Family Advocate

The position of Bilingual (English/Spanish) 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. Flexible and varied work schedule, including evenings and weekends as required. Schedule will be determined and coordinated by the Family and Community Engagement Manager.

Candidates must have a car and valid driver’s license as travel throughout Trenton and all Early Head Start and Head Start Centers is required. Salary: $41,041.00 Essential Job Responsibilities and Performance Indicators: Ensure that as a Family Advocate they meet all program objectives. Process Head Start applicants and screen for qualification under Head Start program guidelines.

Organize orientation for parents and center committee meetings. Assist staff to involve parents in meeting education, health, and social service component performance standards. Assist staff and parents in evaluating parent involvement in the program. Coordinate family activities with classroom activities. Organize monthly Center Parent Meetings with Head Teacher.

Conduct three home visits a year per family: Orientation home visit two home visits with classroom teacher. Review parents’ goals for their children with teaching staff. Help families identify and access needed resources: health, mental health, social services, education, and training. Help families learn how to reform these institutions when necessary.

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 Associate’s Degree or a minimum of 60 College Credits in a related field of study. Bachelor’s 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 documents Knowledge of various software programs such as MS Word, Excel, Power-Point, and Publisher.

Child. Plus software or equivalent a plus Ability to effectively engage and communicate with community members and groups, managers, regulatory agencies, and families both individually and in group settings Ability to organize and manage time effectively Must attend mandatory Head Start pre-service training held in mid to late August of each school calendar year.

This is a brief description only of the position. Anyone interested may request a full job description from the human resource department. The Children’s Home Society is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D/V. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.