Head Start Family Advocate

INTERLOCAL CAP, INC

HEAD START FAMILY ADVOCATE

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION SUMMARY:

ICAP is a private, non-profit agency mobilizing private and public sector resources to help low and moderate income people improve their living conditions. The Head Start division is a federal program for preschool children from low-income families. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities, and services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities.

The Family Advocate develops relational connections with families of children in Head Start in an effort to provide social service support, engage parents in the education and development of their children, and to help facilitate the recruitment process in assigned counties.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate’s degree in social work or a related field.
• One (1) year experience working with low-income families or social service agencies and experience with case management.
• Consent to and successful review of a Limited Criminal History review, National Sex Offender check, and FBI finger printing.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and consent to and successful review of a BMV license review.
• Must have reliable transportation and vehicle liability coverage; able to use own car for Head Start home visits.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform all services as directed by the Director of Children’s Services; all services are to be completed emphasizing excellent customer service.
• Plan, develop, and execute parent involvement goals and objectives aligned with performance standards, Parent, Family and Community Engagement and Family Partnership Agreements, to enhance the parental role as the principal influence in a child’s education and development.
• Effectively and efficiently collaborate with parents in case management decision making, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Collaborate with the Family Services Coordinator in the recruitment process.
• Collaborate in the social service referral process for families; establish social services network in county served.
• Collaborate with administrators and staff to determine program needs for family services
• Attend monthly Human Services Meetings in assigned county.
• Develop and execute educational and enriching activities for parents and families.
• Collaborate with parents, council members and staff in the review and evaluation of programs.
• Conduct two home visits with parents on caseload.
• Assist at PC meetings and parent meeting/Family Fun Night.
• Facilitate orientation and training of parents in their role as group officers.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Work well independently and as a team member cooperating with department and agency staff, general public, customers and program vendors; ability to exercise independent and decisive judgements.
• Must have project management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize; self-directed, highly motivated, energetic, enthusiastic and dependable.
• General administrative skills and abilities needed including basic computer skills and knowledge of software such as MS Word, Excel, and other program specific software.
• All other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Works from a climate controlled office in addition to conducting client home visits.
• Able to physically interact with children including but not limited to: lifting up to 45 pounds, bending, stooping, stretching, squatting, and running.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports to the Family Services Coordinator.

SUPERVISES: NONE

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: SALARY:

Level III (non-exempt) DOQ

SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Conducts Home Visits. Also, reduction in the workforce resulting in job elimination may become necessary due to reorganization or loss of program funds.

HOURS PER WEEK: WEEKS PER YEAR:

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