Family Service Advocate (Westlake and Linda Vista)

MAAC (Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee) • San Marcos, CA

6d • $24 - $36 • Hybrid

About The Position

Under supervision, the Family Service Advocate (FSA) will develop and maintain relationships with families and ensure that they receive comprehensive services through their participation in the program. Comprehensive services include, but are not limited to, health and social services, disabilities, early childhood education and care services, and a range of parent development training opportunities at the site. Service to families is a collaborative effort among all center staff. The incumbent is also responsible for conducting community outreach efforts to identify and develop relationships with community-based organizations that provide other needed services to families. Incumbents will also be required to comply with all Head Start, MAAC and other programmatic requirements. Incumbents may be assigned to an alternative work site based on the needs of the program and will be monitored by and receive training and technical assistance from the supervisors and managers.

Requirements

• Knowledge of community resources and family-centered case management skills
• Knowledge of active listening, value clarification, problem solving and other crisis intervention techniques
• Knowledge of current Head Start performance standards
• Knowledge of computer software including Microsoft Office, and databases such as ChildPlus
• Ability to relate positively and effectively with children and families of various cultures and socio-economic backgrounds
• Ability to develop community cooperation to ensure families receive comprehensive services
• Ability to manage work in an environment that can be interrupted by violence
• Ability to utilize technology (computers, tablets, etc.) for recordkeeping and recording and to consistently demonstrate accuracy, thoroughness and neatness.
• Bilingual (English / Spanish) speaking, reading, and writing required.
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, and other software and databases such as ChildPlus.
• Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, daily use of a personal, insured vehicle, and have and maintain a motor vehicle driving record acceptable to MAAC’s insurance carrier.
• Incumbents will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program.

Nice To Haves

• Family Service Advocate I: Associate of Arts degree AND twelve (12) college semester units in Social and/or Health Education AND two (2) years of Head Start or related family support resource program experience that demonstrates working with adults in a social/health setting; experience working with children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds OR A current Family Development Credential (FDC) is required AND two (2) years of Head Start or related family support resource program experience that demonstrates working with adults in a social/health setting; experience working with children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• Family Service Advocate II: Bachelor’s Degree AND twelve (12) college semester units in Social and/or Health Education AND two (2) years of Head Start or related family support resource program experience that demonstrates working with adults in a social/health setting; experience working with children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds AND A Family Development Credential (FDC).

Responsibilities

• Works with Head Start and Child Development Program families on family identified needs, informing them of community resources, providing information and referrals, assist in the scheduling of appointments and follow-up services as needed [this includes home visitation and drafting of the Family Partnership Agreement]; successfully manage a caseload of up to sixty (60) families.
• Records and updates caseload information (i.e., medical, social, financial status, home visit reports, referral documents, etc.) from family observations and outside providers and maintains necessary case notes and required records; utilizes awareness and utilization of two-generational approach techniques and promotion of a two-generational approach.
• Utilizes Head Start Performance Standard eligibility regulations and MAAC ERSEA Standard Operating Procedures to assist families with EHS/HS applications; prepares and submits timely, accurate reports, both electronically and in hard copy.
• Travels to homes and recruiting events; conducts periodic home visits (as needed) to assess family resources and needs; assists in conducting health and dental screenings, including but not limited to vision, audio, weight, height, blood pressure, T.B.
• Assists staff in cross component planning, coordinating, and implementing.
• Transports families to needed services and trainings on an as needed basis.
• Attends trainings, conferences, and meetings as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Recruit and enroll families into the Early Head Start and Head Start programs located at Partner sites. (FSA II positions only)
• Conduct home visits to assess family resources and needs as needed. (FSA II positions only)
• Maintain enrollment throughout the program year through various recruitment strategies. (FSA II positions only)

Benefits

• MAAC employs dedicated staff who provide life-changing services to thousands of individuals annually through programs in five core focus areas: Education, Economic Development, Health & Wellbeing, Housing, and Advocacy & Leadership Development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree