Family and Community Engagement Advocate (3273)

Lutheran Services Florida • West Palm Beach, FL

3d

About The Position

The Family and Community Engagement Advocate supports families in identifying and meeting their goals through a family-centered case management model. The role develops and carries out family partnership agreements and is responsible for child files, enrollment and applications, health requirements, screenings, assessments, and participation in Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance efforts.

The Advocate works with center staff, families, local agencies, and community organizations to coordinate services, support parent engagement, connect families with resources, and promote child and family wellness. Responsibilities include recruitment and enrollment, attendance monitoring, parent committee and engagement activities, referral follow-up, documentation, and transition planning for children. The role also requires maintaining confidentiality, participating in meetings and training, and meeting applicable program and agency standards.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; must obtain a credential or certificate within 18 months of hire in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field to remain employed in the position.
• At least three years of experience working with children and families in a social services environment.
• First Aid and CPR certification within three months of assignment to the position.
• Successful completion of a Level II background screening and drug screening before hiring.
• Knowledge of social work principles and practices, human behavior, human development, health, local social and health services, computer data entry, and family-centered practices.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing, write reports and business correspondence, speak before groups, perform basic calculations, interpret varied instructions, analyze problems and data, draw valid conclusions, and develop recommendations and implementation strategies.
• Basic computer skills.
• Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs of the population served.
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel locally for home visits, community events, and trainings.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods; lift and carry up to 45 pounds occasionally; use standard office equipment; and communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.

Nice To Haves

• Head Start/Early Head Start experience.
• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with center staff to integrate family partnership goals with classroom efforts and support an integrated child and family curriculum.
• Participate in planning, implementing, and evaluating family and community engagement goals and objectives.
• Attend in-service activities, workshops, conferences, college courses, staff meetings, parent meetings, and other required activities.
• Work with local agencies to connect families with community services and maintain knowledge of local resources.
• Assist with child health screenings and other required screenings and assessments; understand referral requirements and conduct and document referral follow-up.
• Share information with teachers as appropriate while respecting family confidentiality, to coordinate services for children and families.
• Provide health, safety, and family literacy activities to parents as appropriate.
• Visit major service agencies at least annually to obtain service delivery and community resource updates.
• Attend parent/teacher conferences and multi-team development meetings as requested.
• Prepare an appropriate written transition plan for each child six months before the child's third birthday.
• Implement, document, and report on recruitment, selection, and enrollment of eligible children from birth through age five, pregnant women, and their families, in collaboration with the Health and Family Community Engagement Manager.
• Recruit prospective families, complete enrollment, verify eligibility, maintain funded enrollment, and fill Head Start/Early Head Start vacancies within 30 days.
• Monitor attendance, maintain average daily attendance above 85%, and follow up with families experiencing participation or attendance problems.
• Document family support efforts, track partnership efforts and outcomes, monitor referrals, and submit required reports.
• Coordinate monthly parent committee meetings at assigned center sites and maintain meeting and eligibility documentation.
• Ensure the elected Policy Council representative or alternate for assigned sites attends the Program's monthly Policy Council meeting.
• Coordinate monthly parent engagement activities through the A Man Everybody Needs (AMEN) and Ladies of Victory and Empowerment (LOVE) support groups.
• Implement an individualized, developmental parent engagement and education program responsive to parent needs, concerns, and requests.
• Support timely two-way communication among parents, Head Start staff, and, when appropriate, community members and organizations.
• Encourage parent volunteerism and provide opportunities for parents to collaborate with one another and community members on activities they helped develop.
• Encourage parents to help make community services more responsive to their goals and needs; promote family participation and help monitor and resolve participation problems.
• Support transitions into Head Start from Early Head Start or other settings, and from Head Start to kindergarten, including for pregnant women and families.
• Promote child and family wellness and establishment of medical and dental homes for Head Start infants, toddlers, preschool children, and pregnant women.
• Provide physical, dental, mental health, and nutrition education activities responsive to parents' needs.
• Assist and support families in completing disability paperwork for children requiring services.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned and adhere to agency policies, procedures, and performance standards.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Telehealth with 24/7 online access to doctors.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays and one floating holiday.
• PTO starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employee PTO and holiday schedules may differ.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Growth opportunities within the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED