Family Advocate

Kids Central, Incorporated•Norton, VA

About The Position

PRIMARY FUNCTION: To promote family wellness and parent involvement programs and to support the implementation of the family partnership process. Operate as a liaison between classroom and home settings in the area of education, child development and mental health. ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 1. Family Partnership Building Welcome families into the program and share information about transitioning into Head Start. Assist families in the development of Family Partnership Goals and other necessary follow up. Assess family goals and provide recommendation and referral for relevant community resources. Maintain monthly contacts i.e. - phone calls, group activity, home visits, and classroom visits to promote partnership and provide for regular communication. Monitor progress on Family Partnership goals. Provide crisis intervention as needed. Assist with kindergarten transition of child and family out of Head Start. Promote family literacy. Work flexible hours to meet the needs of families. Work with parents to establish and maintain regular attendance for their child. 2. Parent Involvement & Community Partnerships Participate in recruitment efforts/activities for assigned sites. Plan and facilitate parent orientations to the program. Coordinate parent meetings assisting parents to take the leadership role. Actively encourage parents to participate in the program i.e. parent meetings, field trips, policy council and classroom help Advocate and collaborate with community agencies to support child, family and agency outcomes. 3. Prevention and Early Intervention Maintain contact with children in the classroom settings. Maintain on-going contact with teaching staff in order to share relevant home information and gain information regarding child performance in the classroom. Provide information relative to Head Start health and nutrition requirements: support families in completing vaccination, physical, dental and nutrition screenings. 4. Utilize Information Systems to support family/agency outcomes. Document and track follow-up needs, Family Partnership Goals, health, dental, nutrition, hearing and vision concerns. Document all significant parent contacts and home visits. Document support consultation to teachers regarding particular concerns with families at scheduled staffings.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Social Work, Health Administration or related field, preferred.
Three years relevant experience in Health, Education or Human Services related field.
Demonstrates knowledge of overall Head Start goals and philosophy and performance standards.
Demonstrated understanding of principles and functions of leadership and management.
Working knowledge of human service delivery systems and resources.
Understanding of social and economic background and developmental needs of children and families.
The skill and willingness to deal with sensitive family situations in a non-threatening and professional manner.
Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries with families.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Working knowledge of computer and office technology.
Knowledge of early childhood education and intervention preferred.
Keyboarding skills, computer literacy and familiarity with various applications such a database, word processing, e-mail and internet.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Must have flexible schedule to accommodate family needs, may include some evening or weekend hours.
Must have access to transportation for home visits. Must have a valid Virginia Driver's License and proof of auto insurance for work related driving use of own vehicle.
Within 30 days of employment must be CPR & First Aid certified.
Within 90 days of employment must have a valid CDL driver’s license for ability to drive agency buses.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Social Work, Health Administration or related field, preferred.
Knowledge of early childhood education and intervention preferred.

Responsibilities

Welcome families into the program and share information about transitioning into Head Start.
Assist families in the development of Family Partnership Goals and other necessary follow up.
Assess family goals and provide recommendation and referral for relevant community resources.
Maintain monthly contacts i.e. - phone calls, group activity, home visits, and classroom visits to promote partnership and provide for regular communication.
Monitor progress on Family Partnership goals.
Provide crisis intervention as needed.
Assist with kindergarten transition of child and family out of Head Start.
Promote family literacy.
Work flexible hours to meet the needs of families.
Work with parents to establish and maintain regular attendance for their child.
Participate in recruitment efforts/activities for assigned sites.
Plan and facilitate parent orientations to the program.
Coordinate parent meetings assisting parents to take the leadership role.
Actively encourage parents to participate in the program i.e. parent meetings, field trips, policy council and classroom help
Advocate and collaborate with community agencies to support child, family and agency outcomes.
Maintain contact with children in the classroom settings.
Maintain on-going contact with teaching staff in order to share relevant home information and gain information regarding child performance in the classroom.
Provide information relative to Head Start health and nutrition requirements: support families in completing vaccination, physical, dental and nutrition screenings.
Document and track follow-up needs, Family Partnership Goals, health, dental, nutrition, hearing and vision concerns.
Document all significant parent contacts and home visits.
Document support consultation to teachers regarding particular concerns with families at scheduled staffings.
Assist with the development and implementation of program activities to facilitate parent involvement and to promote the Head Start Program in the community.
Assist with the development of the Parent Involvement work plan and serve as a resource for staff by promoting and encouraging parent involvement.
Network with KCI staff, and other external resources regarding the provision of education, training, employment, leadership, and self-improvement opportunities for parents.
Attend Center Committee meetings in assigned center programs.
Assist with developing and implementing outreach efforts for eligible children.
Prepare statistical and other reports as required.
Performs such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as requested by the Assistant Director and/or the Executive Director.