Family Advocate- Lynden

Inspire Development Centers•Lynden, WA

175d•$44,554 - $59,405•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Advocate position is responsible for ensuring families meet eligibility criteria to receive social and health-related program services. Within an assigned caseload, the Family Advocate will interview clients individually, in family, or in other small groups to determine child and family needs to support and mobilize inner capacities and obtain community resources to improve social, health, and mental health functioning, as required by Head Start and/or ECEAP Performance Standards. This role also participates in the development of Individual Education Plans (IEP) and Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP). Inspire Development Centers provides Early Childhood Education (ECE) and social services to over 4000 children across Washington State, operating under various federal and state funded programs with specific regulations. A significant portion of the children's primary language is Spanish.

Requirements

Associate’s or higher degree with the equivalent of 30 quarter credits in adult education, human development, human services, family support, social work, early childhood education, child development, psychology or another related field, or a credential/certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field (Family Development Credential).
English/Spanish bi-lingual fluency (speaking/reading/writing).
Extensive knowledge and understanding of child development theories and practices.
Experience working in a federally funded and regulated environment.
Experience in policy and procedure processes.
Experience in facilitating groups.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Experience in family concerns and risk management.
Understanding of the interrelationships between services and systems.
Ability to learn new tasks quickly and efficiently.
Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Ability to gather and analyze data for reports.
Strong customer service focus.
Ability to work with a culturally diverse population.
Proficiency with personal computer, including Microsoft Office.
Accurate data management, documentation, and recordkeeping skills.
At least two (2) years of work-related experience.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Valid Washington State driver’s license.
Must provide a yearly driving abstract.
Must maintain acceptable driving history.
Proof of automobile insurance.
Ability to travel to perform job duties and responsibilities.
Must pass initial and periodic criminal and background check.
Must pass initial and periodic Department of Early Learning (DEL) background check.
Must pass initial and periodic employee health clearance.
Current Food Handler card (obtain within 30 days of employment).
Current First Aid / CPR cards (obtain within 30 days of employment).
Subject to initial and periodic TB screen.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV / AIDS) training (obtain within 30 days of employment).
Blood Borne Pathogen training (obtain within 30 days of employment).
Subject to random drug screen.
Must sign a Confidentiality Agreement.
Must complete and sign a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement annually.

Nice To Haves

BA in Social Work, and four (4) years work related experience.
Previous Head Start / ECEAP experience, working knowledge of Performance Standards.
Knowledge of federal, state and private social service programs available to agriculture worker population.

Responsibilities

Establish and maintain an ongoing recruitment process to ensure enrollment of eligible children, including those with disabilities, under various funding sources.
Verify eligibility of children and families, maintain waiting lists, and enroll children based on established criteria. Input family and child data into database systems.
Monitor daily attendance, enter results into database systems, and contact parents to assist with attendance plans if necessary.
Perform strengths and needs assessments, develop progress goals with families, and provide systematic assistance. Make ongoing entries in child/parent files and conduct home visits as per Service Plans.
Develop local community partnerships to maintain resources for families and provide information on available services. Maintain communication between the center, School Districts, and participants.
Motivate parents to participate in center and parent meetings, follow up on requested parent trainings, and provide transportation to Policy Council meetings as needed.
Prepare and present training for parents and staff, participate in center-level meetings, and organize local skill-building trainings.
Ensure all processes for Mental Health and Disabilities are followed, make referrals, and assist families in accessing services. Review screening scores, schedule observations and consultations, and participate in IEP/IFSP development. Coordinate Severe Disability staffings.
Complete enrollment health packets, perform basic health screenings, and follow up on well-child and dental exams. Make health, dental, and nutrition referrals. Dispense authorized medications and treat minor injuries/illnesses.
Show interest in professional growth by attending staff meetings, workshops, trainings, and seminars.
Contribute to procedures and activities that foster in-kind fund contributions through requests for goods, services, cash donations, or encouraging volunteer time.
Maintain confidentiality of program and client-related information at all times.