Family Advocate

Family Advocate

Make a difference in the community with Early Learning Essentials (ELE)! We are a non profit organization that offers preschool services to children and families who encounter life's challenges and need a hand up.

Position Summary:

Working location is Heber and Aspen (Orem). The part-time position is 227 working days, year-round, does not include holidays, and an expectation of no more than 28 hours per week. Occasional evening and Saturday work may be required. For weeks with less than five working days, daily hours only apply. Requires use of your vehicle to conduct business. For full-time staff part-time summer work in June (up to 28 hours per week) may be an option or required depending on the agency's needs. This position is not eligible for remote work as it is center-based supporting center staff.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Not All Inclusive):

• Builds trusting relationships with parents to provide professional case management, prevention and early intervention services.
• Visits with assigned families throughout the year in their home to support families with any needs and help them in setting and achieving family goals and objectives.
• Uses and increases knowledge of community resources to refer families to services according to what they need and follows through with the delivery of needed services and referrals.
• Monitors child's attendance and works closely with parents to identify obstacles and problem solve with them to establish regular attendance.
• Promotes parent and male engagement at school to help them develop strong relationships with their child, understand their impact on their child's education and to advocate for their child.
• Helps train parents elected to a Parent committee officer position to plan and carry out the activities of the committee, and participates in those activities. Also, participates in Family and DUDE activities when possible.
• Actively promotes Head Start in the community by participating in recruitment efforts and activities.
• Supports parents with transition into and out of ELE services.
• Demonstrates understanding of the child abuse/neglect laws and reports suspected child abuse to the Family & Community Services Director.
• Takes an active role in monthly correlation meetings as an integral and supportive team member at the assigned center and works with teaching staff, Health Specialists and other center staff to accomplish all tasks.

Position offers full benefits, including: Health, Dental, Life, HSA Contributions, 401K, and EAP counseling.

Qualifications:

• Must have or be within 6 months of receiving a bachelor's degree in social services, psychology, family studies, human services or a related field. Family Services Certification with experience may also be considered.
• If no bachelor's degree, candidates who have a High School diploma and a Family Support Professional or similar Certification acceptable to the agency or, who are willing to complete training and receive The National Family Support Certification from the Institute for the Advancement of Family Support Professionals (IAFSP), within 18 months of hire, will be considered (IAFSP certification cost paid for by the agency).
• Two years of relevant experience in a social service or human service-related field providing social services for low-income clientele or a combination of education and experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish is preferred and may be required for specific locations.
• Must obtain a Food Handler Certificate upon hire, if not currently certified.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to write and speak the English language in a proficient and professional manner to meet requirements of the job.
• Knowledge of e-mail, internet and computer programs and ability to use a computer to collect, record, retrieve data and prepare reports.
• Ability to plan, formulate and execute record keeping procedures in accordance with assigned duties.
• Ability to prioritize and manage workload to meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to relate to low-income and diverse populations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, be detail oriented, and to develop solutions to problems with limited supervision.
• Ability to work independently and as a team to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, families, community groups, and other related agencies and people.

Pay Range by Qualifications:

$18.50/hour - High School Diploma Required. No Family Support Certification/Certification in progress

$19.50/hour - Certification credential completed

$20.50/hour - Bachelor's degree (Preferred in social work, psychology, family studies, human services, counseling or related field)

Early Learning Essentials is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment actions based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, genetic identity, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local law.