Head Start Family Advocate

NeighborImpact•Bend, OR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families? As a Head Start Family Advocate, you'll have the unique opportunity to support and empower families, ensuring that children have the head start they need for a successful future. Join us in this rewarding role where your guidance can spark lifelong positive change! NeighborImpact’s Head Start program Overview NeighborImpact Head Start is a comprehensive early education program serving children and families in Central Oregon. It integrates high-quality pre-kindergarten education with essential services such as health, nutrition, and family advocacy. Operating across multiple sites, NeighborImpact Head Start supports social competence, school readiness, and overall well-being of children from ages three to five.

Requirements

Associate degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field required.
One years’ experience in social services setting, with family services preferred including knowledge and experience relating to community resources for referrals to families in need of services, or, at least one year experience working within a Head Start Classroom, or proof of enrollment in a HDFS Human Services Program required.
Computer literacy and familiarity with various applications such as word processing, email and internet required.
Must be available for a flexible schedule to accommodate family needs; may include some evening or weekend hours.
Frequent kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children’s needs.
This position is rated as active and regularly requires the individual to lift 50 pounds.
Must have an initial health examination, and a periodic re-examination (as recommended by health care provider) so as to assure that employees do not because of communicable diseases, pose a significant risk to the health or safety of others, that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable accommodation.
Valid driver’s license required prior to date of hire and throughout employment.
Proof of current auto insurance required prior to date of hire and throughout employment.
Food Handler’s Card required prior to date of hire and throughout employment.
Current enrollment in the OR Child Care Division-Criminal Background Registry (CBR) required prior to date of hire and throughout employment.
Access to reliable transportation required prior to date of hire and throughout employment.
Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification required within 60 days of hire.
Above certifications must be kept current to remain employed.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field preferred.
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
Two or more years of experience working in a Head Start program preferred.
Head Start parent or prior parent preferred.

Responsibilities

Directly support families in enrollment, attendance, and engagement.
Connect families to essential health, education, and community resources.
Conduct home visits.
Maintain consistent communication with families.
Help develop and monitor family goals.
Support recruitment efforts as part of the ERSEA team.
Assist with applications.
Ensure timely enrollment and steady attendance.
Act as a vital link between families, classroom staff, NeighborImpact programs, and community partners.
Offer referrals, follow-up, and crisis support when needed.
Encourage parent involvement.
Promote family literacy.
Support center teams through mentoring and collaboration.
Maintain flexibility, attention to confidentiality, and accurate documentation.