Family Advocate (Early Childhood Impact Program)- Antioch

Visit the YMCA of the East Bay Today with 5 Central Locations•Antioch, CA

12d

About The Position

The Family Advocate supports families in the Early Childhood Impact Program by leading goal-setting and coaching with parents and caregivers and serving as a trusted guide and advocate. The role connects families with community resources and services to support children’s educational and developmental outcomes and strengthen family well-being. The Family Advocate builds trusting relationships with families and Community School partners; conducts outreach, recruitment, enrollment, orientation, and home visits; and works with families to assess strengths, goals, resources, health concerns, and support needs. In partnership with each family, the advocate develops and follows up on an individualized family plan, facilitates problem-solving, offers coaching and education, and supports families in navigating crises and advocating for themselves. The position supports children’s and families’ health and wellness by tracking health, dental, and nutrition information, ensuring health requirements are met, and assisting with required screenings. It also promotes parent involvement and leadership, plans activities and training based on families’ shared interests and needs, supports parent-child literacy activities, collaborates with an interdisciplinary team, maintains records and reports, and contributes to program planning and improvement. The work is guided by family-support principles, professional ethics, confidentiality, cultural responsiveness, and appropriate professional boundaries.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in family development, psychology, sociology, or a related field.
One year of related experience in a nonprofit and/or human services setting.
High degree of cultural awareness and competency in cross-cultural practices with children and families.
Experience working with low-income communities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to negotiate and mediate to attain win-win situations.
T.B. and other required health clearances at the time of employment.
Fingerprint clearance by the DOJ and CCL agencies.
Valid California driver’s license and use of a personal automobile, including evidence of auto liability insurance coverage.
Ability to demonstrate sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to carry out essential job duties and supervise program activities.
Visual acuity to effectively observe and monitor program activities.
Mobility to respond promptly to emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and other computer programs.

Responsibilities

Build positive, respectful, and trusting relationships with families and serve as a liaison between Community School partners, services, and families.
Conduct outreach, recruitment, and enrollment in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Funding Terms and Conditions.
Orient families to the program’s philosophy and services.
Conduct home visits and use other strategies to learn about families and the changing community.
Develop strengths-based assessments with families covering goals, strengths, resources, support networks, health concerns, and needed services and supports.
Develop individualized family plans in partnership with families, follow up regularly, and collaborate with families to resolve obstacles.
Facilitate family problem-solving and help families strengthen their problem-solving skills.
Coach, consult, educate, and use counseling skills where appropriate.
Advocate for families and support them in advocating for themselves.
Support the health and wellness of children and families in the program.
Ensure health requirements are met upon program entry; track health, dental, and nutrition-related data; and ensure routine follow-up.
Assist with required health screenings to ensure completion within 45 calendar days of a child’s enrollment.
Identify parents’ common interests and needs to plan appropriate activities, training, and groups.
Engage parents in volunteering, community service, and other contributions to program activities and services.
Work with program staff to support interactive literacy activities and other learning approaches between parents and children.
Participate productively on an interdisciplinary team and participate in and facilitate case conferences to promote holistic service delivery.
Promote and support parent involvement and leadership throughout the program.
Research and stay current on program and community resources, assess their relevance to family needs, and make referrals as appropriate.
Listen to and support families as they make decisions, address current crises, and prepare for future crises.
Learn about and remain sensitive to each family’s values, beliefs, traditions, cultural influences, makeup, and circumstances, using a culturally competent and flexible approach.
Complete record-keeping and internal and external reporting in a timely and objective manner.
Contribute to and participate in strategic planning, program self-assessment, and other efforts to improve services and agency responsiveness to families.
Make decisions and act according to family-support principles, theories, practices, and code of ethics while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Complete other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Heavily subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible full-time employees, with several plan options.
Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, with options for Voluntary Life and AD&D coverage.
Flexible Spending Accounts for health and dependent care expenses.
Long-Term Disability Insurance.
Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs.
Commuter benefits for eligible employees.
12 designated holidays.
Paid time off for vacation and sick leave.
Professional development opportunities and ongoing training.
YMCA membership benefits and discounts on programs for the employee and their family.