Child & Family Advocate

Description

This is a grant funded position with an anticipated end date of September 2025.
 

OUR CULTURE:

Guiding Principles describe our behaviors to support our organization’s work throughout its life in all circumstances, irrespective of changes in goals, strategies, and leadership. Our Guiding Principles are as follows: We CULTIVATE-We grow staff and volunteer leaders who will be stewards of the Y mission, resources, and opportunities. We OWN-We think long-term and act on behalf of the organization, beyond our own team. We WELCOME-We are inclusive of all people and all communities. We SERVE-We provide timely and excellent service to members, volunteers, community, and each other. We LEARN-We are never done learning and always seek to improve. We are curious about new possibilities and act to explore them. We UNITE-We work together to achieve big goals and speak as one voice. We RESPECT-We treat others with kindness and speak positively about other people in all situations. We PLAY-We celebrate, appreciate, and have fun!

The YMCA of Great Grand Rapids utilizes a Membership By Design framework, which is a member involvement and community building model for YMCAs across the country. All staff members—front-line, management, full- and part-time—and volunteers have a role to play in member engagement. These responsibilities can be broken into six steps:

1. Enrollment: Staff and volunteers encourage potential members to enroll in programs and activities that meet their needs.
2. Satisfaction: Staff and volunteers ask members continually about their satisfaction with a program or activity, track responses, listen to suggestions, and respond promptly in a manner consistent with the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
3. Relationship Building: Staff and volunteers are open, friendly, and approachable to all YMCA members and participants. Staff and volunteers initiate interaction with and between members.
4. Education and Conversion: Staff and volunteers know about and share their knowledge of the YMCA, its programs, its policies, its mission, its values, and how it benefits members and the community.
5. Volunteerism and Leadership: Staff and volunteers create opportunities for members to volunteer in their areas of interest, and they ask members to do so whenever appropriate.
6. Ownership: Staff and volunteers encourage members to “own” the YMCA, using words such as “we,” “us,” and “our association” (and actions that match those words) to include members as well as staff and volunteers.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Child and Family Advocates will provide a strength-based partnership to parents and guardians enrolled in early childhood programs. By conducting assessments and collaborative goal setting, they will offer intentional and meaningful referrals to community resources and create diverse parent/guardian engagement opportunities. They will be culturally responsive, addressing the individual and unique needs of each family to ensure comprehensive support and inclusivity. Advocates will work to empower families, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that enhances the well-being and development of children within the program. Must be available Monday - Thursday. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead the establishment and maintenance of partnerships with 50 to 60 families annually.      
• Spearhead family engagement activities, including completing the Parent Gauge interviews, the Social Determinants of Health Assessment, co-creating family engagement events with families, connecting and referring families to appropriate resources such as housing, public benefits, medical or dental care, employment, etc., facilitating family involvement in their children’s education, and ensuring a collaborative partnership between parents and the school.
• Drive the program’s efforts to partner with community agencies to align community resources to improve family outcomes. 
• Collaborate with families to successfully transition their child to the next classroom, program, or school through internal and external coordination of services and resources to support the child's well-being, academic development, and health.
• Establish strong, productive, and trusting relationships with administrative team, school personnel, staff, families, and community members.
• Actively seek input on family needs and address barriers to learning, equity and inclusion. 
• Collaborate with the family, child care director, teachers, the community, and agencies to design and implement the identified services at the school. 
• Assist with establishing the Parent Advisory Council by recruiting parent leaders, incorporating parent feedback through interviews, assessments, surveys, meetings etc. 
• Collect, interpret, and implement data informed decisions on a case-by-case basis to improve the desired outcomes of each individual family.
• Ensures the timely submission of all required reports and supporting materials monthly. 
• Coordinates documents needed for internal and external program audits and compliance requirements.
• Represent the organization at various school meetings and other outreach events including open houses, recruitment, and community events.

Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

COMPENSATION

$18.00 - $22.00 ; Non-Exempt, Part-Time (up to 25 hours/week) 

BENEFITS

• Free YMCA Individual Membership
• 10% retirement contribution upon eligibility, learn more here.
• 403(b) retirement savings account
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program and resources for you and your family
• Community Discounts, and more!

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in social work, education, public health, or 3-5 years related experience in family engagement, community outreach, or a related area. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to build trust and relationships with diverse families and community members. Excellent organizational and data management skills. Knowledge of local community resources and services. Multilingual abilities preferred. 

CERTIFICATIONS

• Blood Borne Pathogen training
• CPR Certification required within the first 60 days
• First Aid Certification required within the first 60 days
• State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT)
• Fingerprinting
• DHS clearance
• Negative T.B. skin test

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The Child and Family Advocate will spend a significant amount of time working in various community settings, schools, and family homes.
• Some administrative tasks will be performed in an office environment, involving computer work, phone calls, and meetings.
• The role requires regular travel within the community to attend meetings, conduct home visits, and participate in community events. Reliable transportation is necessary.
• This position may require working evenings and weekends to accommodate family schedules and attend community events.
• The role involves frequent movement between different locations, including schools, community centers, and family homes. The coordinator should be comfortable walking, standing, and navigating various environments.
• Occasionally, the advocate may need to lift or carry materials, such as event supplies or educational resources, weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Effective communication is essential, requiring the ability to speak clearly, listen actively, and convey information accurately in both group settings and one-on-one interactions.
• Regular use of a computer for data entry, reporting, email communication, and virtual meetings. Proficiency in using office software and database systems is required.
• The advocate will work with families experiencing various challenges. Emotional resilience and the ability to maintain a positive and supportive attitude are crucial.
• The role demands flexibility and adaptability to respond to the diverse needs of families and the dynamic nature of community work.

TRAVEL:

40-50% of local travel within the state of Michigan; occasional out-of-state travel may be required for educational conferences or training.

Salary : $17 - $22