Family Advocate - Head Start (Aberdeen & Edgewood)

The Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) is a private non-profit organization that provides services in response to the needs of rural, low-income households and communities. MRDC serves as Caroline, Cecil, Harford and Kent Counties’ official Community Action Agency.

The Family Advocate serves as a vital link between Head Start preschool families and the program, ensuring that families receive the necessary support, resources, and education to foster a strong home-to-school connection. This role involves assisting families in identifying needs, setting goals, accessing community services, and promoting family engagement in their child’s early education.

This position will be required to travel between the Aberdeen and Edgewood Centers.

Job Responsibilities :

• Build trusting relationships with families to encourage active participation in their child’s education.
• Conduct home visits and family meetings to assess strengths, needs, and goals.
• Support families in achieving self-sufficiency by connecting them with community resources (e.g., housing assistance, employment services, healthcare).
• Develop and implement family partnership agreements to set individualized goals.
• Encourage parental involvement in classroom activities, school events, and volunteer opportunities.
• Provide guidance to families on child development, school readiness, and positive parenting strategies.
• Work closely with teachers and staff to ensure family engagement is integrated into educational activities.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local services, including healthcare, mental health, food assistance, and social services.
• Refer families to appropriate agencies and follow up to ensure services are received.
• Advocate for families in accessing benefits and overcoming barriers to support.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of family interactions, assessments, and referrals.
• Assist in enrollment and recruitment efforts to ensure program capacity.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and other regulatory requirements.
• Participate in staff training, meetings, and professional development activities.
• Thinks, concentrates, and positively interacts with others
• Comes to work promptly every day
• Works under stress and meets all deadlines
• OTHER DUTIES : (Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.) Performs related work as required or assigned.

Requirements

Experience :

Required Skills / Qualifications

Physical Demands :

Terms of Employment :

Twelve (12) month; full-time position

Compensation :

Hourly Range $23.58 - $24.90 Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

Benefits

Benefits :

Maryland Rural Development Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at hrdept@mrdc.net