Resource Family Advocate

Regina Coeli Child Development Center•Kentwood, LA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Resource Family Advocate (RFA) is the lead person in supporting the family engagement process, coordinating services for children with special needs and linking families with community resources while serving as a liaison between classroom and home. The RFA offers support to families and encourages their involvement in the program. The RFA also offers administrative support to the Center Manager.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED
A minimum of 2 years case management experience preferably in a non-profit or human services organization
Knowledge of appropriate intervention techniques to meet the needs of children birth to age 5, including children who may be at risk, or have identified special needs
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Intermediate to advance computer skills, internet and e-mail
Ability to deal with sensitive situations in a non-threatening and professional manner
Collaborate with and/or obtain working knowledge of local community resources
Willingness to work a flexible/extended schedules
Ability to prioritize and manage work load and deadlines
Ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality
Ability to exercise tact and discretion in all staff, child and family interactions
Frequent significant decisions and problem solving abilities
Ability to work in a professional manner both independently and with others in a team environment
Obtain a Louisiana Child Care Criminal Background Check Determination of Eligibility
Pass a physical examination every three years
Maintain a valid driver's license with a driving record in compliance with RCCDC's insurance carrier requirements
Be able to frequently sit, work at computer keyboard and desk, and stand to file documents in filing cabinets
Be able to maintain regular and punctual onsite attendance
Be able to travel to home visits and trainings
Be able to travel overnight as required
Be able to sustain concentration and ability to handle multiple tasks often simultaneously.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with frequent kneeling, crawling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor to attend to children's needs

Nice To Haves

Associates Degree preferred

Responsibilities

Develop relationships with families including welcoming them into the program or sharing information about other available program
Assist families in development of Family Partnership Goals
Link families with resources related to basic life need
Promote school readiness skills
Partner with parents to establish and maintain regular attendance
Participate in recruitment efforts/activities for assigned sites
Serve as a liaison between Head Start, Early Head Start and referral agencies to assure coordinated and timely services for children and families
Assist the Center Manager in planning and facilitating parent orientations to the program
Provide support and guidance during parent meetings and assist parents with the leadership role
Encourage parents to participate in program activities
Attend meetings with community agencies to support child, family, and agency outcomes
Assure completion of speech, developmental, behavioral, and health screenings according to RCCDC procedures
Maintain on-going communication with teaching staff sharing relevant home information and learning information regarding child performance in the classroom
Assure completion of physical and dental examination as required by RCCDC
Provide information relative to Head Start health and child nutrition requirements
Support families in completing medical, dental, and nutritional follow ups as needed
Monitor and observe and interact with children to identify strengths and needs, support individualization and inclusion, support and monitor implementation of specified goals
Review evaluation reports and individualized plans of children with special needs and share relevant information with staff and families
Accurately complete applications and enrollment in PROMIS database.
Document and track all follow-ups
Document all parent contacts, home visits and consultations with teachers using case notes in PROMIS
Make administrative decisions in the absence of Center Manager
Act as in-charge person as assigned
Act as Director Designee when needed
Generate In-Kind by requesting donations, volunteer time, and encouraging parents to volunteer
Attend meetings, training and professional development activities as needed or requested by Supervisor
Other duties as assigned