Family Advocate - Full Time - Our House EHS

Job Description

Job Description

Family Advocate

Full-Time | Our House Early Head Start

Starting Range: $24.82-31.03, Sign on Bonus $1500 after 90 days of Employment

Help Strengthen Families and Support Early Childhood Success

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake is seeking a compassionate and motivated Family Advocate to support families enrolled in the Our House Early Head Start Program . In this role, you will partner with families of children from birth to age three, helping them access resources, develop goals, overcome barriers, and build strong foundations for long-term success.

The Family Advocate serves as a trusted resource and connector, providing support through home visits, family assessments, referrals, parent education, and community partnerships while ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and program requirements.

What You'll Do

• Recruit and enroll eligible families into Early Head Start services
• Conduct home visits and family assessments to identify strengths, needs, and goals
• Develop individualized service plans and support families in achieving self-sufficiency goals
• Connect families with community resources and supportive services through referrals and follow-up
• Provide guidance and education related to parenting, child development, health, and family well-being
• Advocate for families and help them navigate community and social service systems
• Monitor child development and assist with referrals for developmental screenings and specialized services when needed
• Maintain and update a comprehensive network of community resources and service providers
• Collaborate with program staff and community partners to ensure children and families receive appropriate support
• Maintain accurate case notes, records, and family files
• Enter and manage participant information within program databases and tracking systems
• Prepare monthly reports, statistical data, and required program documentation
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, licensing regulations, and organizational policies
• Participate in staff meetings, case reviews, training, and professional development activities
• Work collaboratively with teachers, home visitors, community agencies, and program leadership
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations

What We're Looking ForEducation & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Human Development, Child & Family Studies, or a related field required
• Minimum of one year of experience in family services, home visiting, counseling, advocacy, case management, or a related field
• Experience working with families with young children preferred

Certifications & Requirements

• CPR, First Aid, and Universal Precautions Certification
• Parents as Teachers (PAT) Certification
• Valid Maryland driver's license and current auto insurance
• CJIS criminal background clearance required
• Pre-employment physical examination and tuberculosis screening required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build trusting relationships with families from diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge of community resources and family support services
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic case management systems
• Compassion, empathy, and respect for individuals with diverse experiences and needs

Travel Requirements

• Up to 75% local travel
• Regular home visits required
• Reliable transportation required
• Mileage reimbursement available

Physical Requirements

Light Physical Demand

• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally
• Regular standing, walking, sitting, and community-based work activities

Work Environment

• Combination of office, home visiting, and community settings
• Primarily local travel throughout the service area
• Low to moderate noise levels typical of office and family service environments

Why Join Goodwill?

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families
• Work for a mission-driven organization committed to strengthening communities
• Opportunity to build lasting community partnerships
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Competitive benefits package

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EOE – Including Disability/Veterans