Family Services Advocate

About This Role

The Family Services Advocate supports the social services system coordinated by Head Start, implementing family partnership, parent engagement, and community partnership functions. This role focuses on applying a family-centered philosophy to motivate Head Start families to increase their participation and involvement with their children’s education.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, enroll, and engage in collaborative partnership building with 40 families of children receiving Head Start services.
• Conduct home visits annually and as needed based on the family’s identified tier level.
• Work with families individually to identify family goals, strengths, and necessary services and supports through the Family Needs Assessment and track progress.
• Arrange for education and other appropriate interventions related to family or individual mental health services, substance abuse, child abuse and neglect, and domestic violence.
• Connect families with local resources such as housing assistance, employment support, food assistance, and healthcare services.
• Collaborate with community partners to enhance available services for families.
• Maintain weekly contact with Teaching Associates to integrate Family Partnership Goals with classroom efforts.
• Plan and attend parent committee meetings and family activities.
• Maintain and update child health records, follow up on referrals for support services, and ensure all documentation is current.
• Submit reports as requested, such as monthly summary tracking reports.

Requirements

• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check, and fingerprinting screen
• Access to reliable transportation
• Basic computer literacy in email, word processing and internet navigation
• Ability to develop positive relationships with children and parents
• Ability to effectively communicate through verbal and written form
• Commitment to the Y’s mission, values, and policies

Qualifications

• Training related to social, human, or family services; assisting parents of young children in advocating and decision-making for their families. Head Start experience preferred.

Nice to Have

• Head Start experience

Skills

* Required skills

Benefits