Family Engagement Advocate

Upbring•Alvin, TX

85d

About The Position

The Family Engagement Advocate creates, provides, and coordinates services and activities with families and communities to foster strength, healthy living, and overall well-being. The role supports areas including social services, health, nutrition, mental health, transitions, inclusion, and parent engagement. The advocate connects families with community resources, assists families in crisis, promotes each family’s values and culture, and encourages family members to advocate for their children and family. The position supports Early Head Start and Head Start programs by maintaining enrollment, guiding families through enrollment, carrying out ERSEA duties, providing case management and referrals, conducting home visits, and monitoring child health follow-up. The advocate collaborates with staff, parents, and community partners and maintains accurate Program Information Report data. The role requires discretion and confidentiality and adherence to applicable company policies, child care standards, and Head Start regulations. The position may require travel up to 50%.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Social Services, Human Services, Family and Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field.
Ability and willingness to obtain a Family Development Credential (FDC) within 12 months of hire.
One year of Early Head Start and/or Head Start-related experience, or experience providing comprehensive services to children and families.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Family and Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field.
Three years of directly related experience, training, and skill assisting parents of young children to advocate for their families.
Family Development Credential (FDC).
Experience with the Child Plus data management system.
Bilingual Spanish and English, based on the service population.

Responsibilities

Maintain funded enrollment levels in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Upbring Policies.
Provide parent orientation so families understand the Early Head Start or Head Start enrollment process.
Perform Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA) duties, including ongoing monitoring, compliance, and effective implementation.
Provide ongoing collaborative case management and use referrals to help children and others access special programs and services, including counseling, emergency assistance, and crisis intervention.
Follow up on and initiate and monitor referrals supporting child health care and status in accordance with Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) requirements.
Conduct home visits and follow up with families, assisting with parenting, child development, attendance, and wellness checks.
Collaborate with staff, parents, and community partners to support family engagement and children’s needs.
Keep Program Information Report (PIR) data current and accurate in the data management system.
Comply with company policies and procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, and HSPPS regulations and standards; ensure the health and safety of children and support their overall well-being.
Use discretion and maintain confidentiality regarding families, staff, and Head Start/Early Head Start programs, as appropriate.
Do not use or impose corporal punishment or other forms of child maltreatment to discipline children.