Family Advocate - Plainfield, NJ

The Family Advocate is responsible for coordinating comprehensive services for children and families as defined in the Head Start Program Performance Standards, for a caseload assigned. This position performs functions in compliance with specific agency/funding and licensing requirements and the Head Start Program Performance Standards in the content areas of Health, Nutrition, Parent Involvement and Social Services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct outreach activities for the recruitment of children; complete intake/registration process of prospective enrollees and provide orientation on philosophy of program and services provided to prospective parents/guardians.
• Develop, in collaboration with the family, an individualized family partnership plan with goals and action plans, including timelines and responsibilities, and follow up with families on the progress toward meeting their goals.
• Advocate for families as needed, support them in advocating for themselves and assist families in crisis.
• Utilize the child and family tracking software by performing data entry functions and generating and analyzing reports.
• Maintain accurate and up to date children files and secure all required documentation including: written authorizations, CACFP documentation, screenings, assessments and immunizations and health history.
• Administer medication to enrolled children in accordance with the program’s “Medication Administration Policy and Procedures.”
• Administer health screenings and assist education staff and parents/guardians with conducting developmental screenings and assessments, reviewing Individual Education Plans, Nutrition, Speech and/or Emotional-Behavioral assessments/plans.
• Conduct home visits for all children and families enrolled as needed and appropriate.
• Actively participate in special community events and agency-wide initiatives including development events and activities.
• Perform any other duties as assigned in support of agency and program needs and operations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: (Must be fully met in order to qualify for position)

• Family Development Credential (FDC) or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire or degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling or related field
• 2 years’ experience working in Human Services or Early Childhood Development fields.
• Proficient computer skills, including data base systems, and access to email and internet.
• Ability to speak, read, write, comprehend, process, interpret follow and carry out instructions spoken in the English language and written in a variety of documents and reference relevant to the job.