The Family Engagement Advocate creates, provides, and coordinates services and activities with families and communities that foster strength, healthy living, and overall well-being. They also provide support in a case management style and act as a liaison between families, staff, the community, and other family-related services. The Family Engagement Advocate encourages all family members to become advocates for their children and family.
Our Upbring staff members are servant-leaders on the pursuit of breaking the cycle of child abuse and empowering others to do the same through example while embodying our core values: We are Warriors. We are Servants. We are Family.
Responsibilities
Work Standards
- Maintain the funded enrollment level based on the awarded grant application in accordance with the Head Start Performance standards and Upbrings Policies and Procedure.
- Perform duties to ensure families are aware of the application process for enrollment into the Early Head Start or Head Start program
- Performs duties related to Eligibility, recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA)
- Monitor progress of service delivery assigned caseload, including plans for improved child behavior that reflects enhanced opportunities for learning
- Comply with company policies, procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, and HSPPS regulations and standards Always ensure the health and safety of each child in care, and support the overall well-being of children
Communication
- Immediately communicate with supervisor concerns related to child health (IHNP) and safety
- Conduct a minimum of two home visits (fall and spring) per program year and contact the family as needed o
- Orient families to the program according to the established orientation plan and develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the family and community program
- Assist parents to develop their skills and knowledge in the areas of parenting, medical/dental topics, mental health, nutrition, early childhood development and personal growth
- Make parent contact/follow-up for children whose attendance in Head Start and/or Early Head Start is irregular; tracks children who withdraw; track attendance in database on daily basis
- Document all activities that relate to contact with families and specific program objectives
- Maintain accurate documentation and recordkeeping in a timely and accurate manner, as required by all applicable regulations
Adaptability
- Exhibit flexibility in day-to-day operations and in providing needed services to families
Teamwork
- In collaboration with the ERSEA Specialist, select participants for the Head Start and/or Early Head Start program based on the established policies and procedures including children with disabilities and underserved populations
- Promote positive growth and development of families by fostering teamwork among staff
- Actively participates in and contributes to child staffing on a regular basi
- Work closely with the Head Start leadership and staff to maintain focus on family engagement, health, and nutrition with program goals and objectives that meet the needs of the students and families
- Work closely with parents, staff, and administration to ensure program operations are supporting and meeting program goals and objectives and learning outcomes
Building Relationships
- Make parent contact/follow-up for children whose attendance in Head Start and/or Early Head Start is irregular; tracks children who withdraw; track attendance in database on daily basis
- Create a trusting, collaborative and partnership building process, and implement with each family
- In collaboration with the Center Director and Director of Family Services, facilitate and implement parent and family engagement activities year-round
- Recognize and promote family’s readiness and willingness to participate in the program
- Make parent contact/follow-up for children whose attendance in Head Start and/or Early Head Start is irregular
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate degree in Social Work, Family and Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field
- One-year experience, training, and skill assisting the parents of young children to advocate for their families
- A passion for achieving positive child and family outcomes through high quality family engagement
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
- Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with children
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Strong people and interpersonal skills with the ability to work and interact with diverse groups of people
- Exceptions to these requirements will be considered based on exemplary skills, training, and record of success
- Proficient in Microsoft programs, social media, writing, editing and applicable software systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred in Social Work, Family and Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field
- Two years’ direct related experience, training, and skill assisting the parents of young children to advocate for their families
- Family Development Credential (FDC) (preferred and required within the first year of employment)
- Prior experience working in low-income diverse communities preferred
- Bilingual Spanish English based on service population