JOB TITLE: FAMILY ADVOCATE
LOCATION: Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties
PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING
******This position is in Orlando, however the caseload assigned is in all three counties*******Mileage reimbursement is available****************
Background Screening Notice (Florida HB 531)
This position requires background screening through the Florida Care Provider Clearinghouse (Level 2), as mandated by law. For clear and straightforward information about the process—including Level 2 standards, live-scan fingerprinting (including details on the process, vendors, locations, and potential costs), disqualifying offenses, and exemption procedures—please visit the State of Florida's education and awareness page here: https://info.flclearinghouse.com
Qualified applicants who receive a conditional offer will be provided with step-by-step instructions and timelines for completing the screening process.
Before applying, please take note of the minimum requirements and pay:
- An Associate’s degree with 12 college credit hours in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field.
- Two (2) years’ experience in an Early Childhood program, social work, or case management.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Family Advocate is vital in supporting families in the Head Start program. They help families access social services, create partnerships, and empower them to achieve their goals, improving their overall well-being. This role includes providing services to families enrolled in the Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) program, including pregnant women, in compliance with established performance standards. They work towards implementing social service and parent involvement objectives by carrying out policies, goals, and activities.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Implements and adheres to eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA) standard operating procedures, Head Start, and 4C policies and procedures.
- Conducts recruitment activities for EHS-CCP program participants, including door-to-door recruitment, agency and community outreach, and distribution of materials as assigned for EHS-CCP, 4C School Readiness and EHS Pregnant Moms.
- Completes eligibility and enrollment application to maintain a 100% total enrollment. Maintains a waitlist that exceeds the number of vacancies.
- Collect documents to verify children's eligibility for the HS/EHS/EHS-CCP programs, including children with disabilities. Assists parents in completing original enrollment applications when needed.
- Ensures the entire application process for each assigned child and family enrolled in HS/EHS/EHS-CCP is completed accurately and promptly.
- Provide families with resources through community outreach services. Reviews and analyzes data regarding families on caseload to include Program Information Report, average daily attendance, and goal achievement.
- Encourages parent involvement in the HS/EHS/EHS-CCP program, both in the classroom and at home.
- Organizes and initiates parent committee meetings at assigned HS/EHS and EHS-CCP provider sites, attends meetings, and ensures accurate documentation.
- Provide information and make referrals for EHS and HS families on issues related to the child or their family, pregnant women, and follow up promptly. Assists in scheduling Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings.
- Advocates for program participants and acts as the liaison between all sub-contracted locations. Must report areas of concern from the sub-contracted locations to their supervisor.
- Collaborates with applicable staff and sub-contracted locations to ensure program effectiveness.
- Conducts weekly visits to assigned classrooms and ensures site locations follow full enrollment procedures.
- Deliver curriculum during home and family group activities for EHS pregnant women and their families.
- Implement home-based learning experiences following the home visiting curriculum.
- Provide education and support services to pregnant women and their families.
- Encourage parental involvement in curriculum planning, program governance, and other aspects of the program.
- Conduct prenatal history and EPDS screenings for pregnant women.
- Monitor pregnant women's health status, medical appointments, and nutrition, and document program activities and progress in Child Plus.
- Completes family needs assessment and develops a parent, family, and community engagement Partnership Agreements with each Head Start family to accomplish identified goals. Monitors progress toward goals and recommends continuation or termination of services.
- Maintains regular contact with families by making home visits, including 60-minute visits with EHS pregnant women and their families, phone calls, and center contacts. Contact parents/guardians of children with three or more consecutive unexcused absences or irregular attendance.
- Utilizes Child Plus data software to maintain accurate files, prepares reports and correspondence on assigned cases, and maintains related health, education, in-kind, attendance, and family services records per ERSEA, Head Start, and 4C policies and procedures.
- Assists parents in arranging transportation to appointments at various social or medical agencies.
- Educate families on the Learning Genie database, including providing invitations to complete the registration process, assisting in the registration process, and communicating on utilizing the Learning Genie App through Child Plus communication: email and text, in-person meetings, and parent meetings.
- Participate in the Agency's Quality Improvement Program
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. In order to prepare and read documents and correspondences.
- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
- Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
- Ability to gain knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and HS/EHS Policies and Procedures, including the Active Supervision of children.
- Knowledge of office practices and procedures.
- Ability to operate a personal computer.
- Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing, spreadsheet, and databases, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Ability to navigate the Internet.
- Ability to gain knowledge of the Child Plus software application.
- Ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to gain knowledge of eligibility criteria for applicants.
- Ability to gain knowledge of community resources.
- Ability to demonstrate abilities in problem solving and organization.
- Ability to work and communicate with people from various multi-cultural backgrounds and socio-economic levels.
- Sensitivity to the needs, abilities, beliefs, and attitudes of individuals within and outside the Agency, including but not limited to customers and co-workers.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- An associate’s degree with 12 college credit hours in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field.
- Two (2) years’ experience in an Early Childhood program, social work, or case management.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:
- Must meet criteria for background screening as required for child care personnel in child care licensing regulations.
- Possession of a valid Florida Driver's license and daily access to reliable transportation to and from work and for travel to off-site locations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to transport materials to meeting sites.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
- Ability to sit for extended periods while performing essential job functions.
- Ability to speak in front of large groups.
- Ability to set up meetings including moving tables, chairs, etc., and cleanup.
- May be required to perform moderate lifting/pulling/pushing/ and carrying, approximately 30-50 pounds, for example in lifting children, equipment, or supplies.
- Position requires bending and stooping.
- Must be able to appropriately restrain children, if the child is in danger of hurting him/herself or others.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
- Office and off-site work environment.
- Possible exposure to communicable diseases found in young children including blood-borne pathogens.
- May be required to work nights, holidays, and weekends.
- Some outdoor activities in various weather conditions.
- Must be able to report to various work locations, as instructed.
- Local travel required. Ability to travel in/out of state for training as needed.
STARTING PAY: $20.61 to $21.29 per hour
Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.
