Family Advocate

Self Help•Brockton, MA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Self Help Inc. is currently looking for a nurturing Family Advocate to join our team. Self Help, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Action Agency (CAA) created to help families and individuals stabilize and secure their lives through education, strategic assistance, and building opportunities in their communities. We provide a range of services for families and households across Southeastern Massachusetts. The Family Advocate serves as a primary link between the Head Start program and families. This role is essential in building strong, collaborative relationships with parents and caregivers, empowering them to be actively involved in their child’s education and development, and connecting them with resources to meet their family’s needs. The Family Advocate works with families from diverse backgrounds, respecting their cultural values and strengths, and promoting family well-being and self-sufficiency within the community.

Requirements

Must pass a criminal background check and other required clearances
Must have or be willing to obtain CPR and First Aid certification
Must meet the physical requirements of the position, including the ability to lift and carry young children, bend, stoop, and actively engage with children
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is required
Ability to travel to families' homes and various community locations
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods
Ability to lift and carry materials for home visits or workshops
Strong understanding of family dynamics, poverty issues, and the challenges faced by diverse families
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Associate's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Early Childhood Education, or a related field.
Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with low-income families and diverse populations in a social service or community-based setting.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and another language commonly spoken in the Brockton community (e.g., Haitian Creole, Spanish, Portuguese) is highly preferred
Experience in Head Start or early childhood programs is a plus

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain positive, trusting relationships with Head Start families through regular communication, home visits, and participation in program activities. A minimum of three (3) home visits during the year will be required
Maintain a minimum of two (2) contracts per month with each family
Participates in family child reviews
Serve as a point of contact for families, providing information about program services, policies, and procedures
Conduct outreach to eligible families in the community to encourage enrollment and participation in Head Start
Support families in understanding and participating in all aspects of the Head Start program, including education, health, nutrition, and social services
Conduct comprehensive family needs assessments to identify strengths, challenges, and goals related to family well-being, education, employment, housing, and other areas
Work collaboratively with families to develop Family Partnership Agreements (FPAs) that outline family-identified goals and action steps
Provide ongoing support and follow-up to help families achieve their goals
Provide families with accurate and timely information and referrals to appropriate resources based on their identified needs
Assist families in navigating complex systems and accessing services
Establish and maintain relationships with local agencies and organizations to facilitate effective referrals
Plan, facilitate, and co-facilitate parent education workshops and training sessions on topics relevant to family needs and interests, such as parenting skills, health and nutrition, financial literacy, and job readiness
Act as an advocate for families within the Head Start program and in the broader community
Work to address systemic barriers that may impact families’ ability to thrive
Work collaboratively with all Head Start staff, including teachers, health staff, mental health professionals, and program administrators, to provide comprehensive family support services
Participate in team meetings and case conferences to share information and coordinate services for families
Maintain clear and effective communication with families and program staff
Maintain accurate and confidential records of family contacts, assessments, goals, referrals, and services provided in accordance with program policies and regulations
Participate in ongoing professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills in areas such as cultural competency, family support, and community resources