Family Advocate

Job Description Family Advocate PURPOSE OFTHE POSITION: Will work as a team member with the Family and Community Partnerships service area to assist in the coordination and implement of activities and services in the areas of Family Services and Parent Involvement for enrolled children and their families SUPERVISOR: Family Services Manager QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelors' Degree in Social work, Counseling, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology and or related field. Extensive work experience in crisis intervention will be helpful. Individual must have knowledge of skills and abilities needed to perform the assigned functions. Must be knowledgeable of family situations as they relate to diverse ethnic cultural, religious and environmental backgrounds; able to work with a diverse population. Must display sensitivity and respect for individuals with varying socioeconomic, cultural, racial, ethnic, religious and environmental backgrounds. Must possess training and experience in fields related to social human or family services, psychology and dealing with a diverse population. Experience in Human Services Must possess good oral and written communication skills. Must have valid Virginia Driver's License. Must have reliable transportation. DUTIES INCLUDE: Will carry out program goals and objectives based on the Head Start/Early Head Start Revised Performance Standards. Will submit weekly/monthly reports to include: home visits, enrollment, referrals, attendance, family contacts, maintain monthly contacts with parents, etc. to the Community/Family Partnerships Specialist. Will recruit, screen and enroll eligible children. Will assist potential and current Head Start families in obtaining the required information necessary for registration and enrollment. Will assist in arranging/providing transportation for families attending agency training/functions/meetings, etc. Will maintain accurate caseload documentation on each child/family. Will accurately record all contacts, meetings and services provided on the appropriate forms in a timely manner. Will collect and monitor daily attendance of assigned caseload. Will contact parent or guardian via home visit or telephone when the child has been absent 2 or more consecutive days. Will ensure required enrollment of no less than 85% per classroom is maintained. Will encourage parent involvement and participation in all aspects of the Head Start program to include parent center meetings, Policy Council, volunteer programs etc. Will work a rotating shift from 3:30 PM until all buses clear in Hampton, Denbigh and Downtown Newport News. Ensures all health screenings are completed within the first 45 days of enrollment. Maintain individual health records of all children enrolled in the program. Ensures all health services and follow-up services on children are obtained in a timely manner in accordance with the Performance Standards. Assist in the scheduling and arrangement of medical services provided for, and to Head Start children and families. Will meet regularly/as needed with the Family Services Specialist to review the status of the caseload, classroom etc. Will assist transportation as a bus monitor when needed. Accepts other duties as assigned by the Supervisor and/or Director. Will assist the Health Specialist: To ensure all health screenings are completed within 45 of enrollment. To maintain individual Health records of all children enrolled in the program. To ensure all health services and follow-up services are obtained in a timely manner in accordance with the Performance Standards. In scheduling and arrangement for medical services for Head Start children and families. Attend Health Advisory Meetings Requirements QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelors' Degree in Social work, Counseling, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology and or related field. Extensive work experience in crisis intervention will be helpful. Individual must have knowledge of skills and abilities needed to perform the assigned functions. Must be knowledgeable of family situations as they relate to diverse ethnic cultural, religious and environmental backgrounds; able to work with a diverse population. Must display sensitivity and respect for individuals with varying socioeconomic, cultural, racial, ethnic, religious and environmental backgrounds. Must possess training and experience in fields related to social human or family services, psychology and dealing with a diverse population. Experience in Human Services Must possess good oral and written communication skills. Must have valid Virginia Driver's License. Must have reliable transportation. Benefits Benefits Summary – Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP) HRCAP offers a comprehensive benefits package available starting the first of the month following your hire date, including: Leave Benefits: Accrue annual leave for a total of 10 days per year Accrue 5 hours of sick leave per pay period 1 paid day off for your birthday annually Paid Holidays: 11 paid holidays, including New Year's Day, MLK Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving (and the day after), Christmas Day, and others Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents 75% of health premiums paid by employer Pre-tax payroll deductions via a Section 125 Plan Retirement Plan: 403 (b) plan with a Dollar-for-dollar match up to 3% after one year of service For full details, refer to the HRCAP Employee Handbook and Summary Plan Documents.