Family Advocate - Mt.Vernon

Position Purpose

Position is responsible to ensure families meet eligibility criteria to receive social and health related program services. Within an assigned caseload, interview clients individually, in family, or in other small groups to determine child and family needs to support and mobilize inner capacities and obtain community resources to improve social, health and mental health functioning, as required by Head Start and/or ECEAP Performance Standards. Participate in the development of Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.) and Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP).

Distinguishing Characteristics

Inspire Development Centers provides early Childhood Education (ECE) and social services to 3,110 children in a center-based and home-based setting, at more than 25 Child Development Centers (CDC) throughout the State of Washington. At these sites, Inspire employs over 1,000 staff on a $52 million annual budget. Inspire provides these services under various federal and state funded programs with differing regulations and stipulations, which must be coordinated and adhered to, including, but not limited to: Regional Head Start (RHS), Migrant Seasonal Head Start (MSHS), Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), and Early Head Start (EHS). The organization is required to meet an annual quota of non-federal share (in-kind) funds. A large majority of children’s first language is Spanish. Over the past 40 years, Inspire has strategically and incrementally increased its capacity to address the rapidly changing needs of its families and communities.

Supervisory and Other Relationships

The Family Advocate reports to the Center Manager and works closely with Program Support, Compliance Specialists, Registered Nurses, Core Team, Center Staff, Parents and with and around children.

Examples of Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following examples of duties and accountabilities illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties. Other essential duties may be assigned consistently with the general scope of the position.

1. Establish and maintain an ongoing recruitment process that will ensure enrollment of eligible children under the different funding sources criteria, including children with disabilities and severe disabilities.

2. Responsible for eligibility verification of children and families, maintaining an up-to-date waiting list, selecting and enrolling children based on established criteria. Responsible for inputting all family and child data into database systems.

3. Responsible for reviewing daily attendance and enter attendance results into database systems. Contacts parents and assist with attendance plan if necessary.

4. Perform a strength and needs assessment and develop progress goals with all participating families in order to systematically provide assistance to members in their efforts to help themselves. Make ongoing entries in child/parent files regarding progress activities, services, and/or concerns. Conduct home visits as stated on Service Plan.

5. Develop local community partnerships to maintain resources for families. Contact program participants to provide information about the center and other available services, such as employment, education, welfare, health, legal services, housing, and trainings. Maintain a continuous line of communication between center and the community,

6. Contact parents using a variety of media to motivate and interest them in attending PCC and Parent meetings. Follow-up on parent trainings requested. Provide transportation to PC Representatives as needed to attend Policy Council meetings.

7. Prepare and present training for parents and staff on relevant component areas. Participate in center level meetings such as staffing, core team, staff, and transitioning meetings. Organize local trainings from local interests in skill building trainings.

8. Responsible to ensure all processes for Mental Health and Disabilities are followed and implemented, including, but not limited to the following: Make referrals for mental health and disabilities and assist families in identifying and accessing mental health services. Review ASQ screening scores to ensure referrals are not missed and verify the correct screening tool is used based on the child’s chronological age. Schedule mental health observations, consultations, trainings, and orientation services with contractor. Participate in the development of Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.) and Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP). Coordinate and implement Severe Disability staffing as needed.

9. Health: Complete enrollment health packets and basic non-invasive health screenings for children enrolled at the center. Perform immunization reviews and follow up on Well Child and Dental exams. Make health, dental and nutrition referrals as needed, and schedule corresponding staffing as needed. Dispense medications as authorized and treat minor injuries and illness.

10. Professional Development: Shows interest in furthering professional growth by attending staff meetings, workshops, trainings and seminars.

11. In-Kind Contributions: Responsible for contributing in any procedure or activity that fosters the contribution of in-kind funds, through the request of goods, services, cash donations, and/or through encouraging professional, community members and parents to volunteer time to the program.

12. Confidentiality: Maintains confidentiality of program and clients related information at all times.

Minimum Qualifications

Incumbents are required to demonstrate knowledge and abilities in these areas:

• Associate’s or higher degree with the equivalent of 30 quarter credits in adult education, human development, human services, family support, social work, early childhood education, child development, psychology or another field directly related to job responsibilities. The 30 credits may be included in the degree or in addition to the degree; or a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field (Family Development Credential); (*) High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate and must obtain Initial/CDA/AA in ECE or related field;

• English/Spanish bi-lingual, speaking/reading/writing fluency;

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of child development theories and practices;

• Experience working in a federally funded and regulated environment;

• Experience in policy and procedure processes;

• Experience in facilitating groups;

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills;

• Experience in family concerns and risk management;

• Understanding of the interrelationships between services and systems;

• Ability to learn new tasks quickly and efficiently;

• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines;

• Ability to gather and analyze data for reports;

• Strong customer service focus;

• Ability to work with culturally diverse population;

• Proficiency with personal computer, including Microsoft Office; and

• Accurate data management, documentation and recordkeeping skills.

These skills and abilities are typically acquired through a combination of education, experience, and training which would include at least at least two (2) years work related experience. This combination will provide the competence to perform the work of the position. (*) Candidates who do not meet the minimal education requirement must meet this requirement within eighteen (18) months of hire in role.

Preferred Qualifications

• BA in ECE and/or related field

• Previous Head Start / ECEAP experience, working knowledge of Performance Standards.

• Knowledge of federal, state and private social service programs available to agriculture worker population.

Position Requirements

Incumbents are required to have the following:

• Must be at least 18 years of age;

• Valid Washington State driver’s license;

• Must provide a yearly driving abstract;

• Must maintain acceptable driving history;

• Ability to travel to perform job duties and responsibilities;

• Must pass initial and periodic background check;

• MMR immunization record or proof of immunity;

• Subject to drug and/or alcohol testing per IDC Drug and Alcohol policy;

• Must pass initial and periodic employee health clearance; (present it within forty-five (45) days of employment);

• Current Food Handler card; (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment);

• Current First Aid / CPR cards, (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment);

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV / AIDS) training, (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment);

• Blood Borne Pathogen training, (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment);

• Must sign a Confidentiality Agreement; and

• Must complete and/all required training related to the position.

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this position can be found at Temporary employees are not eligible for benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities


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