FAMILY ADVOCATE - Head Start

Matrix Human Services•Detroit, MI

About The Position

Matrix Human Services is Educating Children, Supporting Families and Rebuilding Neighborhoods in Detroit. THE IMPACT YOU WILL BE A PART OF WITH JOINING MATRIX Over 30 program locations throughout Detroit and surrounding areas 20,000+ individuals benefiting from Matrix services every year The largest Head Start Program in the city of Detroit The largest HIV treatment and prevention program in Detroit After school youth services and academic enrichment Workforce Development and Financial Literacy Programs Housing Education and Home Buying Assistance Healthy Senior Living Program FOCUS ON PERSONAL AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT. Tuition Assistance. Professional Development Support. In-House Learning and Professional Development Platform. WE EMBRACE WORK LIFE BALANCE. Vacation Banks. Paid Holidays. BENEFITS OPTIONS. Medical/Rx. Dental. Vision. Life/AD&D Insurance. Flexible Spending Accounts. Combine Short- & Long-Term Disability. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 403(b) Retirement Account. CEO Starr Allen-Pettway has been honored by the Michigan Chronicle as a distinguished nonprofit leader in Southeast Michigan. CORE VALUES: Positive Attitude Always Learning Results Through Accountability Building Relationships JOB SUMMARY/ACCOUNTABILITY Utilizing the PFCE Framework, the Family Advocate (FA) work directly with parents on the family partnership process, to identify goals and to provide available resources that benefit families and support each child’s growth and school readiness. Using a strengths-based approach, Family Advocates collaborate with early childhood professionals and community resources to promote parent and family engagement outcomes. The Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Coach will assist in the implementation of the Trauma Smart curriculum, support the training of parents and staff, and coach and support parents through the process.

Requirements

All staff must uphold the agency's confidentiality guidelines.
An Associate’s Degree in Social Work (60 credit hours) or related field or a degree in human services.
Two years of employment or volunteer experience working with children and/or families preferred.
Within eighteen months of hire, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field. PS 1302.91 (7)
Must be able to successfully complete trauma-informed care training provided for the position to implement programs with fidelity.
Able to work independently, show initiative, resourcefulness, and creativity.
Excellent customer service skills are required.
Strong working knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and Michigan Childcare Licensing Regulations
Effective in an environment of cultural diversity; comfortable in a collaborative, team-based work setting
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Reliable transportation is required

Nice To Haves

Bilingual preferred.

Responsibilities

Family Advocates recognize parents as their children’s primary teachers and nurturers and implement intentional strategies to engage parents in their children’s learning and development, and support parent-child relationships.
FAs collaborate with families in a family partnership process that identifies needs, interests, strengths, goals, and services and resources that support family well-being, including family safety, health, and economic stability.
The FA/TIC Family Coach assists in the implementation of the Trauma Smart curriculum, coaches parents, supports teachers, and facilitates training with the TIC Team Leader.
The FA/TIC Family Coach coaches parents in how to utilize the methods, techniques and strategies associated with the trauma informed care approach.
The FA/TIC Family Coach attends Trauma Smart TIC Team meeting and trainings.
FAs conduct services in the family’s preferred language, or through an interpreter, to the extent possible, ensuring families have the opportunity to share personal information in an environment in which they feel safe.
All program staff promote shared responsibility with parents for children’s early learning and development, and implement family engagement strategies that are designed to foster parental confidence and skills in promoting children’s learning and development, supporting literacy, dual language learning, and the importance of regular attendance.
Family Advocates partner with parents/guardians to create a family partnership agreement to support family well-being, including family safety, health, and economic stability, supporting child learning and development, providing, if applicable, services and supports for children with disabilities, fostering parental confidence and skills that promote the early learning and development of their children.
FAs and parents/guardians must complete an assessment to identify individualized family strengths and needs related to the family engagement outcomes as described in the Head Start Parent Family and Community Engagement Framework.
FAs, in collaboration with parents/guardians, review individual progress, revise goals, evaluate and track whether identified needs and goals are met, and adjust strategies on an ongoing basis.
FAs serve as a facilitator in a research-based parenting curriculum that builds on parent’s knowledge and offers an opportunity to build on parenting skills, promoting children’s learning and development.
FAs must have reliable transportation available daily, as well as insurance and a valid driver’s license, in order to attend meetings, training, and to obtain resources.
Maintain adequate safeguards for the privacy and confidentiality of information.
Complete required documentation of relevant activities and submit records and reports in a timely and accurate manner.
Stay abreast of current issues and trends by participation in grantee-sponsored training, center pre-service and in-service trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities; read and review regulations and other resources.
Perform other duties as assigned.