Family Advocate (Part-Time)

Lower Columbia College • Longview, WA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Partnering with parents and teachers, the part-time Head Start/EHS/ECEAP Family Advocate has the primary responsibility of serving a caseload of children and families through; conducting home visits, family assessments, tracking child attendance, tracking routine child medical/dental care and treatment follow up. The Family Advocate also facilitates parent engagement through the identification of family strengths and needs, provides community resources and referrals to overcome barriers, and supports parents as the primary educator and nurturer of their child. We currently have two openings for a part-time Family Advocate: AM session 8:00-11:30, hours will vary based on family/center needs PM session 12:30-4:00, hours will vary based on family/center needs. The Family Advocate reports directly to the Area Manager and is classified as a Social Work Assistant II under State of Washington Classified Job Specification and within the Washington Federation of State Employees for Higher Education. This position is a non-permanent classified position working no more than 19 hours per week. This position will require in-person work and will be responsible for carrying out their duties at the LCC East Head Start location.

Requirements

• An Associate's degree with the equivalent of 30 college quarter credits in Adult Education, Human Development, Human Services, Family Support, Social Work, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Psychology, or another field directly related to their job responsibilities
• These 30 credits may be included in the degree or in addition to the degree; or A DCYF-approved credential from a comprehensive and competency-based Family/Social Service training program that increases knowledge and skills in providing direct services to families (ECEAP)
• Demonstrated competency in planning, organizing, scheduling record keeping
• Demonstrated ability to clearly explain complex processes across multiple communication channels (verbal, email, etc.) to individuals from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds
• Ability to work with parents from all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Is aware of the unique needs of families who are impoverished, from a different culture or are experiencing trauma
• Ability to develop and maintain a relationship with children and families that is open and friendly, and encourages nurturing parent-child relationships
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of computers and keyboarding
• Washington State Patrol Background Check
• Sex Offender Registry Check
• TB test completed within the last year
• Food Worker Card
• Valid Driver’s License
• Cleared Portable Background Check through MERIT (to include fingerprinting)
• Policy Council Approval
• Provide Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) or Acceptable Version of CIS in accordance with the Washington Department of Health, to include: MMR Vaccine or proof of immunity to measles
• Applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or professional association or is currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employers or professional association.
• If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate legal authorization to work for the duration of this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1995.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Social Work or a Bachelor’s Degree in human services, family services, counseling or a related field and ; four years of experience as a Social Work Assistant I or equivalent
• Knowledgeable in Early Childhood Development and has the ability to work with children of all ages
• Knowledge of existing and new community resources that provide child and family services
• Bilingual preferred
• If you are hired and are proficient in Spanish, you will have to take a Spanish proficiency test to receive the 5% assignment pay.

Responsibilities

• Work in partnership with families to assist in their growth and development to achieve their highest potential.
• Establishes friendly cooperative relationships with parents.
• Maintain knowledge of Head Start/EHS/ECEAP Performance Standards, Washington State Administrative Code for Licensed Child Care centers and program policies and procedures.
• Complete home visits and ensure monthly contact with families.
• Ability to work with parents from all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Is aware of the unique needs of families who are impoverished, from a different culture or are experiencing trauma.
• Seeks and utilizes parent input into all aspects of the program: curriculum ideas for classroom, home learning ideas and activities for the Center Parent Meeting/Family Events.
• Shares relevant information about the child and family with the Direct Service Team (Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Child & Family Development Specialists, Family Advocates), Area Manager and other Leadership members.
• Maintains child site files, holds and participates in weekly case management staffing regarding families with teachers.
• Interacts positively with children and parents to support their individual learning style and encourages their social-emotional development by: Developing and maintaining a relationship with children and families which is open and friendly and encourages engagement in the program through promotion of nurturing parent-child relationships.
• Is actively aware of existing and new community resources that provide child and family services.
• Maintains complete, objective, and confidential records for children and families in accordance with program standards, state and federal laws.

Benefits

• The minimum qualifications may seem specific and limiting, but we do consider candidates with relatable education, experience, and skills. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet exactly what's listed. With questions about qualifications, feel free to reach out to our HR team.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree