Family Services Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

Mission Statement :

Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency will act as a stepping stone to create stronger communities where families with low incomes have opportunities to connect, grow, and maintain dignity.

Summary :

The Family Services Advocate assists the families of children in the Head Start / Early Head Start Program to achieve the goal of self-sufficiency.

Specific Duties :

• Provide assistance, referrals, resources, workshops, trainings, and follow-up for enrolled families.
• Facilitate and provide assistance and guidance to the Parent Committee.
• Provide leadership and volunteer opportunities for parents and the community.
• Complete, monitor, and follow up on Family Partnership Agreements, identifying family needs.
• Maintain a current directory of community resources; be knowledgeable of local social service agencies and their services.
• Serve as an advocate for Head Start families when necessary.
• Assist families in meeting the overall goal of self-sufficiency.
• Ensure effective communication and cooperation between the center and community agencies.
• Collect data and prepare reports for various Head Start and Early Head Start staff as requested.
• Review and monitor data for completeness and accuracy.
• Update social service data as requested.
• Schedule appointments and accompany children and parents as required.
• Keep parents informed through letters, newsletters, home visits, and telephone calls.
• Eat meals with the children when requested.
• Assist in all cleaning duties in the center as requested or required.
• Recruit children for the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.
• Attend and participate in meetings, work groups, committees, workshops, and training sessions at local, state, regional, and national levels.
• Work to obtain volunteer and in-kind contributions for the agency.
• Work in the Head Start or Early Head Start classroom as requested by the Supervisor.
• Comply with all applicable regulations, including Head Start Performance Standards, Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency policies, DHS Licensing Standards, and NAEYC Accreditation Standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Education and Experience Qualifications :