Family Advocate

CEN-TEX FAMILY SERVICES INC•Bastrop, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Advocate is responsible for providing services that support families in fostering their child’s development and assist families in attaining their family goals. Services are delivered in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, TDFPS Minimum Standards, CACFP requirements, and Cen-Tex Family Services, Inc. policies and procedures.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED
2 years working with the principles of child health, safety and nutrition; family dynamics; human services; or social services; and in child development and early childhood education.
Awareness of needs of low-income children and families; cultural issues and local community resources.
Intermediate abilities in use of personal computers, MS Word, MS Excel, Internet accessibility and email usage.
Ability to work independently as well as with a team.
Ability to obtain a Family Service Worker Certification within 18 months of hire.
Ability to obtain Hearing and Vision Certification.
Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).
Valid Texas ID/Driver License
Background clearance as required by state and federal regulations.

Nice To Haves

Baccalaureate or Associate degree with studies in (some or all) these areas: family and consumer science; early childhood education; or development; communications; business math; statistics.
Family Service Worker Certification.
5 years’ experience listed below and; family services related case management; statistical reporting and evaluation; knowledge of HS standards; and TDFPS Minimum Standards for Daycare Centers.
Bilingual and bi-literate skills in Spanish and English preferred.

Responsibilities

Build mutually respectful, positive, and goal-oriented relationships with families.
Complete family needs assessments to identify strengths, interests, and challenges.
Support families in reflecting on and planning for safety, health, education, well-being, and life goals.
Develop, implement, and monitor Family Partnership Agreements.
Make referrals and conduct follow-up activities to support families in attaining identified goals.
Manage an assigned caseload in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
Assist with recruitment, applications, eligibility determination, enrollment, and waitlists.
Conduct enrollment conferences and create child files.
Maintain accurate electronic documentation of child and family information.
Document parent contacts, referrals, and follow-up per agency policy.
Serve as a resource to families, staff, and the community regarding agency services.
Serve as an advocate for families within the community.
Work with families to strengthen their support networks and connections with other parents and the community.
Assist families in identifying and accessing community resources, including health, mental health, social services, education, and job training.
Work with professionals and agencies to provide coordinated, integrated services.
Maintain a system of follow up with referrals to community agencies, to ensure the satisfactory provision of services.
Assist families in finding and maintaining a medical and dental home.
Support families in navigating health systems to meet children’s needs.
Track children’s medical and dental services per Texas Health Steps and Head Start standards.
Collect, forward, and follow up on health information and referrals.
Conduct vision and hearing screenings as required.
Promote parent and family involvement in children’s education and well-being.
Support parents as their child’s first and lifelong educators.
Assist with planning and supporting Local Parent Committee meetings and parent activities.
Present family workshops using a research-based parenting curriculum.
Provide prenatal and postpartum education to enrolled pregnant women.
Work closely with teachers, center staff, and agency leadership to support children and families.
Conduct Home Visits and/or accompany Teachers on Home Visits.
Support teachers with attendance concerns and family communication.
Collaborate on referrals, individualized plans, and transitions.
Participate in IEP/IFSP meetings and support family transitions to Pre-K or Kindergarten.
Build and sustain positive, respectful relationships with families.
Develop and support effective family partnerships.
Facilitate access to community resources and referrals.
Accurately document and report family services.
Collaborate effectively with staff and external partners.
Uphold professionalism, policies, and Head Start values.