Family Advocate - Head Start Program, Lansing, MI Area

Job description

Capital Area Community Services, Inc. is seeking a Family Advocate to work 40 hours per week for it's Head Start Program. This position has summers off per the Agency calendar year. The pay rate is $21.13 per hour with an Associate's degree, $24.97 with a Bachelor's degree, and $27.00 with a Master's degree.

nJob Summary

nPerform a variety of duties designed to assist and support families in improving their skills and encouraging them to participate in the Head Start program. Work with families to identify strengths and needs and create goals per the Head Start Parent Family and Community Engagement framework. 

nQualifications

nEducation:

nAssociate's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling or related field (Family Advocate I)

nBachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling or related field (Family Advocate Il)

nMaster's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling or closely related field (Family Advocate III)

nExperience:

nA minimum of one year of related experience in a human service or social services organization working with low income families.

nPosition Duties/Responsibilities

nCollaborate with families in a family partnership process to support the families' identified needs, interests, strengths, and goals; jointly monitor progress toward families' goals

nCommunicate and collaborate regularly with classroom staff, childcare partners, and other departments

nParticipate in the Head Start program's recruitment efforts

nWork to ensure the classroom is fully enrolled

nMonitor child attendance records, communicate with families and teaching staff about attendance, and provide support for attendance challenges

nDevelop relationships with parents by learning about their life, goals, and interests

nConnect or refer families to appropriate community services and resources, tailoring information to each family's goals and needs

nFollow up with families on their progress as needed through respectful, ongoing two-way communication

nAssure that families receive welcoming environments 

nParticipate in team meetings, including with childcare partners, to provide input regarding concerns about children or families and to assist in developing plans to meet those needs

nAssist in planning, supporting, and executing parent engagement and family events or trainings (Family Activity Nights, FSC trainings, Parent Committee Meetings/Family Meetings, Transition Events, etc.)

nDocument and track child and parent information timely and accurately in the ChildPlus system including case notes, health data, enrollment data, and program information data to support family and program goals.

nLearn about and understand ERSEA roles and responsibilities

nEstablish relationships with other community agencies, childcare providers, and service providers

nComplete regular Home Visits 

nWork with families to ensure that every child has access to a medical and dental home

nProvide support to families and health staff to ensure physicals, immunizations, and dental exams are up to date, along with treatment follow-up if necessary

nWork with the family to remove barriers so they can thrive, including transporting families to appointments if needed

nActively participate in monthly department meetings, department training, monthly reflective supervision, reflective practice, and peer-to-peer learning groups

nnCapital Area Community Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

nPost Offer and Pre-Employment, candidates must pass a drug screen, including marijuana, and fingerprint background checks. 

nnnnEmployment with CACS Head Start is contingent upon successful completion of a comprehensive background check, including fingerprinting, in accordance with state and federal licensing requirements and Head Start Performance Standards. All candidates must also pass a pre-employment drug screening. Continued employment is subject to adherence to ongoing background check and health requirements as mandated by licensing regulations and agency policies.

Worksite address

lansing, MI, 48900, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.