Advocate -Head Start Program

Macomb County; United States; On-site; USD 41,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

No monthly premium for single / 2 or 3

Job summary

Macomb County is seeking an Advocate for its Head Start program to help families access services, register participants, and support classrooms on site. The role requires an Associate degree (or 60 credit hours) in Human Services or related field and at least one year of experience.

Travel is required using an automobile; duties include home visits, data entry, and coordinating with parents through meetings and committees to ensure Head Start standards are met.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or 60 credit hours in Human Services, Early Childhood Education/Development, Social Work or a related field; 1 year of experience in the Human Services field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Early Childhood Education/Development, Social Work or related field preferred.
• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for travel.

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.

Skills

Case management

Community resources

Head Start standards

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Communication

Organizational skills

Confidentiality

Education

Associate degree or 60 credit hours

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Benefits

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. To learn more about Macomb County benefits click here

Job Details

Classification Title: Advocate -Head Start Program
Salary: $41,328.19 - $53,454.55
Department: Macomb Community Action
Opening Date: 10/23/2026
Closing Date: 11/09/2026 12:00 a.m.
FLSA Status: Non-exempt - Overtime pursuant to Collective Bargaining Agreement or Human Resources policy
Employment Relationship: Just cause subject to probationary period

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
• Knowledge of: Available community resources and networks
• Knowledge of: 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
• Skill in: Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Skill in: Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring and reviewing work assignments
• Ability to: Communicate clearly in a professional manner
• Ability to: Work in a professional, supportive and non-judgmental manner
• Ability to: Organize and manage time effectively
• Ability to: Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
• Ability to: Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
• Ability to: Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
• Ability to: Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
• Ability to: Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Ability to: Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Ability to: Work independently
• Ability to: Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy

Work Environment / Conditions

• 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
• 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

• 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. Macomb County is Michigan’s third most populated county, boasting a population of more than 865,000 residents and growing. From the densely-populated southern cities to the rural northern villages, Macomb County possesses a wealth of assets that make it a desirable place to live, work and play! As the county gains in population and cultural diversity increases, initiatives such as the dignity campaign enables us to cultivate a community that embraces all people and celebrates their unique contributions. Through collaborative community-based activities, Macomb County is promoting multiculturalism and inclusiveness.