Advocate -Head Start Program

Macomb-County-Government; Michigan; On-site; USD 41,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

No monthly premium for employee

Held on first day of employment

Job summary

Macomb County Government, through Macomb Community Action, seeks an Advocate for the Head Start Program to support families and ensure Head Start standards compliance. The role includes home visits, registrations, data entry, referrals and classroom support on site as assigned.

The position requires an associate degree or 60 credit hours in related fields and at least 1 year of human services experience; a valid Michigan driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• 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.
• At least 1 year of experience in the Human Services field.
• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and insurable automobile for authorized travel.

Responsibilities

• Supports program participants in identifying barriers and providing resources.
• Enrolls and registers program participants for the Head Start program.
• Performs data entry and monitors pertinent data and information of participant files.
• Provides follow-up to obtain mandated screenings and assessments of program participants.
• Provides classroom support on site as assigned.
• Conducts home visits and facilitates monthly Parent Committee Meetings at site locations.

Skills

Case management

Community resources

Head Start standards

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Time management

Confidentiality

Education

Associate degree or 60 credit hours in Human Services/ECE/Social Work

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services/ECE/Social Work (preferred)

Tools

Data entry software

Job description

As part of our total benefit package, Macomb County proudly offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, with no monthly premium to employees for single, two (2) person or family coverage. Health care, dental and vision benefits are effective the first day of employment.CLASSIFICATION TITLE:Advocate -Head Start ProgramSALARY:$41,328.19 - $53,454.55DEPARTMENT:Macomb Community ActionOpening Date:10/23/2026Closing Date:11/09/2026 12:00 a.m.FLSA STATUS : Non-exempt - Overtime pursuant to Collective Bargaining Agreement or Human Resources policyEMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary periodGENERAL SUMMARYUnder 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 RESPONSIBILITIESSupports 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.QUALIFICATIONSRequired Education and ExperienceAssociate degree or 60 credit hours completed from an accredited college or university in Human Services, Early Childhood Education/Development, Social Work or a related fieldOne (1) year of experience in the Human Services fieldPreferred Education and ExperienceBachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Human Services, Early Childhood Education/Development, Social Work or a related fieldRequired Licenses or CertificationsPossession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travelCOMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIESKnowledge of:Case management techniques and best practicesAvailable community resources and networksHead Start Performance StandardsSkill in:Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with staff, program participants, professionals, community partners and the publicPerforming a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different natureAssigning, prioritizing, monitoring and reviewing work assignmentsAbility to:Communicate clearly in a professional mannerWork in a professional, supportive and non-judgmental mannerOrganize and manage time effectivelyWork in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity CampaignEffectively speak, write and understand the English languageEffectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferredUnderstand and carry out oral and/or written instructionsAccurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic filesMaintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundariesWork independentlyConduct oneself with tact and courtesyWORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONSThe 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/ContinuouslyWork EnvironmentOffice or similar indoor environment: F/COutdoor environment : OStreet environment (near moving traffic): N/SConstruction site: N/SConfined space: N/SExposuresIndividuals who are hostile or irate : OIndividuals with known violent backgrounds: N/SExtreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/SExtreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/SCommunicable diseases: N/SMoving mechanical parts: N/SFumes or airborne particles: N/SToxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: N/SLoud noises (85+ decibels): N/SBlood Borne Pathogens: OPHYSICAL DEMANDSThe 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/ContinuouslyDemand :Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: N/SBending (forward or backward bending at the waist): OClimbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms : OCrawling (moving about on hands and knees) : OInspecting in confined spaces : N/SDigging: N/SDriving on sealed and unsealed roads : OGrasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: OKneeling to work at low levels : OManual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing) : F/CLift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another up to 50 pounds : OPush/Pull objects away from or towards the body : OReaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended) : OSitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/CStanding in an upright position without movement: F/CWalking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces : ORunning considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces : N/SGENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMERSComplies 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.