Family Advocate

Family Advocate

Department : Head Start and Children's Services

Employment Type : Permanent - Full Time

Location : Medford

Compensation : $21.93 - $28.62 / hour

Description

To promote family wellness and parent engagement programs in order to support the implementation of the family partnership process. Work as a liaison between classroom and home settings in the area of education, child development and mental health. Provide support, referrals, advocacy and up to date record maintenance for assigned families.

The Family Advocate is responsible for promoting the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children's Services; building an understanding of the program by communicating this mission to staff, families and the community.

This position must comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, standards and policies, including those of the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Massachusetts disability law (Chapter 766), Boston Family Engagement Network (BFEN) and ABCD, Inc. Head Start and Children's Services policies and procedures.

All ABCD Head Start / Early Head Start and Children's Services personnel who are paid to care for, or work with, children are MANDATED BY LAW to report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119 §§ 51A - 51G. Any staff member who suspects child abuse or neglect of a child must inform his or her supervisor immediately.

The responsibilities of a particular position may support both Early Head Start and Head Start depending on the individual assignment. The specific corresponding funding allocation will be documented on the personnel payroll authorization or change of status form.

All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES :

Family Partnership Building (up to 35%)

• Welcome families into the program and share information about transitioning into Head Start.
• Ensure families are full partners in their own and their children's development and learning by helping families develop and reach realistic and achievable long and short term goals.
• Engage families in assessing their needs and strengths, and supporting them in taking actions to reach their goals.
• Monitor progress on Family Partnership goals for all assigned families.
• Promote partnership and maintain relationships with families through ongoing frequent communication including but not limited to phone calls, group activity, home visits, informal contacts and classroom visits.
• Provide assistance to families in addressing challenges by discussing issues and / or linking them to community resources, including but not limited to mental illness, substance abuse, housing, employment, disabilities, family violence, etc. that affect their well-being.
• Prepare and distribute follow up containing information to assist families in a timely manner.
• Assist with all transitions of child and family.
• Promote family literacy.
• Work with parents to establish and maintain regular attendance for their child.
• Make family home visits to conduct family interviews, identify needs and refer families to the appropriate Head start staff and / or outside agencies.

Parent Engagement and Community Engagements (Up to 25%)

Utilize Information and Technical Systems (Up to 30%)

Additional Job Responsibilities (Up to 10%)

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES :

Physical Environmental Demands & Conditions

Professionalism

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE :

Family Advocate I (HS) Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent with one of the following; Family Development Credential, Certificate in Human Services, Social Work, Family Services, Counseling or other comparable credential, or active enrollment in AA or BA degree program. If in a degree program, must be obtained within 18 months of hire. Up to 12 months of experience required.

Family Advocate II (HS) Minimum of an AA / AS in Human Services, Social Work, Family Services, Counseling or a related field and up to 12 months of experience.

Family Advocate III (HS) Minimum of a BA / BS in Human Services, Social Work, Family Services, Counseling or a related field and up to 12 months of experience.