Advocate -(Part-time) Head Start Program

CLASSIFICATION TITLE:

SALARY:

DEPARTMENT:

Opening Date:

Closing Date:

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt - Overtime pursuant to Collective Bargaining Agreement or Human Resources policy

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period

CURRENT HOURS AND STARTING TIME: This position works 25 hours per week during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.  This position works in the Head Start Classrooms, in the community, and at our  administrative office in Clinton Twp.  Employees will utilize their own vehicle for work travel within their assigned region of Macomb County and receive mileage allowance.

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under direction, this position works with participants of Macomb Community Action’s Head Start program to achieve compliance within the Head Start Performance Standards.  The duties include conducting home visits, program registration, data entry, resource referrals and supporting classrooms on site as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supports program participants in identifying barriers and providing resources.

Enrolls and registers program participants for the program.

Performs data entry and monitors pertinent data and information of program participant files.

Provides follow-up to obtain mandated screenings and assessments of program participants.

Provides classroom support as assigned.

Conducts home visits as assigned.

Facilitates monthly Parent Committee Meetings at site locations.

Engages parents in participation in the Parent Curriculum, Policy Council and other engagement opportunities.

Maintains accurate records of all services provided while using applicable computer software.

Assists in ensuring compliance with Head Start, Local, State and Federal regulations for early childhood programming.

Works with community partners to provide resources and support identified needs.

Attends professional development training and administrative teams meetings.

Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.  

Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• Associate degree or 60 credit hours completed from an accredited college or university in Human Services, Early Childhood Education/Development, Social Work or a related field

• One (1) year of experience in the Human Services field

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Services, Early Childhood Education/Development, Social Work or a related field

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Case management techniques and best practices

• Available community resources and networks

• Head Start Performance Standards

Skill in:

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with staff, program participants, professionals, community partners and the public

• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature

• Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring and reviewing work assignments

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly in a professional manner

• Work in a professional, supportive and non-judgmental manner

• Organize and manage time effectively

• Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign

• Effectively speak, write and understand the English language

• Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred

• Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions

• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files

• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries

• Work independently

• Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Work Environment

Office or similar indoor environment: F/C

Outdoor environment: O

Street environment (near moving traffic): N/S

Construction site: N/S

Confined space: N/S

Exposures

Individuals who are hostile or irate: O

Individuals with known violent backgrounds: N/S

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/S

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/S

Communicable diseases: N/S

Moving mechanical parts: N/S

Fumes or airborne particles: N/S

Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: N/S

Loud noises (85+ decibels): N/S

Blood Borne Pathogens: O

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Demand:

Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: N/S

Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): O 

Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms: O

Crawling (moving about on hands and knees): O

Inspecting in confined spaces: N/S

Digging:  N/S

Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: O

Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: O

Kneeling to work at low levels: O

Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C

Lift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another up to 50 pounds: O 

Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: O

Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): O

Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/C

Standing in an upright position without movement: F/C

Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: O

Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: N/S

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS

Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.  Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.  Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations.  

The UAW Local 889 bargaining unit represents this position.  Therefore, there may be contract language which could require consideration in the selection process.

GRANT OR EXTERNALLY FUNDED POSITION –This position will continue only if sufficient grant or external funds are provided.