Family Engagement Advocate

Upbring•Granbury, TX

About The Position

The Family Engagement Advocate creates, provides, and coordinates services and activities with families and communities that foster strength, healthy living, and overall well-being. The role supports families in areas including social services, health, nutrition, mental health, transitions, inclusion, and parent engagement. The advocate provides community-resource referrals, 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 enrollment and family services, including eligibility and enrollment processes, case management, referrals, home visits, health follow-up, and collaboration with staff, parents, and community partners. The role requires maintaining accurate program data, following applicable policies and standards, protecting confidentiality, and supporting children's health, safety, and well-being. Travel of up to 50% may be required.

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 case management in collaboration with others, using referrals to connect children and families with programs and services such as counseling, emergency assistance, or crisis intervention.
Follow up on and initiate and monitor referrals that support 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 on parenting, child development, attendance, and wellness checks.
Collaborate with staff, parents, and community partners to support family engagement and children's needs.
Ensure Program Information Report (PIR) data is current and accurate in the data management system.
Comply with company policies and procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, and HSPPS regulations and standards; ensure children's health and safety and support their overall well-being.
Use discretion and maintain confidentiality in matters related to families, staff, and Head Start/Early Head Start programs.
Do not use or impose corporal punishment or other forms of child maltreatment as a method of disciplining children.