Lead Family Community Advocate

Volunteers of America Colorado•Denver, CO

5d•$57,784•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Family Community Advocate is responsible for working closely with the Director of Children’s Programs, the Center Manager, and the Education and Disabilities Manager to ensure program compliance with Head Start Performance Standards. The Lead Family Community Advocate provides direct supervision to the Family Community Advocate team. The Lead Family Community Advocate and their team conducts community outreach efforts to recruit and enroll eligible children and families in compliance with ERSEA. This position is also responsible for record keeping and data submission regarding enrollment and attendance. Using a trauma informed, culturally responsive case management approach, the Lead Family Community Advocate assesses families’ strengths and links families to services within VOA and in the community. This position also works to encourage parents to participate in parent training events and to volunteer in center activities. The Lead Family Community Advocate is responsible for working closely with a team to reach outcomes and full compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.

Requirements

Models core culture attributes of VOAC that include “AIRS” (Accountability, Integrity, Respect and Service).
Models and VOACs three critical virtues of HHS (Hungry, Humble, People Smart).
Ensures equitable and inclusive services.
Colorado Department of Early Childhood licensing requirements
Head Start Performance Standards
Motivational Interviewing
Trauma Informed Care
Bachelor’s degree in human services, or closely related field with equivalent relevant experience and or Family Development Credential within the first 6 months of employment.
Two years providing case management and family support required.
Demonstrated ability in building rapport with families from diverse backgrounds and facilitating parent involvement in program activities.
Bilingual in Spanish and English; able to translate both verbally and in writing.
Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license and state-mandated automobile insurance.

Nice To Haves

Infant Mental Health Endorsement
Experience in evaluating situations and decision-making.
Good organizations skills and ability to communicate effectively.
Knowledge of how children, adults, and elderly learn.
Ability to facilitate large group trainings to adults
Knowledge of state and federal standards, regulations, and requirements for early childhood centers.
Knowledge of CACFP, DPP, Denver Great Kids Head Start, UPK, and CCAP
Ability to read detailed child educational plans
Ability to maintain a positive organizational culture
Understanding of human diversity
Understanding of HIPAA, FERPA, NAEYC Code of Ethics, and the Social Workers Code of Ethics

Responsibilities

Works closely with the Family Services team, the teaching teams, and the Education and Disabilities Manager to design and implement activities to increase parent involvement in program activities, community activities and family literacy activities.
Responsible for outreach and recruitment, with the Family Service Team, to ensure site enrollments of eligible children, assist parents in meeting the enrollment criteria and maintain a prioritized wait list for interested families.
Utilizes a database to track enrollment and attendance for the program, collecting information from teaching staff and the Family Services team.
Documents monthly attendance and enrollment changes and reports to the Head Start Director, agency, teaching staff, and Family Service team.
Prepares and submits required reports and administrative forms to Director of Children’s Programs.
Provides case management services and supports families in moving toward self-sufficiency.
Develops rapport with families and maintains ongoing communication with families through classroom contacts, home visits, phone calls, and distribution of monthly calendars and other written materials.
Using pre-established procedures, develops individualized, flexible, accessible, and responsive choices for each family’s unique strengths and needs, and assists families to define and set attainable goals.
Guides families in the acquisition and use of medical and dental services.
Responsible for initiating and tracking in-kind services to include the recruitment and supervision of parent volunteers.
Works closely with assigned classroom team, occasionally filling in for the teacher or teacher assistant when necessary.
Attends orientations, trainings, education programs, staff meetings, community meetings, conferences, and workshops to meet the needs of position.
Performs duties in a professional manner, adhering to the Social Work Code of Ethics, NAEYC Code of ethics and maintaining the confidentiality of all information.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
Supervises the Family Community Advocate Team