Family Advocate

Description

Job description:

Cheaha Regional Head Start/Early Head Start

Make a Difference in the Lives of Children and Families

Cheaha Regional Head Start/Early Head Start is looking for a compassionate, organized, and dependable Family Advocate to join our team.

The Family Advocate plays an important role in helping families identify their strengths, connect with community resources, set goals, and access services that support their children's health, development, and overall well-being.

If you enjoy building relationships, connecting families with resources, and making a positive difference in your community, we encourage you to apply!

What You'll Do:

Family Support & Engagement

• Welcome and build positive relationships with children and families.
• Complete family applications, enrollment updates, and required data entry.
• Work with families to identify needs, strengths, and goals.
• Complete the family goal-setting process within the required timeframe and follow up with families regularly.
• Connect families with community resources and services based on identified needs.
• Document family contacts, referrals, resources, and follow-up efforts in the ChildPlus system.
• Conduct home visits when required, including follow-up with families regarding consecutive absences.
• Encourage parent and family involvement in their child's education and development.
• Attend approved community events to recruit eligible families and develop community partnerships.

Attendance & Enrollment

• Monitor and document daily child attendance.
• Follow up with families regarding absences and document reasons for absences.
• Complete required attendance analysis and reports.
• Maintain the center waiting list and assist with recruitment when additional children are needed.
• Support enrollment and recruitment activities throughout the program year.

Health & Wellness Support

• Follow up with families regarding required health and dental services.
• Communicate with families about upcoming or missing health requirements.
• Collect, upload, and enter health documentation into ChildPlus.
• Track physicals, dental exams, immunizations, lead screenings, hemoglobin results, and other required health information.
• Follow up with families when health requirements are incomplete or appointments have not been scheduled.
• Complete required health reports and maintain accurate documentation.
• Assist with infant feeding documentation for Early Head Start children as needed.

Administrative & Program Support

• Monitor and respond to emails and communication in a timely manner.
• Make copies and prepare documents for children and families.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records.
• Assist with transporting children or families to medical appointments when required and authorized.
• Work closely with Family Services Managers, Center Directors, teachers, and other staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the successful operation of the program.

Qualifications Required

• High School Diploma or GED
• At least 1 year of related experience
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively with children and families
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Basic computer and data entry skills
• Ability to follow policies, procedures, and program requirements
• Reliable attendance and punctuality

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is:

• Compassionate and respectful
• Patient and understanding
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Comfortable working with families from diverse backgrounds
• A strong communicator
• Able to handle sensitive information professionally
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
• Passionate about supporting children and families

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Lift up to 50 pounds
• Bend, stoop, stand, and walk for extended periods
• Work in a variety of center and community settings
• Assist in other program areas when needed

Transportation Requirements

If personal transportation is required for job duties, employees must:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Have a valid driver's license
• Provide required automobile liability insurance
• Provide a current Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
• Meet the requirements to be insured under the program's non-owned vehicle insurance plan

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) Matching
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Professional Development and Training Opportunities

Pre-Employment Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required:

• State and Federal criminal history background checks
• Child Abuse and Neglect Registry check
• Pre-employment drug screening

Employees are also subject to applicable ongoing screenings and annual evaluations.

Why Join Cheaha Regional Head Start?

As a Family Advocate, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference by helping families overcome barriers, connect with valuable resources, and build stronger futures for their children.

Your work can help families feel supported, empowered, and connected to their community.

If you're ready to build relationships, support families, and make a difference, apply today and join the Cheaha Regional Head Start/Early Head Start team!

Equal Opportunity Employer

Requirements

Qualifications Required

• High School Diploma or GED
• At least 1 year of related experience
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively with children and families
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Basic computer and data entry skills
• Ability to follow policies, procedures, and program requirements
• Reliable attendance and punctuality