Head Start Family Advocate
Posted on: June 15, 2012
Posted by: Children's Home Society of Washington
Description
Head Start Family Advocate - 06-018-2012
REPORTS TO: Family Services Supervisor
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
SUPERVISES: 0
POSITION SUMMARY:
Provides a range of family support and advocacy services to a diverse CHSW consumer population. Provides an assessment of individual consumer needs. As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, contributes to the implementation of goal-oriented family plan.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
·Assessment: Completes the initial consumer assessment and the development of the Family Partnership Agreement within 90 days of enrollment; completes re-assessment and revises service plan every six months. This process is conducted in collaboration with the families and includes identification of families’ strengths and needs and development of goals to meet those needs
·Maintains consumer files that meet Head Start Performance Standards and ensures confidentiality of all records kept
·Recruitment: Works with Supervisor to design annual recruiting plans and actively participates in the recruitment of children and families for society service programs. And as appropriate, determines the eligibility based on federal guidelines
·Family Support: Encourage and support families in working toward the goals they have set. Provide appropriate resources and referrals, emergency assistance, crisis intervention; assist in accessing health & dental care, mental health referrals, and access to other needed community resources
·Advocate for low-income families and train families in advocacy skills
·Community Resources: Actively researches and networks with appropriate community agencies and service providers who can meet the needs of parents; provides parents with resource information and contacts
·Transition Planning: Connects families with appropriate transition placement – Head Start, pre-schools, centers, or home schooling programs; increases parent knowledge of the parent involvement opportunities during transition and
·Promotes Family literacy
·Participates in Policy Council, Parent Committees and Parent Meetings with schools (counselors, teachers and staff)
·Plays a lead role in Team Reviews
·Enters data using CHSW technology; attends training on CHSW data base/programs
·Staff Training: Attends both position and program training, and other staff in-service training
·Provides mentorship to new employees and interns
·Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
·BA in Social Work field or related field plus minimum of 3 years’ experience working with low-income families. Or, a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities required.
·Must be skilled in communicating with and motivating families and have an understanding of individual family development and use of various motivational and adult education principles and interventions
·Must have knowledge of family support principles, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to build relationships with community organizations and their personnel
·Must have knowledge and understanding of community resources and the skills to successfully connect families with appropriate agencies and services
·Proficient in MS Office
·A valid Washington State driver’s license
·Proof of physical exam (updated every three years), including a TB skin test, must be on file. For those that have tested positive, a statement from a doctor or chest x-ray must be provided.
·Current CPR and First Aid Certification upon hire or within 60 days of hire.
·Completion of Criminal History Declaration form and criminal history background check.
·Ability to lift 40 lbs.
·Current food handler’s permit upon hire or within 30 days of hire.
REPORTS TO: Family Services Supervisor
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
SUPERVISES: 0
POSITION SUMMARY:
Provides a range of family support and advocacy services to a diverse CHSW consumer population. Provides an assessment of individual consumer needs. As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, contributes to the implementation of goal-oriented family plan.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
·Assessment: Completes the initial consumer assessment and the development of the Family Partnership Agreement within 90 days of enrollment; completes re-assessment and revises service plan every six months. This process is conducted in collaboration with the families and includes identification of families’ strengths and needs and development of goals to meet those needs
·Maintains consumer files that meet Head Start Performance Standards and ensures confidentiality of all records kept
·Recruitment: Works with Supervisor to design annual recruiting plans and actively participates in the recruitment of children and families for society service programs. And as appropriate, determines the eligibility based on federal guidelines
·Family Support: Encourage and support families in working toward the goals they have set. Provide appropriate resources and referrals, emergency assistance, crisis intervention; assist in accessing health & dental care, mental health referrals, and access to other needed community resources
·Advocate for low-income families and train families in advocacy skills
·Community Resources: Actively researches and networks with appropriate community agencies and service providers who can meet the needs of parents; provides parents with resource information and contacts
·Transition Planning: Connects families with appropriate transition placement – Head Start, pre-schools, centers, or home schooling programs; increases parent knowledge of the parent involvement opportunities during transition and
·Promotes Family literacy
·Participates in Policy Council, Parent Committees and Parent Meetings with schools (counselors, teachers and staff)
·Plays a lead role in Team Reviews
·Enters data using CHSW technology; attends training on CHSW data base/programs
·Staff Training: Attends both position and program training, and other staff in-service training
·Provides mentorship to new employees and interns
·Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
·BA in Social Work field or related field plus minimum of 3 years’ experience working with low-income families. Or, a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities required.
·Must be skilled in communicating with and motivating families and have an understanding of individual family development and use of various motivational and adult education principles and interventions
·Must have knowledge of family support principles, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to build relationships with community organizations and their personnel
·Must have knowledge and understanding of community resources and the skills to successfully connect families with appropriate agencies and services
·Proficient in MS Office
·A valid Washington State driver’s license
·Proof of physical exam (updated every three years), including a TB skin test, must be on file. For those that have tested positive, a statement from a doctor or chest x-ray must be provided.
·Current CPR and First Aid Certification upon hire or within 60 days of hire.
·Completion of Criminal History Declaration form and criminal history background check.
·Ability to lift 40 lbs.
·Current food handler’s permit upon hire or within 30 days of hire.
How to apply
To apply please click on the link below
https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=1570911
https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=1570911
