Evening Advocate

Family Advocate
Brooksville Head Start - Brooksville, FL 34601
Salary Range $19.00 - $21.50 Hourly Position Type Full Time Education Level 2 Year Degree
Responsible for identifying the needs of families and their children in Head Start/Early Head Start and for providing comprehensive case management services in an effort to empower them to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency.
Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm
Full Time Position- Benefits Eligible: Vacation, Sick, PTO, Employer paid health benefits, Vision & Dental Plans, 403B retirement, 14 company paid holidays, Pet Insurance, Basic $30,000 Life Insurance Policy, Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD) and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D). Recruits eligible children for the Head Start/Early Head Start program to meet enrollment requirements, including children with disabilities.
Completes applications, parent interviews, and enrollment process.
Schedules, facilitates and documents Project Spotlight in accordance with procedures and ensures follow up is complete.
Provides case management to support families in identifying needs and goals, develop family partnership agreements, make referrals as necessary, and provide follow up.
Collaborates with health services staff to ensure compliance with all child health requirements. Connects families with community resources to meet basic needs in times of crisis.
Documents all aspects of the case management process in ChildPlus.net.
Prepares, maintains, and updates child/family files/records in accordance with policies and procedures.
Supports families in coordinating, preparing and actively participating in the Parent Family and Community Engagement Experiences. Collaborates with the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Committee and Family Services Coordinator to ensure that parent/male engagement and parent activities occur at the center.
Works collaboratively with center staff to promote and document family participation, and provide feedback to parents and staff regarding participation

Documents and provides follow up of excessive absenteeism and attendance concerns as required by program. Ensures compliance with the Rilya Wilson Act.
Submits reports, documents, and files as directed. Greets parents at child arrival and departure times to the extent possible. Provides information about community events to families.
Works in collaboration with the Community Outreach Coordinator by participating in community activities/events (occasionally on weekday evenings or weekends) that support families, enhance the Head Start/Early Head Start program, and increase community awareness of Head Start/Early Head Start.
Acts as an advocate and role model for Head Start/Early Head Start families.
Attends and actively participates in training programs, staff meetings, and other meeting/trainings.
Maintains effective working interaction with coworkers and outside contacts that will enhance the operation of Head Start/Early Head Start program.
Participates in regular safety, storm and fire drills.
Uses and follows federal, state and local regulations/laws, including the Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards, applicable transmittal notices, and other administrative orders/directions.
Participates in ongoing monitoring, Community Assessment and Self-Assessment and performs reasonable related functions. Uses and follows the policies/procedures of You Thrive Florida, including but not limited to Personnel Policies, Occupational Health and Safety policies, payroll policies/practices, etc.
Minimum of a High School Diploma and FDC Course; credential or certification in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, counseling or related field; Within 90 days of employment must begin at least one of the DCF Child Care training courses listed in S.Within eighteen (18) months of hire will complete Head Start/Early Head Start required certification training hours. Employee must complete the Head Start/Early Head Start mandated 55 hours of Florida DCF Child Care Training as outlined in the Family Advocate Career Advancement Criteria. Experience: No experience required if in possession of a Human Services or Social Work Associates degree or higher.
Subject to Federal, State and Local legal requirements/background checks/clearance for working with children. Equipment: Instructional materials and supplies, playground equipment, computer, multi-line phone and other small office and equipment and vehicle.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Ability to establish effective working relationships with people, particularly parents and children. Ability to analyze and interpret data and human/family needs. Ability to use and operate a personal computer. Ability to work with children. Ability to maintain child and parent confidentiality. Knowledge of community and community programs/resources.

ENVIRONMENTAL JOB FACTORS:

Job Location: Primary location is the Head Start/Early Head Start facilities in Hernando, Sumter and/or Volusia counties. Occasional travel to other counties. Office environment and working alone and with others frequently. Working with office equipment is frequent. Occasionally outdoors and operates a vehicle.