Family Advocate

Job Overview The Family Advocate integrates parent and family engagement strategies into all systems and program services to support family well-being and promote children's learning and development. Provide case management, referrals, and support services to families. Promotes parents as advocates for their child, recognizing they are their child's primary teachers and nurturers. Fosters strong parent communication and involvement, operates as a liaison between classroom and home settings, and maintains family/child-related records and service area data. Responsibilities Collaborate with families in a family partnership process that identifies needs, interests, strengths, goals, services, and resources that support family well-being, including family safety, health, and economic stability; help families achieve identified individualized family engagement outcomes Develop relationships with parents and structure services to encourage trust and respectful, two-way communication to create welcoming environments that incorporate the unique cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds of families in the program and community. Attend health/personal appointments with families if assistance is needed. Ensure families have the opportunity to share personal information in an environment in which they feel safe Home visits to families' homes as needed. Some circumstances may include, but not limited to attendance, enrollment, family concern, or to assist a teacher. Gather and build resources needed based on the urgency and intensity of identified family needs and goals; provide community resource referrals relevant to family needs, follow-up as appropriate. Encourage and recruit parents to participate at the center in Parent Committees. Participate in all Parent Committee meetings and events. Facilitate the agency interdisciplinary staffing process in coordination with comprehensive services and instructional staff, to include any EHS/HS transitions, as needed The importance of regular attendance and partnering to promote consistent attendance Resources for parents about the benefits of bilingualism and bi-literacy for dual language learners Attend and participate in agency sponsored training and professional development opportunities designed to assist in acquiring and/or increasing the knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality, comprehensive services within the scope of job responsibilities Attend as needed, opportunities to learn about mental health, wellness, health education, issues that may affect job performance, and/or trainings that could assist families. Attend and contribute to program meetings as scheduled (e.g., Team, Department, Region, etc.) Follow established procedures on monitoring and reporting suspected child abuse and/or neglect, in compliance with state regulations and protect the confidentiality of any personally identifiable information (PII) in child records Qualifications for this

Position:

• High school diploma, required.
• Minimum have or within 18 months of hire a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field required
• Two years in family/social services, or early childhood setting related to case management
• Specialized training in social services, health or disabilities, desired
• Must attend and actively participate in required meetings, workshops, trainings, in-service trainings, committees, etc. This may include working evenings and weekends.
• Must be willing to participate in recruitment activities in various communities
• Support all program activities, know and promote the goals and objectives of CTSA, Inc. Be completely familiar with and adhere to the Head Start Performance Standards and Work Plans.
• Be familiar with and adhere to Program Policies and Procedures.
• Cooperate with co-workers and respect their opinions and contributions. Share materials and ideas readily with co-workers.
• Use a professional attitude and approach to working with families, co-workers and community volunteers.
• Requires knowledge and experience in data collection and information processes and systems along with knowledge of childcare regulations, policy and procedure compliance.
• Regular sitting, working at computer keyboard and desk, standing to file misc. documents in filing cabinet.
• Advance computer literacy including: database management, spreadsheet, word processing, internet, email.
• Excellent communication skills: written and verbal.
• Excellent diagnostic and problem solving skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Must possess a positive attitude, be attentive, show initiative, and be dependable and flexible, and a pleasant demeanor.
• Valid state-issued Oklahoma driver's license and daily access to a personal, legally licensed vehicle with proof of current automobile insurance or access to a reliable source of transportation.
• Physical examination is required.
• Must participate in alcohol and/or drug testing.
• Pass a background check to work around children.

Join us in this rewarding role where your energy fuels positive change! Your dedication will help create safer environments for children while empowering families to thrive. We're committed to supporting your growth as you champion the well-being of those who need it most.

Pay:

$14.00 - $15.49 per hour

Benefits:

403(b) 403(b) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person