Family Advocate

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title:

Family Advocate

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Business Unit:

Head Start

Pay Grade:

C

Department:

Family Services

Revision Date:

4/2026

Company Address (work location may be different):

Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency * 1740 Langdon Farm Road * Cincinnati, Ohio 45237

ABOUT US

At the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency (CAA), we envision an equitable community where everyone has the tools and resources to be self-sufficient. Our mission is clear: through advocacy, high-quality programs, and strong community partnerships, our dedicated team is breaking down barriers to equity and opportunity while building self-sufficiency across generations. Our values guide us in everything we do: we serve with passion, collaborate as a team, have compassion for others, use our talents to do transformational work, and strive to continuously improve.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Family Advocate at CHCCAA plays a crucial role in advancing our mission to expand opportunities and build self-sufficiency for our community members. This position is responsible for providing comprehensive support to families enrolled in the Head Start program, including assessing family needs. This position serves as a liaison between families and the Head Start program, ensuring families receive comprehensive support to meet their individual needs. This role includes building relationships with families, connecting them with community resources, and fostering family engagement in their child's education. The ideal candidate will use their skills to embody our values and contribute to our vision of a thriving, self-sufficient community.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Family Support and Advocacy

• Build trusting relationships with families to identify strengths, needs, and goals.
• Develop and implement individualized Family Partnership Agreements, setting achievable goals for family self-sufficiency and well-being.
• Provide information and referrals to community resources for housing, employment, education, health, and other services.
• Advocate for families to access needed resources and navigate barriers.
• Stay abreast of resources available in the community and how families can access them.
• Work collaboratively with families to identify and access, either directly or through referrals, services and resources that are responsive to each family's interests and goals.
• Maintain monthly contacts i.e. - phone calls, group activity, home visits, and classroom visits to promote partnership and provide for regular communication.

Parent Engagement and Education

• Encourage and support parental involvement in their child's education and program activities.
• Facilitate workshops, training sessions, and parent meetings to enhance knowledge and skills in areas like parenting, budgeting, and health.
• Promote leadership opportunities, including participation in parent committee, Policy Council, and other program decision-making roles.
• Implement the grantee's parenting curriculum in individual and group interactions.

Collaboration and Coordination

• Complete health screenings with enrolled children in conjunction with health staff with all documentation, follow-up, and referrals completed in a timely manner in accordance with agency policy and procedures.
• Work closely with teachers, center staff, and content coordinators to ensure a holistic approach to family support.
• Participate in case management meetings and communicate regularly with program staff about family progress and needs.

Program Compliance and Documentation

• Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date records of family interactions, referrals, and progress.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, program policies, and applicable laws.
• Prepare and submit required reports and data in a timely manner.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Additionally, CAA management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Required Education, Skills and Experience:

• Associate's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Studies or a related field (credential or certification in such areas may be received within 18 months of hire); Bachelor's degree preferred. Experience and credential or certification may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in social services, case management, or family support roles, preferably in an early childhood or Head Start setting
• Knowledge of community resources and services available to families
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively with diverse families and communities
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office applications; strong database input skills
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and family support practices

Required Job Competencies

CAA Core Competencies:

• Passion for service to the community
• Compassion for others - empathy, respect, caring, kindness
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Commitment to continuous improvement

Position-Specific Competencies:

• Organization - able to multi-task, prioritize work and meet deadlines with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Communication - able to effectively exchange information with others through verbal, nonverbal, and written methods
• Interpersonal - can effectively interact, communicate and build positive relationships with others
• Customer service - willingness and ability to provide high-quality support, assistance and solutions wherever needed
• Problem-solving - can effectively recognize, assess and resolve issues
• Listening - active and empathetic listener with the patience to hear people out and understand their needs or concerns, even when they are under stress
• Active learner - willing and able to continuously develop new knowledge and skills
• Analytical skills - able to compile, assess and act on data

Other Requirements:

• A valid driver's license and valid automobile insurance must be maintained.
• Must have reliable Wi-Fi access to support remote work as needed.

• Must be willing to accommodate planned and unplanned travel to and from Head Start Center and other C-HCCAA or meeting/conference locations, including overnight and/or out of town travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Working Conditions:

• Work Location - As assigned
• Work Hours - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm M-F (Hours may vary based on program needs including until 5:30 or 6pm)
• Work is performed in a typical office or early childhood classroom environment, as well as travel to and from local resource agencies to conduct indoor and outdoor activities in all weather conditions

Physical Requirements:

• Use hands to manipulate, handle, feel, and control items or equipment
• Walk, bend, kneel, and reach
• Lift a 20-60 lb. child, using all safety precautions
• Stand, sit, and play with infants and toddlers for long periods of time
• Safely drive an automobile
• Conduct both outdoor and indoor activities, in both warm and cold temperatures
• Talk, hear, and communicate with parents
• See and be able to read, write, and interpret written documents
• Perform data entry for extended periods
• Drive an automobile

The Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The Functions, Qualifications, Requirements and Physical Demands listed in this job description represent the essential functions of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The listed Job Functions do not necessarily include all activities that the incumbent may perform.

Your employment with the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency is entered into voluntarily or "at-will," meaning that both you and the employer may end the employment relationship with or without reason, cause or notice unless otherwise prohibited by law. You are free to terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause. Similarly, C-HCCAA has the right to terminate the employee's employment, or otherwise alter an employee's position, duties, title or compensation at any time, with or without cause or notice. Therefore, the only employment relationship that exists is one terminable at will by either the employee or C-HCCAA.