Family Advocate - Chenango Valley

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Family Advocate serves as a link between families and the Head Start program. The Family Advocate carries out policies and procedures of the FCP functional area as well as GO policies and procedures.

Employee Benefits:

• 403b

• 403b matching

• Health insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Life Insurance

• Paid snow days

• Head Start paid time off when schools are closed

• 11 Paid holidays

Education and Experience: Bilingual – English (fluent), Spanish (proficient, preferred)

Employees must complete a Family Development Credential or certification in social work, human services, family services counseling or a related field within 18 months of hire. AAS in Human Services or related field.

At least one year of experience working with people

Valid Driver's License and personal transportation

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Duties/Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Recruit children for the Head Start program, complete enrollments and follow through on all paperwork

2. Assist families in coping with problems, makes referrals to community agencies as needed

3. Serve as a liaison between the family and the center as well as provide background information for other staff members as needed

4. Assist families in obtaining medical and dental appraisals and referrals

5. Coordinate, assist, and serve as a resource person to parent committees, also attend monthly team meetings

6. Support and encourage parent involvement through the program and cooperate with other components in planning workshops and other activities for parents

7. Implement Family & Community partnership plan and maintain Family & Community Partnership Records

8. Establish effective procedures to involve parents, serve as an advocate for the parent

9. Assist in updating community resource list

10. Know and practice Head Start goal, guidelines and objectives

11. Visit and observe in classroom one or two times a week. Assist with coverage as needed

12. Work with families representing different cultures using a culturally competent and respectful perspective

13. Make at least 3-4 home visits a year after completion of Family Community Partnership Agreement (* Please note: Home visits will vary according to need specified by family)

14. Required to abide in confidentiality policies and procedures

15. Attend trainings including occasionally going out of town

Physical Requirements:

• Talking-ordinary

• Hearing-ordinary conversation

• Weight-lifting up to 50 pounds

• Physical Demands-climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, handling, pushing, repetitive arm motion

• Vision-acuity, near, and far

“All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race , color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.”

Th is document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other t han "at will" relationship.