Child & Family Advocate

Description : POSITION SUMMARY :

Child and Family Advocates will provide a strength-based partnership to parents and guardians enrolled in early childhood programs. By conducting assessments and collaborative goal setting, they will offer intentional and meaningful referrals to community resources and create diverse parent / guardian engagement opportunities. They will be culturally responsive, addressing the individual and unique needs of each family to ensure comprehensive support and inclusivity. Advocates will work to empower families, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that enhances the well-being and development of children within the program. Must be available Monday - Thursday, 8 AM to 4 : 30 PM.

This is a grant funded position through 09 / 30 / 2026

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead the establishment and maintenance of partnerships with 50 to 60 families annually.
• Spearhead family engagement activities, including completing the Parent Gauge interviews, the Social Determinants of Health Assessment, co-creating family engagement events with families, connecting and referring families to appropriate resources such as housing, public benefits, medical or dental care, employment, etc., facilitating family involvement in their childrens education, and ensuring a collaborative partnership between parents and the school.
• Drive the programs efforts to partner with community agencies to align community resources to improve family outcomes.
• Collaborate with families to successfully transition their child to the next classroom, program, or school through internal and external coordination of services and resources to support the child's well-being, academic development, and health.
• Establish strong, productive, and trusting relationships with administrative team, school personnel, staff, families, and community members.
• Actively seek input on family needs and address barriers to learning, equity and inclusion.
• Collaborate with the family, child care director, teachers, the community, and agencies to design and implement the identified services at the school.
• Assist with establishing the Parent Advisory Council by recruiting parent leaders, incorporating parent feedback through interviews, assessments, surveys, meetings etc.
• Collect, interpret, and implement data informed decisions on a case-by-case basis to improve the desired outcomes of each individual family.
• Ensures the timely submission of all required reports and supporting materials monthly.
• Coordinates documents needed for internal and external program audits and compliance requirements.
• Represent the organization at various school meetings and other outreach events including open houses, recruitment, and community events.

Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

COMPENSATION

$18.00 - $22.00 ; Non-Exempt, Part-Time (up to 25 hours / week)

BENEFITS

Requirements : QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in social work, education, public health, or 3-5 years related experience in family engagement, community outreach, or a related area. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to build trust and relationships with diverse families and community members. Excellent organizational and data management skills. Knowledge of local community resources and services. Multilingual abilities preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TRAVEL :

40-50% of local travel within the state of Michigan; occasional out-of-state travel may be required for educational conferences or training.

PM21

Compensation details : 18-22 Hourly Wage

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