TEMP Full Time Overnight Advocate

Family Advocate
Department: Head Start and Children's Services

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

The Family Advocate is responsible for promoting the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services; building an understanding of the program by communicating this mission to staff, families and the community.

This position must comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, standards and policies, including those of the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Massachusetts disability law (Chapter 766), Boston Family Engagement Network (BFEN) and ABCD, Inc. Head Start and Children’s Services policies and procedures.

All ABCD Head Start/Early Head Start and Children’s Services personnel who are paid to care for, or work with, children are MANDATED BY LAW to report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119 §§ 51A - 51G. Any staff member who suspects child abuse or neglect of a child must inform his or her supervisor immediately.

The specific corresponding funding allocation will be documented on the personnel payroll authorization or change of status form.

All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality.

Family Partnership Building (up to 35%)

Ensure families are full partners in their own and their children’s development and learning by helping families develop and reach realistic and achievable long and short term goals.

Monitor progress on Family Partnership goals for all assigned families.

Promote partnership and maintain relationships with families through ongoing frequent communication including but not limited to phone calls, group activity, home visits, informal contacts and classroom visits.

Provide assistance to families in addressing challenges by discussing issues and/or linking them to community resources, including but not limited to mental illness, substance abuse, housing, employment, disabilities, family violence, etc. Assist with all transitions of child and family.

Work with parents to establish and maintain regular attendance for their child.

Parent Engagement and Community Engagements (Up to 25%)

Participate and help facilitate parent orientations to the program.

Provide content for parent newsletter, calendar, memo and flyers as needed.

Advocate and collaborate with community agencies to support child, family and outcomes.

Collaborate with other component staff and specialists including but not limited to medical, dental, speech, nutrition, mental health, special needs, etc. Utilize Information and Technical Systems (Up to 30%)

Maintain attendance of children enrolled in the program through database system used by the agency.

Maintain and document on-going contact with families.

Provide information relative to Head Start health and nutrition requirements: support families in completing vaccination, physical, dental and nutrition screenings and document in database system.

Document and track follow-up needs, Family Partnership Goals, health, dental, nutrition, hearing and vision concerns.

Document all parent contacts and home visits in database system used by the agency.

Document support consultation to teachers regarding particular concerns with families at scheduled meetings.

Maintain up to date records of all assigned families through documentation and database system used by the agency.

Assist with administrative needs as requested.

Attend required meetings, trainings on and off site.

Demonstrated knowledge of and sensitivity to the educational and socioeconomic needs of the children and families served.

The skill to deal with sensitive family situations in a non-threatening and professional manner.

Keyboarding skills, computer literacy and familiarity with various applications such as database, word processing, e‑mail and internet.

Knowledge of neighborhoods served by program and city‑wide services relevant to the programs population.

Attend and participate in community activities, training, and night meetings as needed.

Possess bilingual ability where appropriate. Maintain knowledge of all federal, state, city and program laws, regulations, standards and policies.

Physical Environmental Demands & Conditions

Ability to work as a team member collaborating with coworkers, parents and community resources.

Frequent traveling for home visits and off site trainings.

Regular kneeling, bending and sitting on the floor to attend to child’s needs.

Lift and move infant to preschool age children.

Must be able to work independently without intensive supervision.

Maintain confidentiality of child and family information at all times.

Family Advocate I ($21.93 per hour/$39,912.60 annually): Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent with one of the following; Family Advocate II ($24.69 per hour/$44,935.80 annually): Minimum of an AA/AS in Human Services, Social Work, Family Services, Counseling or a related field and up to 12 months of experience.

Family Advocate III ($28.62 per hour/$52,088.40 annually): Minimum of a BA/BS in Human Services, Social Work, Family Services, Counseling or a related field and up to 12 months of experience.

Due to funding restrictions, team parity, and our strong focus on equity, this salary is thoughtfully aligned with the duties of each job level and cannot be negotiated.

Every day, your work directly impacts the lives of thousands in the Greater Boston community, empowering them and making positive, lasting change.

Inclusive Environment: ABCD values the diversity of its workforce, with an inclusive culture that respects individuality and promotes collaboration.

Continuous Learning: We offer numerous training and development opportunities, ensuring our staff remain at the forefront of community action methodologies and strategies.

Comprehensive Benefits: At ABCD, we take care of our own, providing a competitive benefits package, including health coverage and retirement plans.

A Legacy of Impact: Join an organization that boasts a legacy spanning over half a century, consistently championing the rights and needs of our community's most vulnerable.

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