TopekaPublicSchools
Position Purpose
Under the supervision of the Head Start Principal/Director and the Family Service Coordinator, the Child and Family Services Advocate provides a vital role to the Head Start Family Services process. This position ensures program success in meeting the Family Engagement Outcomes on the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework. Qualifications
High school diploma or GED Maintain or obtain a Family Development Credential (FDC) or Associate’s degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field within 18 months of hire Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred Preference given for former or current Head Start parents Preference given for Head Start experience Experience and knowledge in social services field Knowledge of community resources Ability to connect with and communicate with families in a positive, healthy way Duties/Responsibilities
ERSEA-Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, Attendance
a. Assist families in application and enrollment process b. Process application and assist families with paperwork and documentation requirements c. Track student attendance and assist families in overcoming attendance barriers d. Participate in recruitment efforts for the program e. Initiate follow up phone calls with families
Family Partnership Agreement Process
a. Maintain an active caseload b. Interview families on the Family Needs Assessment Survey helping families identify areas of strength and possible areas of need c. Help families identify areas of need based on the Family Needs Assessment and areas where the family wants to form a goal. d. Support families in efforts to complete family plan as part of the family partnership agreement this may include, but not limited to:
i. Seeking/making community referrals for families, such as food, clothing, housing, education, etc. through community resources available ii. Providing contact information, referrals, help families schedule the appointments, etc. iii. Provided crisis intervention partnerships (i.e., good relationship with the Rescue Mission to assist families in housing crisis-homelessness)
e. Home visits (or where safety is an identified concern, a neutral safe setting) that the family and family service worker have an opportunity to form a trusting relationship in which families are encouraged to share current situations, barriers, etc. that may be impacting their ability to make progress towards their Family Partnership Agreement. f. On-going documentation - records of attendance/attendance data, phone calls, referrals, changes of family information, and goal progress
Professional Responsibilities
g. Documentation and reporting of family interactions and communication h. Building duties (i.e., answering phones, greeting students and families) i. Participate in the creation of program School Readiness Goals j. Attend building, grant and district required meetings (i.e., pertinent faculty meetings, family meetings, professional development opportunities) k. Stay current on Head Start Performance Standards and Program Instructions l. Provide support in the area of health documentation m. Assist in developing and implementing monthly family engagement events n. Other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Basic computer skills in Google and Mircrosoft Office Documentation skills Experience and comfort with making presentations Ability to collaborate and work constructively in a team Thorough written and verbal communication skills Ability to work independently as well as in a team Good attention to detail Ability to work with families with special needs, challenging behaviors, and who are culturally diverse Experience following confidentiality guidelines Enhance the effectiveness of Head Start Services Establish and maintain effective working relationships with program staff Positive attitude, compassionate and dedicated to helping others
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Under the supervision of the Head Start Principal/Director and the Family Service Coordinator, the Child and Family Services Advocate provides a vital role to the Head Start Family Services process. This position ensures program success in meeting the Family Engagement Outcomes on the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework. Qualifications
High school diploma or GED Maintain or obtain a Family Development Credential (FDC) or Associate’s degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field within 18 months of hire Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred Preference given for former or current Head Start parents Preference given for Head Start experience Experience and knowledge in social services field Knowledge of community resources Ability to connect with and communicate with families in a positive, healthy way Duties/Responsibilities
ERSEA-Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, Attendance
a. Assist families in application and enrollment process b. Process application and assist families with paperwork and documentation requirements c. Track student attendance and assist families in overcoming attendance barriers d. Participate in recruitment efforts for the program e. Initiate follow up phone calls with families
Family Partnership Agreement Process
a. Maintain an active caseload b. Interview families on the Family Needs Assessment Survey helping families identify areas of strength and possible areas of need c. Help families identify areas of need based on the Family Needs Assessment and areas where the family wants to form a goal. d. Support families in efforts to complete family plan as part of the family partnership agreement this may include, but not limited to:
i. Seeking/making community referrals for families, such as food, clothing, housing, education, etc. through community resources available ii. Providing contact information, referrals, help families schedule the appointments, etc. iii. Provided crisis intervention partnerships (i.e., good relationship with the Rescue Mission to assist families in housing crisis-homelessness)
e. Home visits (or where safety is an identified concern, a neutral safe setting) that the family and family service worker have an opportunity to form a trusting relationship in which families are encouraged to share current situations, barriers, etc. that may be impacting their ability to make progress towards their Family Partnership Agreement. f. On-going documentation - records of attendance/attendance data, phone calls, referrals, changes of family information, and goal progress
Professional Responsibilities
g. Documentation and reporting of family interactions and communication h. Building duties (i.e., answering phones, greeting students and families) i. Participate in the creation of program School Readiness Goals j. Attend building, grant and district required meetings (i.e., pertinent faculty meetings, family meetings, professional development opportunities) k. Stay current on Head Start Performance Standards and Program Instructions l. Provide support in the area of health documentation m. Assist in developing and implementing monthly family engagement events n. Other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Basic computer skills in Google and Mircrosoft Office Documentation skills Experience and comfort with making presentations Ability to collaborate and work constructively in a team Thorough written and verbal communication skills Ability to work independently as well as in a team Good attention to detail Ability to work with families with special needs, challenging behaviors, and who are culturally diverse Experience following confidentiality guidelines Enhance the effectiveness of Head Start Services Establish and maintain effective working relationships with program staff Positive attitude, compassionate and dedicated to helping others
#J-18808-Ljbffr