Family Services Advocate - Baltimore County Head Start

Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they've made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.

At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Family Services Advocate is responsible for supporting the larger system of social services coordinated by Head Start. Implements the program's core family partnership, parent engagement, and community partnership functions. Knowledge of family support and case management principles is necessary to collaborate with related service areas and communicate with internal and external stakeholders. Applying a family-centered philosophy in services to motivate Head Start families to increase their participation and involvement with their children's education is a key focus for this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Family Partnership Building & Advocacy

• Recruit, enroll, and engage in collaborative partnership building with 40 families of children receiving Head Start services.

• Conduct home visits annually and as needed with each family based on the family's identified tier level. 

• Ensure meetings and one-on-one interactions are respectful of each family's diversity and cultural background. 

• Work with families individually to identify family goals, strengths, and necessary services and supports through the Family Needs Assessment and track progress on family goals set in the Family Partnership Agreement.

• Ensure parents have opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge in the following areas: Child growth and development; Prevention of child abuse and neglect; Family literacy; Preventative health and safety; Maintaining a medical home; Community advocacy; and Transition activities.

• Arrange for education and other appropriate interventions related to family or individual mental health services, substance abuse, child abuse and neglect, and domestic violence, if needed. 

• Build trusting relationships with families through regular communication.

• Encourage and support parent participation in Head Start activities and decision-making.

• Advocate for families to ensure they receive necessary services and support.

• Support families in understanding child development and the importance of early education.

Community Partnership

• Take an active role in community planning and advocacy to improve the delivery of services to children and families.

• Encourage volunteers to participate in the Head Start program.

• Connect families with local resources such as housing assistance, employment support, food assistance, and healthcare services.

• Collaborate with community partners to enhance available services for families.

• Maintain updated knowledge of local social service programs and eligibility requirements.

Service Coordination

• Maintain weekly contact with Teaching Associates to integrate Family Partnership Goals with classroom efforts, ensure integrated child and family curriculum, gain information regarding child performance in the classroom, and plan family events.

• Plan and attend parent committee meetings and family activities.

• Assist families in making the transition out of the Head Start Program. 

• Assist with health and developmental screenings within the 45/90 day requirements.

• Provide crisis intervention for families as needed.

• Participate in team meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.

Recordkeeping & Reporting

• Participate in ongoing Data Management System Training.

• Maintain and update child health records, follow up on referrals for support services, and ensure all documentation is current in the program's active database.

• Submit reports as requested, such as monthly summary tracking reports.

• Assist in the documentation of in-kind toward the non-federal share requirement.

• Assist in organizing family events, workshops, and parent education sessions. 

General Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality regarding Associate and family information.

• Participate in Associate meetings, conferences, professional development (Governance and ERSEA within 90 days of hire), and workshops as assigned.

• Mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse and Neglect Policy.

• Assist in supporting children and the center's team in the classroom.

• Be present at work to provide consistency of services.

• Be a contributing team member in a positive/productive manner.

• Demonstrate the commitment to the Y's mission, values, and policies in daily duties.

• Perform any other work-related duties as requested by your supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must pass a physical examination, background check, and fingerprinting screen.

• Must have a valid driver's license.

• Must have access to reliable transportation.

• Basic computer literacy in email, word processing and internet navigation

Experience

• Training related to social, human, or family services, Head Start experience preferred

• Assisting parents of young children in advocating and decision-making for their families 

• Ability to develop positive relationships with children and parents 

• Ability to effectively communicate through verbal and written form

All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.