Family Advocate Headstart

Description

ASSOCIATION OF VILLAGE COUNCIL PRESIDENTS

JOB TITLE: Family Advocate DEPARTMENT: Youth & Child Unit 

REPORTS TO: Lead Teacher JOB GRADE: 4 DOE  

DIVISION: Family Services POSITION STATUS: Full time, non-exempt 

REVISED: May 2024    

SUMMARY: The Family Advocate works directly with families and children receiving services from the Head Start program/Youth & Child Unit. They are responsible for connecting parents to resources, training, and services by developing a family partnership agreement or service case plan. This partnership agreement helps parents develop short- and long-term goals for themselves, their families, and their children and then connects them to the services to reach those goals. They will be part of a team that provides wrap-around services and this will include working with families receiving AVCP’s Child Care services. This position is required to obtain a certification in the Rural Human Services or related credential within 18 months, AVCP will pay for the education and related costs and support time for classes during work hours. 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop Family Partnership agreements or case plans with parents, including setting goals that will help improve the quality of life for the whole family.
• Connect parents to various resources in partnership with the Tribal Workforce Development Navigator, that are identified through the goals in a Family Partnership agreement or case plan, and other needs identified by the family. 
• Communicate regularly with parents through phone calls, home visits, etc. to check in, and notify them about school events, activities, health screenings, etc. 
• Refer parents to any services they identify and assist them with initial calls, follow-up calls, etc.
• Maintain updated referral tracking including case notes, documents and other data required in the Child Plus software for families served by the Youth & Child Unit. 
• Enter attendance data into Child Plus daily and follow-up with families whose kids are absent including making home visits after 3 absences. 
• Complete a monthly newsletter for the site/families, and keep the Head Start Parent Bulletin board fun, interactive, and up to date.
• Assist with recruiting for and filling open enrollment slots.
• Assist Head Start center staff with child health and other screenings when necessary.
• Participate in the Head Start classroom daily for a minimum of 30 minutes to support Teaching staff and connect with students. 
• Abide by all confidentiality policies under AVCP. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must demonstrate an understanding of the culture and the needs of the Tribal communities within the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. Efficient written, oral, organizational, and computer skills are preferred. A bilingual Yup’ik/English speaker is preferred but not required. Must travel within the region in small aircraft and be comfortable lodging in Head Start Centers as needed when traveling. Must pass a physical examination and complete screenings recommended by their doctor, and Criminal Background Check. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

A High School Diploma or GED is required. Family Advocates must obtain s certificate in Rural Human Services, an Associate Degree in Human Services, or a Child Development Associate certificate within the first eighteen (18) months of hire, AVCP will be pay for this credential.