Under supervision, the Family Service Advocate (FSA) will develop and maintain relationships with families and ensure that they receive comprehensive services through their participation in the program.  Comprehensive services include, but are not limited to, health and social services, disabilities, early childhood education and care services, and a range of parent development training opportunities at the site.  Service to families is a collaborative effort among all center staff.  The incumbent is also responsible for conducting community outreach efforts to identify and develop relationships with community-based organizations that provide other needed services to families.  Incumbents will also be required to comply with all Head Start, MAAC and other programmatic requirements. Incumbents may be assigned to an alternative work site based on the needs of the program and will be monitored by and receive training and technical assistance from the Health, Social Service and other Managers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Works with Head Start and Child Development Program families on family identified needs, informing them of community resources, providing information and referrals, assist in the scheduling of appointments and follow-up services as needed [this includes home visitation and drafting of the Family Partnership Agreement]; successfully manage a caseload of up to sixty (60) families. 
• Records and updates caseload information (i.e., medical, social, financial status, home visit reports, referral documents, etc.) from family observations and outside providers and maintains necessary case notes and required records; utilizes awareness and utilization of two-generational approach techniques and promotion of a two-generational approach.
• Utilizes Head Start Performance Standard eligibility regulations and MAAC ERSEA Standard Operating Procedures to assist families with EHS/HS applications; prepares and submits timely, accurate reports, both electronically and in hard copy.
• Travels to homes and recruiting events; conducts periodic home visits (as needed) to assess family resources and needs; assists in conducting health and dental screenings, including but not limited to vision, audio, weight, height, blood pressure, T.B.
• Assists staff in cross component planning, coordinating, and implementing.
• Transports families to needed services and trainings on an as needed basis.
• Attends trainings, conferences, and meetings as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.   

If working in Partner Centers (FSA II positions only):

• Recruit and enroll families into the Early Head Start and Head Start programs located at Partner sites.
• Conduct home visits to assess family resources and needs as needed.
• Maintain enrollment throughout the program year through various recruitment strategies.
• No maximum family caseload.    

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Knowledge of:

• Community resources and family-centered case management skills
• Active listening, value clarification, problem solving and other crisis intervention techniques
• Current Head Start performance standards
• Computer software including Microsoft Office, and databases such as ChildPlus

Ability to:

• Relate positively and effectively with children and families of various cultures and socio-economic backgrounds
• Develop community cooperation to ensure families receive comprehensive services
• Manage work in an environment that can be interrupted by violence
• Utilize technology (computers, tablets, etc.) for recordkeeping and recording and to consistently demonstrate accuracy, thoroughness and neatness.

Family Service Advocate I

• Associate of Arts degree AND twelve (12) college semester units in Social and/or Health Education AND two (2) years of Head Start or related family support resource program experience that demonstrates working with adults in a social/health setting; experience working with children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds OR  
• A current Family Development Credential (FDC) is required (within 18 months of hire) AND two (2) years of Head Start or related family support resource program experience that demonstrates working with adults in a social/health setting; experience working with children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.  
• Bilingual (English / Spanish) speaking, reading, and writing required.   
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office includingOutlook, Word, Excel, and other software and databases such as ChildPlus.   
• Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, daily use of a personal, insured vehicle, and have and maintain a motor vehicle driving record acceptable to MAAC’s insurance carrier. 

Family Service Advocate II

• Bachelor’s Degree AND twelve (12) college semester units in Social and/or Health Education AND two (2) years of Head Start or related family support resource program experience that demonstrates working with adults in a social/health setting; experience working with children and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds AND   
• A Family Development Credential (FDC).   
• Bilingual (English / Spanish) speaking, reading, and writing required.    
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, and other software and databases such as ChildPlus.     

VALUE-BASED BEHAVIORS

Listens attentively to others. Asks clarifying questions to gain a better understanding of the other person’s views and underlying assumptions

Works effectively in a team environment and actively participates in joint problem solving; willingly cooperates with co-workers

Identifies and takes advantage of opportunities for personal and professional development

Attends work consistently and punctually. Arrives to meetings prepared and on time; honors work commitments; follows through on what was agreed upon; meets deadlines

Honors the private and confidential matters of co-workers. Protects the proprietary information of MAAC systems

Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes

Deals with issues directly, in a respectful and timely manner. Focuses on resolving the issue while not criticizing the person. Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes

HEALTH STATUS

Must have a physical examination, TB clearance and a drug screen by a doctor/clinic designated by MAAC as well as immunization records for influenza*, pertussis and measles as required by state and federal regulations prior to the first day of employment.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to stand, walk and sit, talk or hear both in person and by telephone, uses hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls, reach with hands and arms. An employee also is regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl, climb or balance and lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret information; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use basic math; learn and apply new information or skills; work under intensive deadlines and interact with MAAC management, administrators, staff, teachers, parents, family members, children and others encountered in the course of work.

BACKGROUND CLEARANCE

All positions are subject to a background/education check, DMV check, NSOR, exclusion and debarment checks prior to hire and periodically throughout employment as required by various funding sources.

Note: California Start law requires background criminal checks on anyone who works in a licensed childcare facility who is not a client. Must have or obtain a current criminal background check clearance, signed criminal record statement, and signed Acknowledgement to Report Child Abuse form prior to the first day of employment.

TRANSPORTATION

Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, daily use of a personal, insured vehicle, and have and maintain a motor vehicle driving record acceptable to MAAC’s insurance carrier. Incumbents will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program.