Family Services Advocate

* Only bilingual/biliterate candidates will be considered. A test will be administered prior to employment.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Area Manager/Center Supervisor and working in collaboration with the Family Child Care Coordinator the Family Services Advocate is responsible for recruitment of children, verification of eligibility, parent orientation, referral of parents to community resources and local social services agencies and updating children’s health records. Maintains child/family files and reference records and engages in mutually respectful, positive, goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote positive child and family outcomes. Works closely with the Content experts and Area Managers/Center Supervisors to assure timelines are met. Supports CAPSLO’s mission and vison by creating inclusive and equitable environments for all eligible families to participate in the program.

Required Education and Experience:

• Level I: A credential or certifications in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling, or a related field. Bilingual Required.

• Level II: AA/AS Degree in Child Development, Social Science, Psychology, Human Development, Liberal Studies, or related field, plus one year work experience in client casework and/or client eligibility setting or a BA/BS Degree in a related field. Bilingual Required.

• Level III: BA/BS Degree in Child Development, Social Science, Psychology, Human Development, Liberal Studies, or related field, plus one year work experience in client casework and/or client eligibility setting. Bilingual Required.

License & Certifications:

• Must have dependable, insured transportation and valid California Driver’s license (mileage reimbursed) and acceptable driving record.

Essential Functions:

• Recruits and enrolls children into the Early Education and Child Care program.
• Understands program policies, guidelines, and expectations related to confidentiality, privacy, and ethical practice.
• Orients parents to the comprehensive services of the program including but not limited to: Health, Nutrition, Education, Disabilities and Mental health, parent engagement, and ERSEA.
• Supports Migrant and Seasonal Head Start families and helps to identify areas of support and opportunity. Links families with appropriate referral systems and community services.
• Serves as a liaison to initiate referrals and ensures follow through to confirm that services are beneficial and effective within the program and with community agencies.
• Discusses with families the importance of coordinating health, social, and educational services for supporting children’s ongoing learning and development and family well-being.
• Assists families in locating source of health and dental care and encourages their involvement in the health care system. Participates, as needed with special health screenings and maintains accurate health records.
• Knows about local social services and community resources available to families including how to access information that addresses unique goals and needs. Examples include health, mental health, nutrition, parenting, financial literacy, education, enrichment, recreation, job training, and employment.
• Works with Family Child Coordinator to plan monthly local parent committee meetings. Provides committee members with support and encouragement, and assists, as needed, with area projects.
• Provides support with Parent Meetings, including scheduling guest speakers, preparing the agenda and signing in attendees.
• Encourages parent participation in program and community events.
• Attends and participates in community collaborations (i.e.: Healthy Start, local community agencies, etc.)
• Maintains accurate and complete documentation of services to families and children.
• Maintains knowledge of data base programs (ex. ChildPlus)
• Completes reports and follow-up requested by the Content experts and Area Manager/Center Supervisor.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Performs a variety of clerical tasks including, but not limited to word processing, data entry, filing, copying, running reports, mailing and tracking information.
• Notifies parents of all upcoming parent engagement opportunities.
• Transports parents and/or children to meetings, health and other service appointments, when necessary.
• Works closely with the Family Child Care Coordinator to coordinate work schedule.
• For Centers partnering with State Child Development completes attendance records and maintains supporting statistical data, including: auditing of attendance records, tracking of average daily attendance and average daily enrollment.
• Must be dedicated to the goals and philosophy of the division’s child development programs and CAPSLO.
• Must use reasonable precautions in the performance of one’s duties and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices; and act in such a manner as to assure at all times maximum safety to one’s self, fellow employees, clients and children.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Must demonstrate knowledge of general office skills and organization (i.e.: copying, filing, calculator, phone etiquette).

Skills:

• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have strong computer skills and be computer literate in MS Office Programs, general internet use and email programs.
• Must be a self-starter with strong time management and organizational skills; and be capable of working with a minimum of supervision.

Abilities:

• Must be able to perform mathematical calculations.
• Must be able to relate well to all people of the community regardless of color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability or socio-economic level.
• Must understand, uphold, and continue working toward accomplishing the mission, strategic goals and performance measures of the agency.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:

• This job operates in a professional office and/or classroom environment. Additionally, this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones.

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.

Physical

• Position requires intermittent sitting, standing, walking, twisting, bending.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Simple grasping and hand manipulation required as well as reaching
• Must be able to withstand exposure to noise in a daycare environment. Must be able to drive to meet with families, providers and children.

Travel:

• Will require frequent travel within the county area with occasional travel to Central Headquarters in San Luis Obispo.
• Must have dependable, insured transportation and valid California Driver’s license (mileage reimbursed) and acceptable driving record.
• DMV printout and proof of insurance required.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age by date of hire.
• Must submit proof of current vaccination status for measles, pertussis, and influenza (or a current, signed influenza declination form) in compliance with SB 792.
• Must comply with the CAPSLO COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, either being fully vaccinated or sign a COVID-19 vaccination declination form.
• Must complete a health screening physical completed within 30 days prior to employment and a current TB skin test/Chest X-Ray.
• Employment is contingent upon meeting all job requirements and background requirements: criminal history check (Inclusive of DOJ, FBI and Child Abuse), acknowledgement of child abuse reporting responsibility, criminal record statement (Form LIC508), etc. A criminal history clearance is required prior to employment.
• Upon hire agency staff will check the Megan’s Law (or the current sexual predator website) to ensure each staff being hired is clear for employment. Program administrative staff will check the website annually to ensure all program staff are cleared to work.
• Must meet the Head Start Performance Standards and State requirements.
• Employment in Head Start, Early Head Start and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Programs is contingent upon approval of the Policy Council.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Reasonable Accommodations:

I have read and understand the Essential Functions of this position, including the Responsibilities and Duties. I also acknowledge that the Responsibilities and Duties for this position may change in the future with or without prior notice.

I further understand that I can request a reasonable accommodation, should one be necessary for me to carry out the Essential Functions of this position. I can perform these with or without reasonable accommodation.