Family Advocate

DEPARTMENT: Early Childhood Services

REPORTS TO: Family & Community Partnership Coordinator

SALARY: $30,000-$33,667 (annually); including benefits such as medical, dental, vision, prescription, life insurance, 401K plan, employee referral bonus, and 24 paid vacation days per year, personal and sick days.

SCHEDULE: MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM and/or 10:00 AM-6:00 PM (schedule may vary according to program needs).

JOB SUMMARY: The Family Advocate is responsible for supporting and assisting families as they identify and meet their own goals through a family-centered case management model for developing and carrying out the programs Family Partnership Agreement. This position is responsible for maintaining family service files and intake applications at Grand Street Settlement’s Early Childhood Program. The Family Advocate will also assist with the completion of the child health requirements and other required screenings and assessments while supporting the larger system of the Family Services team. The position may involve reassignment of caseload and/or center location as deemed necessary for program operations.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have at minimum a Family Development credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field; Associates in Sociology or Psychology, Human Development, Early Childhood Education or related field. Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) preferred.
• Experience and training related to field of social or human services.
• Experience, training, and skills in assisting the parents of young children in advocating and decision-making for their families.
• Ability to develop positive working relationships with children and parents.
• Knowledge of community-based organizations preferred.
• Proficient computer skills required and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be able to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the families.
• Participates in required professional development activities to enhance skills.
• Maintain certification in CPR and First Aid.
• Bilingual strongly preferred, fluent in English/Chinese.

PRE- EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Basic computer literacy in email word processing and internet navigation.
• Clearance through DOI Fingerprint Screening, NYS Central Registry, Sex Offender Registry clearance, 3 reference checks, physical examination with updated TB test, varicella, tdap, MMR, COVID vaccination (fees may apply).
• Obtain Mandated Reporter training certificate (every two (2) years) and comply with agency’s policy and procedure regarding identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect
• Obtain First Aid/CPR and Preventive Infectious Diseases certificate within the first year of employment.
• If hired, Grand Street requires all potential employees to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination and booster.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direct supervision of the Family and Community Partnership Coordinator, the Family Advocate shall be responsible for:

• Identifying and recruiting prospective families through outreach and assisting with the enrollment process after determining eligibility.
• Familiarity with Head Start ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, Attendance).
• Supporting the program with maintaining 97% of enrollment at all times.

Family Partnerships:

• Manage a caseload of families, working with families on an individualized basis throughout the year to identify family goals, strengths, and necessary services and supports, and to track progress in achieving family goals (Family Partnership Agreements).
• Implement Trauma Informed practices when working with families.

Community Partnerships:

• Provide families with appropriate referrals and follow up with families, consultants and service providers on referrals

Record Keeping:

• Enter child and family information into the approved child tracking system database (COPA/DOE systems).
• Assist with collecting child health medicals and dentals along with entering health related data into COPA.
• Submits reports as needed and requested, such as monthly summary tracking reports.
• Maintain and provide data for the annual Program Information Report (PIR).
• Records, monitors and follow-up on referrals for support services for reporting requirements and ensures that all documentation is current in child’s file and in compliance with Head Start/DOE/DOHMH regulations.

Governance:

• Coordinate Class Committee Meetings and Site Committee Meetings and must be able to present and facilitate large group discussions such as parent workshops.

Service Coordination:

• Maintain constant contact with teaching staff in order to integrate family partnership goals with classroom efforts.
• Work closely with the Family Resource Center in developing services and connecting families to obtain available resources.
• Participates in home visits when necessary in regards to any follow-up, attendance or routine visits.
• Ability to effectively communicate with children, families, staff, management, and community partners.
• Ability to comprehend and implement the Head Start Performance Standards and policies of Grand St. Settlement Early Childhood Program.
• Participate in ongoing trainings and workshops for professional development.
• Provide translations in verbal and written form as needed for parents/guardians and program needs.
• Assist in the preparation of Universal Pre-K and Kindergarten applications.
• Perform other duties/projects as assigned from time-to-time.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position you are applying for. If selected, we ask that you also provide us with three (3) professional references that we can contact (at least one (1) professional reference should be from a former supervisor). Please click on the link provided below, or use the link in a search bar and apply online through our career center.

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=bfb233f9-2e2d-4a56-b58a-c4bfa4857b9e&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=444830&source=CC2&lang=en_US

No phone calls, please!

Please be advised that job offers can only be made once your clearances come through!