Family Advocate: Independence

SEK-CAP•Independence, KS

4d•$17 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY: Work as a team member in carrying out all duties in the center related to daily support needs of program participants and the surrounding communities. Work with families to reach their individual potential for self-reliance through the development of Family Development Partnership and knowledge of community resources. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Provide social services to assigned families according to the Head Start Performance Standards, under the direct supervision of the Assistant Family and Community Services manager. Recruit families to apply for the Early Head Start and Head Start program within identified service areas. Maintain a wait list of eligible families and maintain contact with the families on the wait list. Submit required documentation for application approval including proof of birth and proof of income/SNAP to determine eligibility. Provide orientation to families upon approval for enrollment - completing all orientation/licensing documents. Build rapport with families and construct a Family Development Partnership with the families. (FA/FE) Using the tiered approach with families identifying their strengths and building goals to improve self- reliance. Conduct home visits as the tiered approach identifies and follow up on family centered goals. Perform and assist with additional home visits that affect performance standard compliance (such as talking with parents concerning attendance or head lice). Partner with parents and other staff to provide parent trainings, parent meetings per month and 4 PACT nights per year. All information – case notes, updated goals, 90-minute home visits, lesson plans, referrals/resources, etc. will be entered into the database (Apricot). Complete and submit all required documentation according to timelines. Identify any gaps in services. Assist parents and health staff with referrals and follow through in getting Health, Dental, and Mental Health activities completed within the appropriate time frame. Identify, refer to, and work cooperatively with local community agencies and providers to ensure comprehensive services to meet family needs. Transport families as per program requirements to support families’ needs and goals. Encourage families and Community members to volunteer in the program. Assist parents and health staff with collection, tracking, referral, transportation (use community resources first), and follow-up in all health and dental requirements. Give parents a voice and support them in becoming decision makers for the program, recruit for Policy Work cooperatively within the program (teachers) and with community partners to plan and conduct transitional activities from one educational setting to the next. Support staff in classroom as assigned, to meet needs for supervision and safety and to ensure quality services are provided to children and families. Ensure CACFP enrollment forms are complete before children begin services and current for each child throughout the year and upon each new school year. Meet with supervisor for monthly supervision and document the meeting. Instruct and support parents in using Positive Behavior Support strategies to prevent and defuse disruptive behavior. Comply with Head Start Performance standards. Respect and support cultural differences and diverse family structures. Demonstrate good work habits such as arriving on time and adhering to appropriate break times. Attend mandatory In-Service trainings and staff meetings and other events as required. Continue Professional Development as required for this position. Attend individualized staff training and planning to advance skills and knowledge. Responsibility to report any suspected abuse or neglect to appropriate authority. Advocate for SEK-CAP, Inc. in the community. Maintain a clean and adequately serviced vehicle. Maintain and assure confidentiality and privacy of SEK-CAP, Inc. customers. Uphold and promote the core values and mission statement of SEK-CAP, Inc. Support management decisions both in actions and words. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Basic computer skills and ability to utilize a software program.
Basic operation skills of general office equipment such as photocopiers, faxes, and phone systems.
Ability to get along with diverse personalities; tactful, mature, and flexible.
Ability to meet and deal tactfully with the general public and to communicate effectively and clearly both orally and in writing.
Resourceful and well-organized self-starter, needing minimal supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with co-workers, community partners, and customers.
Ability to learn and adapt.
Degree in Social Services preferred or equivalent of 4 years’ experience in family service coordination.
Obtain Family Development Credential within first year of employment.
One year’s experience working with young children and families providing Family Services Coordination is preferred.
Successfully complete a physical exam and TB skin test before beginning employment and every three years thereafter, except for a diagnosed medical condition requiring annual exams.
Obtain First Aid card and CPR certification within 30 days.
Obtain Bus Monitor training at first available opportunity.
Possess current, valid driver's license and meet agency insurance underwriting guidelines.
Submit to and pass standard criminal history check.
Submit to and pass standard drug screen test.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards/State Licensing requirements.
Knowledge of area resources.

Responsibilities

Provide social services to assigned families according to the Head Start Performance Standards, under the direct supervision of the Assistant Family and Community Services manager.
Recruit families to apply for the Early Head Start and Head Start program within identified service areas.
Maintain a wait list of eligible families and maintain contact with the families on the wait list.
Submit required documentation for application approval including proof of birth and proof of income/SNAP to determine eligibility.
Provide orientation to families upon approval for enrollment - completing all orientation/licensing documents.
Build rapport with families and construct a Family Development Partnership with the families.
Using the tiered approach with families identifying their strengths and building goals to improve self- reliance.
Conduct home visits as the tiered approach identifies and follow up on family centered goals.
Perform and assist with additional home visits that affect performance standard compliance (such as talking with parents concerning attendance or head lice).
Partner with parents and other staff to provide parent trainings, parent meetings per month and 4 PACT nights per year.
All information – case notes, updated goals, 90-minute home visits, lesson plans, referrals/resources, etc. will be entered into the database (Apricot). Complete and submit all required documentation according to timelines. Identify any gaps in services.
Assist parents and health staff with referrals and follow through in getting Health, Dental, and Mental Health activities completed within the appropriate time frame.
Identify, refer to, and work cooperatively with local community agencies and providers to ensure comprehensive services to meet family needs.
Transport families as per program requirements to support families’ needs and goals.
Encourage families and Community members to volunteer in the program.
Assist parents and health staff with collection, tracking, referral, transportation (use community resources first), and follow-up in all health and dental requirements.
Give parents a voice and support them in becoming decision makers for the program, recruit for Policy
Work cooperatively within the program (teachers) and with community partners to plan and conduct transitional activities from one educational setting to the next.
Support staff in classroom as assigned, to meet needs for supervision and safety and to ensure quality services are provided to children and families.
Ensure CACFP enrollment forms are complete before children begin services and current for each child throughout the year and upon each new school year.
Meet with supervisor for monthly supervision and document the meeting.
Instruct and support parents in using Positive Behavior Support strategies to prevent and defuse disruptive behavior.
Comply with Head Start Performance standards.
Respect and support cultural differences and diverse family structures.
Demonstrate good work habits such as arriving on time and adhering to appropriate break times.
Attend mandatory In-Service trainings and staff meetings and other events as required.
Continue Professional Development as required for this position.
Attend individualized staff training and planning to advance skills and knowledge.
Responsibility to report any suspected abuse or neglect to appropriate authority.
Advocate for SEK-CAP, Inc. in the community.
Maintain a clean and adequately serviced vehicle.
Maintain and assure confidentiality and privacy of SEK-CAP, Inc. customers.
Uphold and promote the core values and mission statement of SEK-CAP, Inc.
Support management decisions both in actions and words.
Other duties as assigned.