Family Advocate

Overview

Family Advocate role at USC CERPP (Center for Enrollment Research, Policy and Practice) within USC's School for Early Childhood Education (SECE) in Los Angeles. The position supports families in the community, co-leads with parent representatives, coordinates Center Parent Committees Meetings, and connects families with child and health services, community resources, and partnerships while ensuring compliance with agency policies and Head Start / State Preschool regulations.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for families in the community; co-lead with parent representatives; coordinate and staff Center Parent Committees Meetings; manage child services, health services, and tracking of comprehensive services; build relationships with community agencies; link families to community resources; ensure compliance with agency policies, goals, and objectives.
• Recruit, certify, and enroll children into Head Start and / or CA State Preschool Programs; assess each family's strengths, concerns, and priorities to provide services that support school readiness using a case management approach.
• Manage a small caseload of families (up to 45) and engage families in activities that support their child's school readiness development.
• Assist children and families in accessing a broad array of health services, including screenings and referrals, immunization schedules, nutrition assessments and follow-ups, mental health, and disability assessments as part of initial screenings; determine if any mental or physical delays are present.
• Conduct Family Needs Assessments and Family Partnership Agreements to identify problems and connect families with appropriate resources and services.
• Ensure completion of all program requirements; follow Head Start Performance Standards and California State Preschool Regulations, including licensing related to enrollment, health, child rights, and program policies.
• Ensure children receive health and dental services and ongoing care as needed.
• Support classroom care and supervision when the class is temporarily understaffed; provide auxiliary activities such as food preparation, setup, and cleanup as needed to support teaching staff.
• Establish and maintain outreach and recruitment to ensure Head Start and State Preschool sites are fully enrolled with eligible children; monitor attendance.
• Collaborate with teachers, site supervisors, family services coordinators, and other staff to help families make culturally responsive choices that respect each family's values and beliefs.
• Note : this position is grant-funded and contingent on continued funding.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Physical Requirements

Must be able to climb stairs, reach, bend, lift 20-30 pounds, crawl, kneel, stoop, twist, grasp with hands and fingers, use arms and legs, walk, and climb ladders if applicable. Requires lifting, carrying, pushing, and / or pulling; significant stooping, kneeling, crouching, and / or crawling.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Compensation : The hourly rate range for this position is $23.00 – $24.00 per hour. This position may require evenings and / or weekends.

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