Future Opening: Child and Family Advocate

Child and Family Advocate

It is the responsibility of all EOAC employees to support EOAC's mission and goals, to respect the confidentiality of all who come to us for information or assistance, and to personally maintain the dignity and integrity of one who is placed in a position of public trust. We all bear the responsibility of improving the organization, communicating openly and empowering each other to excel at our work and maintain confidentiality of client/agency information as required by State and Federal laws, appropriate regulations, and professional practice standards.

The position is classified as Non-Exempt, Full-Time, with a schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. The job status is Grade 7-10, Step depending on experience and qualifications.

The general responsibilities include supporting EOAC's mission, maintaining confidentiality, and upholding the dignity and integrity of the organization. The employee is also responsible for improving the organization, communicating openly, and maintaining confidentiality of client/agency information as required by State and Federal laws, appropriate regulations, and professional practice standards.

Minimum qualifications include CDA credentials, an Associate degree in social work or Social Services Certification, or a Bachelor's Degree in Social Services. The candidate must have two (2) years experience in social service work or adult education, experience in record keeping, knowledge of community resources, interest in and concern for low-income families and their children and their development, computer literacy, Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification, ability to maintain records on a computer system or willingness to learn, valid Texas Driver's license and access to a privately owned vehicle with seat restraints and liability insurance for use in completing work responsibilities, frequent driving for home visits sometimes in outlying centers or to assist parents with transportation needs, good verbal and written communication skills, no prior convictions of child abuse/neglect, passing pre-employment physical and having current TB skill test/chest x-ray with negative results, current enrollment in Child Care Division-Criminal History Registry and FBI background clearance, and the ability to lift in excess of 35 pounds.

Specific responsibilities include performing all job responsibilities in a safe manner, performing duties related to Eligibility, recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA), meeting or exceeding requirements of Family and Community Partnerships and Parent Involvement as indicated in the Head Start Performance Standards and as outlined in content area plans and policies and procedures related to the above-mentioned areas, dealing sensitively and fairly with persons from diverse cultural backgrounds, effectively communicating with colleagues, children and parents; participating in parent committee meetings as a non-voting member; developing and maintaining effective individual and group relationships, assessing and responding to needs and recruitment of children, including children with disabilities; visiting classrooms and consulting with teachers on services needed, making home visits as needed to gather information relating to children and families, developing and coordinating a continuing evaluation of the Family and Community Partnerships Program and Parent Involvement; in collaboration with Center Director and Family and Community Partnerships Manager, implementing changes based on findings, effectively planning the Family and Community Partnerships and Parent Involvement Program; providing assistance to develop education and personal plans (Family Partnership Agreement (FPA), performing casework services with parents as needed to increase the parents' understanding, their constructive participation in resolving their child's problems, and their knowledge and use of available and appropriate resources (to include assurance of health screenings and follow-up in a timely manner and in accordance with written policy and procedure), serving as liaison between Head Start and/or Early Head Start child, home, center, and community resources, such as family services agencies, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and clergy members, utilizing the referral process to help children and others use special programs and services, including counseling, emergency assistance, or crisis intervention. Assistance with follow-up of service needs; providing information to families on available and appropriate community resources, compiling, maintaining, and filing all reports, records, and other documents required. Assisting with the confidentiality of all required reports, making parent contact/follow-up for children whose participation in Head Start and/or Early Head Start is irregular; tracking children who withdraw; tracking attendance in database on daily basis, assisting in planning and implementation of Parent Involvement activities, monitoring progress of service delivery assigned caseload, including plans for improved child behavior that reflects enhanced opportunities for learning, participating in team meetings, staffing, and parent/teacher conferences according to assigned caseload, assisting in creating an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interest of Head start and early Head Start children, improving leadership skills through self-initiated professional development activities, assisting parents to develop their skills and knowledge in the areas of parenting, medical/dental topics, mental health, nutrition, early childhood development and personal growth, performing other relevant responsibilities as required by the program, providing appropriate and timely information to the Community to actively inform and recruit eligible families, documenting all activities that relate to contact with families and specific program objectives, assuring integration of all content areas, assuring that a positive image of EOAC is portrayed at all times, and understanding that employment will not begin until clearance to hire from the Executive Director or their designee is received.

Compensation: $32,926.75 - $42,778.70 per year

Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

At Economic Opportunities Advancement Corporation, we are committed to fostering a workplace that values individual talent, professional excellence, and opportunity for all. We recognize that a variety of skills and experiences contribute to success in this role. If you believe your abilities align with the responsibilities of this position and our mission, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to investing in the growth of our employees and welcome applicants who are eager to contribute to our work serving the community.

I hereby affirm that all information provided in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge, and understand that any deliberate falsification, misrepresentations, or omissions of fact may be grounds for rejection of my application or dismissal from subsequent employment.

I authorize the references listed on the previous page to give you any and all information concerning my previous employment and any pertinent information they may have, personal or otherwise, and release all such parties from liability for any damage that may result from furnishing same to you.

I understand as part of the hiring process, EOAC may obtain criminal history record information on individuals it intends to employ, as required by applicable federal, state, and local laws. This includes compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.), and Texas Labor Code Chapter 411 (governing access to criminal history records from the Texas Department of Public Safety). By applying for this position, I consent to a background check, which may include criminal history information, as part of the employment process. EOAC does not discriminate against applicants based on criminal history unless such information is directly related to the job, as permitted by law.

For nearly 60 years, the Economic Opportunity Advancement Corporations (EOAC) has helped families across the Heart of Texas overcome barriers and find hope. Our programs provide relief when it's needed most — and create pathways to long-term stability. Whether it's early childhood education, job training, utility support, or emergency assistance, we meet people where they are with compassion and dignity.