Division:
Head Start
Position Type:
Full-time, 10-Month
8 AM - 4 PM
Responsibilities:
The Family Advocate is responsible for implementing the parent involvement, family partnership, and community partnership functions for the Head Start program. The Family Advocate assists with recruitment and enrollment of children for the program, and then uses a Family Communication and Home Visiting Framework to support and assist a caseload of families to identify and meet goals they establish. This position also assists with ensuring child health requirements and other required screenings and assessments are completed within required deadlines. This position supports the larger system of social services coordinated by Head Start thereby supporting the goals of the program. The position may involve reassignment of caseload and/or center location as deemed necessary for program operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The family advocate’s responsibilities chiefly fall within the following core functions, although they may perform other tasks as needed:
A)Recruitment, Selection, and Enrollment
B)Parent Involvement & Family PartnershipBuilding
C)Community Partnerships
D)Service Coordination
E)Ongoing Monitoring and Record Keeping
Qualifications:
The Family Advocate will demonstrate a combination of skills, dispositions and behaviors, some of which are related to the specific service area of this position and others that represent general expectations of all program staff. They will use knowledge of the principles of family support and case management to collaborate with related service areas and communicate with internal and external stakeholders. They will provide opportunities for families to become involved and engaged with the program,and to interact with one another in parent meetings. They will apply a family-centered, strength-based approach in services delivered. The Family Advocate will have high expectations for families and works to motivate and inspire them to increase their involvement andassume the responsibilities of their children’s education, health, and overall wellbeing.
Embraces and supports KRESA philosophies related to diversity, inclusiveness and anti-racism. Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a wide range of cultures. Ability to discuss cultural differences with colleagues and clients. Ability to assess one's own strengths and limitations or challenges and integrate this understanding into interpersonal interactions.
Preferred Skills:
Bachelor's degree in social work or related field with two years’ experience working with economically disadvantaged families; or any comparable combination of education, training or experience. Must possess excellent listening skills, the ability to develop positive relationships with dysfunctional families, and experience in utilizing community resources. Bilingual language(Spanish)skills preferred. Reliable transportation and avalid Michigan driver’s license required.
Apply online at www.kresa.org/jobs
