEA certification within one year of hire and maintain it annually thereafter.
Valid Florida driver’s license and insurability by the company’s current carrier.
Meet applicable federal, state, and local legal requirements and background screening/clearance requirements for working with children.
Ability to arrive at work daily and on time and to work with limited direction.
Knowledge of organization methods and ability to complete work accurately.
Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to establish working relationships, particularly with parents and children.
Ability to analyze and interpret data and human and family needs.
Ability to operate a personal computer and work with children.
Knowledge of early childhood issues and community programs and resources.
Ability to maintain child and parent confidentiality and to be reliable, responsible, and accountable.
Ability to pass a competency exam with a minimum satisfactory score as defined by You Thrive Florida administration.
Physical ability to sit and stand for extended periods; use fingers, arms, hands, and legs; speak; and perform frequent squatting, walking, handling, grasping, reaching, bending, and lifting or carrying up to 15 pounds. Occasional duties include pushing, pulling, kneeling, balancing, turning, feeling, lifting or carrying up to 30 pounds, and driving.
Good eyesight and hearing, correctable as needed.

Responsibilities

Recruit eligible children, including children with disabilities, and complete applications, parent interviews, and enrollment.
Schedule, facilitate, document, and follow up on Project Spotlight in accordance with procedures.
Provide case management, help families identify needs and goals, develop family partnership agreements, make referrals, and follow up.
Collaborate with health services staff to support compliance with child health requirements.
Connect families with community resources to meet basic needs during crises.
Document case management and maintain required documentation standards in ChildPlus.net.
Assist with scheduling initial home visits for teaching teams when required and provide subsequent visits as needed.
Prepare, maintain, and update child and family records in accordance with policies and procedures.
Support families in coordinating, preparing for, and participating in Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Experiences; participate in parent events.
Collaborate with the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Committee and Family Services Coordinator to support parent and male engagement and center activities.
Work with center staff to promote and document family participation and provide feedback to parents and staff.
Document and follow up on excessive absenteeism and attendance concerns; ensure compliance with the Rilya Wilson Act.
Submit reports, documents, and files as directed and meet monthly with the ERSEA Supervisor to discuss report outcomes.
Maintain ongoing, positive communication with families; greet parents at arrival and departure when possible and share information about community events.
Collaborate with the Community Outreach Coordinator by participating in community activities and events, occasionally on weekday evenings or weekends.
Advocate for and act as a role model for Head Start/Early Head Start families.
Attend and participate in training programs, staff meetings, and other meetings and trainings.
Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information and effective working relationships with coworkers and outside contacts.
Organize and prioritize assignments; participate in safety, storm, and fire drills.
Follow applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards, and agency policies and procedures.
Participate in ongoing monitoring, Community Assessment, and Self-Assessment and perform related functions.
Perform additional duties as directed by a supervisor, management staff, or program director.