Family Advocate - Head Start Program

Overview:
The position of Family Advocate is responsible for creating and implementing successful Family Partnership with families of Head Start and the Community; and for advocating on behalf of all Head Start Families.Candidates must have a car and valid drivers license as travel throughout Trenton is required.Work Location: Head Start Center715 Bellevue AvenueTrenton, New Jersey 0861812 Month Position

Responsibilities:
Essential Responsibilities and Performance Indicators:Ensure that as a Family Advocate you meet program requirements as outlined in th Head Start Performance Standards 1302.10 1302.18 Sub Part A (ERSEA) and 1302.34, and Sub Part E 1302.50 1302.53 Process Head Start and Abbott applicants and screen for their eligibility under Head Start Standards, Abbott and the organizations eligibility procedures. Work with parent leaders to organize parent and center committee meetings.Work in collaboration with other program content areas to ensure parent engage is present in all aspects of child development. Coordinate family activities with classroom activities.Conduct three home visits a year per family: Orientation home visit two home visits with classroom teacher.Support parent understanding of their child goals for learning in conjunction with teaching staff. Complete Family Needs Assessments for 100% of the clients assigned to your caselod.Help families identify and access needed resources: health, mental health, social services, education, employment and training. Develop a Family Partnership agreement in collaboration with program participants for a minimum of 80% of all families within your caseload.Help families learn how to advocate for needed resources when necessary.Assist classroom staff and parents in developing transition plans for Head Start children entering public school.Ensure accurate and up to date records are maintained according to the performance standards and the agencys recordkeeping requirements.Conduct and record medical screening for vision, height, and weight as required.Follow Policies and Procedure to document all work with families from program entry until the family transition out of Head Start. Administer attendance and late arrival/pickup policies.Assist other Head Start staff with projects as requested.Maintain Professional and Ethical Standards: Maintain confidentiality in accordance with Agency policy and legal requirements.Respect and maintain rights and privacy of all staff, parents, and children. Maintain HIPAA compliances of all confidential information.Attend mandated trainings and meetings, and seek out staff development opportunities.Work as a team member with all Head Start and agency staff and maintain a positive work ethic.Adhere to NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and NASW Code of Ethics.

Qualifications:
Educational Requirements:Minimum of a credential or certification within 18 months of hire, in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field. Candidate must hold an Associates Degree or a minimum of 60 College Credits in a related field of study. Bachelors Degree in Social Work or the required credential and certification as noted above preferred.Experience Requirements: Experience in fields related to social, human, or family services.Additional Qualifications:Work experience with multicultural populations.Ability to write reports and correspondence, and read and interpret documentsKnowledge of various software programs such as MS Word, Excel, Power-Point, and Publisher. ChildPlus software or equivalent a plusAbility to effectively engage and communicate with community members and groups, managers, regulatory agencies, and families both individually and in group settingsAbility to organize and manage time effectively