Family Services Advocate

Job Description THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST OF CANDIDATES WHO HAVE QUALIFIED THROUGH COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION. THE LIST WILL BE USED TO FILL FUTURE VACANCIES. Definition: To assist in recruitment, eligibility, and enrollment of eligible children for Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs; assist families in addressing their needs to improve family conditions and quality of life; facilitate the maximum use of community services and resources; assist in the implementation of applicable standards and regulations, Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Title IV, and Title XXII. Responsibilities Participate in the annual community assessment process by distributing surveys to participating families; attend community meetings/events and participate in the analysis of community needs which can include evening and/or weekend meetings/events. Identify and recruit ECE families; schedule and complete eligibility and enrollment documents with potential families to certify qualification; maintain waitlist for program enrollment; participate in Eligibility Recruitment Selection Enrollment Attendance (ERSEA) Team workgroups to determine the annual eligibility criteria for the program. Collaborate with families to complete and assess progress with family assessment and individual/family partnership agreement to empower families through the identification of individual/family strengths and needs to aide in setting realistic individual, family, and/or school readiness goals. Follow‑up on services and manage a caseload of families to assure delivery of services are completed in a timely manner and family needs are being met. Identify and recruit ECE families, including children with disabilities. Complete eligibility process and enrollments. Collaborate and establish effective communication with all ECE program areas to ensure services are being provided and implemented. Participate, prepare and present in Case Management and Multidisciplinary Team meetings. Encourage families to attend parent orientation and participate in program governance by attending meetings and other parent activities, serving on the Policy Council, and assisting teaching staff with committees/workshops. Develop annual recruitment plans for assigned recruitment and enrollment area. Work closely with program staff to determine center or program option vacancies as a result of children withdrawing, transferring or transitioning from the program, and fill the vacancies. Document all recruitment efforts in logs retained in centralized binders. Review all applications in data entry system for potential applicants. Complete enrollment documentation of selected families including enrollment application, immunization information, disabilities, mental health, health and nutrition forms, service area checklist, emergency cards, and other documents deemed necessary by the agency; enter and scan enrollment information into a data entry system. Work as a Substitute ECE Teacher Assistant, as needed. Maintain confidentiality regarding student files and personal matters. Perform a wide variety of general clerical work including typing, filing, and data entry; maintain accurate and detailed records; submit reports according to program deadlines; respond to inquiries regarding ECE programs; operate a variety of standard office machines. Provide comprehensive service area and community referrals, as needed. Act as liaison between ECE and elementary school districts. Collaborate with Program Director and Leadership Team Facilitators to ensure program needs are met. Collaborate with ERSEA Committee to prepare and update annual ERSEA written plans consistent with applicable standards for Head Start. Conduct home visits to follow up on progress or to make contacts when other means of communication/contact are lacking. Transport families in ECE vehicle to program meetings and community service agencies for professional assistance, when necessary. Participate in annual Self‑Assessment of ECE programs. Attend and support staff and parent workshops, and other meetings as required. Assist in other areas at times of reduced office staff or peak periods. Perform related duties as assigned. Experience Some general clerical experience is desirable, preferably in a school district or Early Childhood Education/Head Start program. Education Graduation from high school or GED equivalent or higher. Successful completion of twelve (12) college‑level units in Early Childhood Education. Official Transcripts MUST be uploaded to application in order to be considered. Family Development Credential preferred. Typing Requirements 40 net words per minute. Typing speed will be verified with a performance test on examination date. License and Certification Pursuant to the Head Start Performance Standard, staff who work directly with families on the Family Partnership process, hired after November7, 2016, must have within eighteen (18) months of hire, at minimum, a credential or certification in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling, or a related field; or, a Family Development Credential. Possession of valid CPR and First Aid certificate prior to the completion of employee's probationary period. A valid driver's license and the availability of private transportation or ability to obtain transportation between job sites. Work Schedule This position typically works full‑time, 8 hours/day; 40 hour/week, and observes a 12‑month work calendar. Salary and Benefits The salary rate for a new employee is at the first step of the appropriate five‑step salary schedule for this position. The probationary period is 130 work days (not counting sick, industrial accident). Upon becoming permanent, a one‑step salary advance shall be granted with future annual advances up to the fifth step of the salary schedule. The District provides and contributes to a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, term life insurance) per contract year for each employee and eligible dependents. Holidays and Leaves Seventeen (17) paid holidays that fall within the work year, pursuant to the District's Collective Bargaining Agreement with California Schools Employees Association Chapter296 (CSEA). Sick leave shall be granted in the proportion of daily hours worked. Vacation is earned at the prescribed rate as part of compensation, and does not become vested until after completion of the initial probationary period. Work Environment Work is regularly performed indoors. Minimal temperature variations occur in a temperature‑controlled environment with heating and air conditioning. Indoor surfaces can include carpet, tile, mats, linoleum. Exposure to some noise, such as office equipment, school bells, staff and students; exposure to fragrances/scents/odors from co‑workers, students, cleaning/sanitizing agents, bloodborne pathogens, and medical treatments used to provide appropriate care for ill, injured, or medically fragile children. Physical Demands Significant sitting and standing; some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, bending, kneeling, stooping, squatting, twisting of neck and waist; significant grasping, and dexterity of hands and fingers to perform health‑related procedures, write, perform data entry, use computer keyboard and mouse; see and hear in normal range with or without correction. Equal Opportunity Employer In accordance with Federal civil rights law, civil rights regulations and policies, the Palmdale School District, its offices, and employees, are prohibited from discriminating based on age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, immigration status, marital status, nationality, parental status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, political beliefs, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity. For further information regarding Palmdale School District's non‑discrimination, sexual harassment and Title IX policies and/or Coordinator contact information, please visit the District website. For further information regarding Palmdale School District’s Personnel Sexual Harassment Board Policy, BP4119.11, please visit the provided PDF link. #J-18808-Ljbffr