What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Start Family Advocate position at Eastconn?
Head Start/Early Head Start Family Advocate
The Family Advocate (FA) supports the parent(s) and children enrolled in the Head Start program. The Family Advocate will assist in identifying families and children in need of social services and implementing program activities to meet the needs. Other responsibilities include guiding caregivers in accomplishing goals they set for their family, assisting to complete program documentation, and building strong relationships between families and staff. This is accomplished through home-visiting, conferencing, and check-ins. The position includes classroom and center support as needed. The FA must have good interpersonal skills including listening, a non-judgmental approach, and compassion.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Participate in community events and recruitment opportunities to identify and recruit eligible families.
- Conduct thorough applications and enrollment process to ensure maximum enrollment.
- Build trusting relationships with families using a strength-based approach while maintaining cultural responsiveness.
- Act as a liaison between home and center-based program, to ensure support is given and recognized.
- Ensure completion of all documentation. Enter all information into our database.
- Coordinate parent engagement activities, parent committee meetings and provide families with community resources.
- Effective communication with families, staff, management and community partners.
- Must possess knowledge of Head Start performance standards and early childhood development.
- Establish/maintain positive, professional relationships with parents, always treating them with respect and privacy.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times, within and outside of the program.
- Documents information obtained through family contacts, disabilities service, and health screenings as required in ChildPlus data system.
- Maintains up to date child master files & ChildPlus data entry on all assigned children.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Development & Family Relations, Psychology, Sociology & Applied Sciences or related field preferred with one (1) year related work experience; OR Associates Degree in above or related field with three (3) years related work experience with a Family Development Credential.
- Must have access to reliable, insured transportation.
- Obtain a physical exam (statement of good health) with TB test upon hire and updated every two years.
- Obtain and keep First Aid and CPR certification current.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule: Full-time
At EASTCONN, we believe that diversity is key to our success. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, including those who may not meet every listed qualification. Your passion, drive, and perspective are what matter most to us.
As an EEO/AA employer, EASTCONN provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our policies.
AA/EOE
M/F/D/V
