POSITION DESCRIPTION: Family Advocate II/III
LENGTH OF WORK YEAR: Available In May 2024
BENEFIT ELIGIBLE: E Center has competitive benefits which include:
- Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
- Employee contribution 403b with Agency matching (depending on funding)
- Supplemental life insurance
- 13 paid holidays annually, and competitive paid time off accrual rates
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction and general supervision of the Center Director, uses research based OHS Family Engagement practices to support families and link families with appropriate health and social service agencies and assists in maintaining support services for special needs children. Maintains positive working relationships with supervisors, coworkers and families.
Follows all Head Start Performance Standards, Agency and Program policies and procedures and other applicable Federal and State regulations to successfully accomplish Agency and Program goals and objectives. Adhere to agency confidentiality policy with respect to information and records concerning children, families and staff. Maintain professional and ethical standards in accordance with agency policy, code of conduct and legal requirements.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
- Acts in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards in meeting health, nutrition, mental health, special needs, family services and ERSEA requirements including follow up requirements.
- Serves as an interpreter and/or advocate when necessary for Head Start parents, including translation at parent center committee meetings, parent trainings, conferences, medical/dental appointments and IEP/IFSP meetings as needed.
- Ensures all health and nutrition requirements and all follow up are met according to agency timelines, may include hearing, vision and blood pressure.
- Documents in child file for all content areas and contact with families is completed thoroughly and legibly.
- Provides education to families on community resources.
- Links families to appropriate community resources and completes referrals as needed.
- Works collaboratively with parents and teachers to identify family strengths.
- Monitors and follows up on daily attendance including working with parent to resolve children’s attendance problems.
- Maintains current community resource information.
- Provides emergency assistance or crisis intervention.
- Participates in Family Support groups such as male involvement groups and single parent groups as needed.
- Attends and participates in agency trainings, workshops, in-service and staff meetings.
- Participates in setting and achieving professional career development goals.
- Provides transportation to parents for meetings and medical appointments as assigned.
- Actively support full enrollment in assigned classroom or center as assigned.
- Supports the Agency Safety Program.
- Supports family interest in applying for the program and recruitment events throughout the Head Start season.
- Files family service, education and health related materials in files.
- Participates in the Reflective supervision process.
- Makes attendance phone calls.
- Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Level I:
- College Course work in at a minimum a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or related field.
- Experience working for a child development, social services or health related agency.
Level II:
- Associate Degree in Social Work, Human Services, or Health.
- Two years’ experience working for a child development, social services or health related agency.
Level III:
- Bachelor Degree or higher in Social Work, Human Services, or Health.
- Two years’ experience working in child development, social services or health related agency.
Other Requirements
- State regulations require a physical examination, current tuberculosis test, and verified fingerprint and criminal records clearance before beginning work.
- Bilingual, bi-literate, English/Spanish, English/Punjabi, English/Hmong, and/or other language ability based on program needs preferred.
- Education must have previously included or must be able to successfully complete course work in child abuse, substance abuse and domestic violence within one year of date of hire.
- Prefer college coursework in child development.
- Possession of or ability to obtain Pediatric First Aid/CPR Certification within first sixty 60 days of work; must maintain current status.
- Possession of a valid drivers' license; current personal vehicle insurance, or safe driving record sufficient to ensure insurability through Agency policy. Must be able to drive to conduct agency business.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to learn and incorporate OHS Relationship based competency skills in daily work.
- Ability to read and comprehend documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
- Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
- Ability to speak effectively before groups of parents or employees of organization.
- Ability to add, subtracts, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compare rate, ratio and percent.
- Ability to understand and use a variety of computer applications and appropriate software, including spreadsheets, word processing; and workplace electronic technology, including internet access and email.
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.
- Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized or not standardized situation.
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to diversity and understanding the needs of families from different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Knowledge of sound medical, dental and nutritional practices for young children.
- Awareness of community resources and services.
- Effective organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to problem solve and be proactive.
- Ability to work and communicate effectively and professionally with coworkers, parents, children and members of the community.
- Ability to travel occasionally within and outside the Head Start service area.
- Ability to work some evenings and weekends for parent trainings, parent center committee meetings and recruitment events.
- Ability to learn and comply with Head Start Performance Standards, Federal, State and local laws concerning the operation of child care centers.
**IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIRED. Must be current on Measles, Pertussis, and Influenza immunizations per Senate Bill 792 in the State of California. Current proof of shots must be provided before hire
NOTE: Applicant must be bilingual Spanish/English
Wages: Hourly wages will be determined by what level applicant qualifies for:
Family Advocate I $18.86 - $22.83
Family Advocate II $21.32 - $25.80
Family Advocate III $22.98 - $28.34