Family Advocate

You Thrive Florida•Brooksville, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Advocate recruits and enrolls eligible families in the Head Start/Early Head Start program and identifies family and child needs. The role provides comprehensive case management to help families set and pursue goals, access community resources, and achieve and maintain self-sufficiency. The position supports family engagement, program enrollment and attendance requirements, and compliance with applicable policies and regulations. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with occasional weekday evening or weekend community activities. The position is full-time and benefits eligible.

Requirements

Minimum high school diploma and FDC course.
Credential or certification in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, counseling, or a related field.
No experience required for candidates with an Associate degree or higher in Human Services or Social Work.
Obtain First Aid and CPR certification.
Begin at least one DCF Child Care training course listed in Florida Statutes section 402.305(2)(d) within 90 days of employment.
Complete required Head Start/Early Head Start certification training hours within 18 months of hire.
Complete the mandated 55 hours of Florida DCF Child Care Training as outlined in the Family Advocate Career Advancement Criteria.
Obtain ERSEA certification within one year of hire and maintain it annually thereafter.
Valid Florida driver’s license and eligibility for insurance by the company’s current carrier.
Satisfy applicable federal, state, and local legal requirements and background checks/clearance for working with children.
Ability to arrive at work daily and on time, work with limited direction, organize work, and complete assignments accurately.
Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to establish working relationships, particularly with parents and children.
Ability to analyze and interpret data and human and family needs; knowledge of community resources and early childhood issues.
Ability to use a personal computer and work with children while maintaining child and parent confidentiality.
Reliability, responsibility, accountability, and ability to pass a competency exam with a satisfactory score defined by YTF administration.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including frequent light lifting/carrying up to 15 pounds and occasional medium lifting/carrying up to 30 pounds, as well as occasional driving.

Responsibilities

Recruit eligible children, including children with disabilities, to meet Head Start/Early Head Start enrollment requirements; complete applications, parent interviews, and enrollment.
Schedule, facilitate, document, and follow up on Project Spotlight in accordance with procedures.
Provide case management by helping families identify needs and goals, develop family partnership agreements, access referrals, and receive follow-up support.
Collaborate with health services staff to ensure compliance with child health requirements.
Connect families with community resources to address basic needs during crises.
Document case management and other required information in ChildPlus.net and maintain child and family records in accordance with policies and procedures.
Assist with scheduling initial home visits for the teaching team when required and conduct subsequent visits as needed.
Support families in coordinating, preparing for, and participating in Parent, Family, and Community Engagement experiences; participate in parent events.
Collaborate with the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Committee and Family Services Coordinator to support parent and male engagement and center activities.
Work with center staff to promote and document family participation and provide participation feedback to parents and staff.
Document and follow up on excessive absenteeism and attendance concerns, and ensure compliance with the Rilya Wilson Act.
Submit required reports, documents, and files; meet monthly with the ERSEA Supervisor to discuss report outcomes.
Maintain ongoing positive communication with families, greet parents at arrival and departure when possible, and share information about community events.
Collaborate with the Community Outreach Coordinator by participating in community activities and events that support families, the program, and community awareness.
Act as an advocate and role model for Head Start/Early Head Start families.
Attend and participate in training programs, staff meetings, and other meetings and trainings; maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information.
Maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and outside contacts; organize and prioritize assignments as directed.
Participate in safety, storm, and fire drills; follow applicable laws, regulations, program standards, policies, and procedures.
Participate in ongoing monitoring, Community Assessment, and Self-Assessment, and perform related functions.
Perform additional duties as assigned by a supervisor, management staff, program director, or You Thrive Florida management staff.