Family Services Advocate - Baltimore County Head Start

The Y in Central Maryland•Baltimore, MD

1d•$22 - $27

About The Position

The Family Services Advocate supports the social services system coordinated by Head Start and implements family partnership, parent engagement, and community partnership functions. The role uses family support and case management principles to collaborate with related service areas and communicate with internal and external stakeholders. A key focus is applying a family-centered approach to encourage Head Start families to participate in and support their children’s education. The Advocate builds partnerships with families, assesses needs and strengths, helps families establish and pursue goals, connects them with services, and supports parent engagement and decision-making. The role also coordinates with teaching staff and community partners, supports family events and transitions, assists with screenings and crisis intervention, and maintains accurate records and reports. The position includes confidentiality obligations, mandated reporting, required training, and support for children and the center team in the classroom.

Requirements

Must pass a physical examination, background check, and fingerprinting screen.
Must have a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
Basic computer literacy, including email, word processing, and internet navigation.
Training related to social, human, or family services.
Ability to assist parents of young children with advocacy and family decision-making.
Ability to develop positive relationships with children and parents.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Must abide by the Code of Conduct with Youth and comply with child abuse prevention and reporting requirements.

Nice To Haves

Head Start experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Recruit, enroll, and build collaborative partnerships with 40 families of children receiving Head Start services.
Conduct annual and as-needed home visits according to each family’s identified tier level.
Ensure meetings and individual interactions respect each family’s diversity and cultural background.
Identify family goals, strengths, and needed services through the Family Needs Assessment, and track progress through the Family Partnership Agreement.
Provide parents opportunities to develop knowledge and skills in child growth and development, child abuse and neglect prevention, family literacy, preventative health and safety, maintaining a medical home, community advocacy, and transition activities.
Arrange education and other appropriate interventions for mental health, substance abuse, child abuse and neglect, or domestic violence needs when necessary.
Build trusting relationships with families through regular communication and encourage and support their participation in Head Start activities and decision-making.
Advocate for families to receive needed services and support, and help them understand child development and the importance of early education.
Participate in community planning and advocacy to improve services for children and families; encourage volunteers to participate in Head Start.
Connect families with local resources, including housing assistance, employment support, food assistance, and healthcare services.
Collaborate with community partners and maintain current knowledge of local social service programs and eligibility requirements.
Maintain weekly contact with Teaching Associates to integrate family partnership goals with classroom efforts, share information about children’s classroom performance, and plan family events.
Plan and attend parent committee meetings and family activities, and assist families with transitioning out of Head Start.
Assist with health and developmental screenings within the 45/90-day requirements and provide crisis intervention as needed.
Participate in team meetings, training, and professional development opportunities, including Data Management System Training.
Maintain and update child health records, follow up on support-service referrals, and keep documentation current in the active program database.
Submit requested reports, such as monthly summary tracking reports, and assist with documenting in-kind contributions toward the non-federal share requirement.
Help organize family events, workshops, and parent education sessions.
Maintain confidentiality regarding Associate and family information and comply with mandated reporting requirements under the Child Abuse and Neglect Policy.
Participate in Associate meetings, conferences, assigned professional development, and workshops; complete Governance and ERSEA training within 90 days of hire.
Support children and the center’s team in the classroom, maintain reliable presence at work, and contribute positively as a team member.
Demonstrate commitment to the Y’s mission, values, and policies, and perform other work-related duties as requested by the supervisor.
Abide by the Code of Conduct with Youth and complete child abuse prevention training, following applicable legal reporting requirements.