Family Advocate

Erie Neighborhood House; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 29,136 - 30,458; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

12 accrued sick days per year

8 paid holidays

Tuition Assistance & Debt Relief Program

Job summary

A community-focused nonprofit organization in Chicago seeks a Family Advocate to coordinate health services and support families in the Early Childhood Education program. Responsibilities include maintaining health records, communicating with staff about children's health needs, and ensuring compliance with educational and health standards. Ideal candidates should have a relevant Bachelor's degree and Illinois Gateways credential, along with bilingual skills in English and Spanish preferred. This role offers competitive compensation and ample benefits.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Eligible to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate health requirements and family partnership agreements.
• Maintain records regarding health services and enter data into databases.
• Communicate with teaching staff about children's health needs.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related field

Illinois Gateways Family Service credential level 5

Job description

Erie Neighborhood House has provided the most comprehensive support immigrant and low‑income families in Chicago need to thrive and has constantly evolved to meet their needs. Today, Erie House is a modern social services nonprofit with programming and resources for children and youth, mental health and community wellness, adult education and training, legal services, and more. Through these programs, we empower the people we work alongside to build powerful communities.

Reporting to the Family Services Manager, the Family Advocate basic function is coordination of health requirements, goal setting, and family partnership agreements for families enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program. This includes written parent communications and data entry in CSD CARED and/or Child Plus database.

Family Advocate position responsibilities include:

• Maintains all records regarding health services (physical exams, dental exams, hearing and vision screenings, heights and weights, as well as any asthma action plans, or food allergies) according to Head Start/Early Head Start performance standards. Enters all health related information into CSD-Cares and ChildPlus in a timely manner.
• Follow up on progress of EPSDT Documents all follow up notes in CSD CARES/ ChildPlus.
• Responsible for communicating with teaching staff about children’s health needs.
• Notifies parents of expiration of health requirements in a timely manner.
• Responsible for obtaining child health histories.
• Checks classroom First Aid kits and replenishes them as needed, maintains First Aid kit supply logs.
• Checks classroom First Aid Backpack kits and replenishes them as needed.
• Participates in the program’s annual self-assessment and community assessment.
• Completes Family Partnership Agreements with all families. Follows up on progress on goals monthly. Documents all follow up notes in CSD-Cares and ChildPlus.
• Maintains a strong system of resource and referral for families including formal and informal partnerships.
• Assists Family Services Manager, Family Advocate Coordinator with all parent involvement activities and events including monthly parent meetings and special center events.
• Maintains all children’s files in an organized and confidential manner.
• Collect and enter attendance for the assigned classes in CSD-Cares and ChildPlus daily by 10:30 AM according to Head Start standards. Contacts parents of children who are absent to find and document the reason for absence by 10:30 AM daily. This contact is entered in CSDCares and ChildPlus.
• Assists parents with transition process. Notifies parents of children’s transition into new classroom and meets with new teacher to share information regarding child’s health status and potential dietary needs.
• Responsible for compliance with all agency requirements, as well as DCFS licensing requirements, Head Start performance standards and NAEYC standards.
• Participates in recruitment for program twice monthly or as assigned.
• Participates in monthly all staff meetings, and attends all mandated meetings and trainings.
• Maintains a current Illinois Gateways Registry membership.
• Participates in 20 hours of professional development per program year, five hours of which are gateways approved hours.
• Responsible for the program complying with Erie, the Board of Education and State Licensing requirements and performance standards, including promoting the health and safety of all the children, following sanitation procedures and universal precautions, completing a bi-annual physical exam, complying with the Confidentiality and Child Abuse and Neglect Act as a mandated reporter, as well as the American with Disabilities Act and Erie’s inclusion Policy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• This position requires a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field preferred required.
• Illinois Gateways Family Service credential level 5.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• Upon offer of employment, must complete all forms related to hiring, including Erie’s application and employment status. Must provide three letters of recommendation. In addition, must complete all DCFS licensing forms, including a criminal background check, fingerprinting and a child abuse and neglect background check.

TEAM MEMBER BENEFITS:

• Compensation of $21.15- $22.11 / hour based on experience.
• Work / life integration.
  • Generous paid time off.
• Full Time employee.
• 12 accrued sick days per year.
• 3 personal days.
• Paid birthday off.
• 8 paid holidays, including Juneteenth.
• In addition to above paid holidays, paid week off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
• Vacation:
  • Year 1 = 8 days.
  • Year 2 = 13 days.
  • Year 3 + = 20 days.
• Access to alternative and flexible work schedules and personal leave, where possible.
• Two-weeks fully paid Parental Leave, for eligible employees.
• Time off for school conferences and activities as well as bereavement leave.
• Professional Development:
  • Employer-sponsored learning and development programs.
  • Paid day off annually for personal professional development.
  • Tuition Assistance & Debt Relief Program, as budget allows.
  • DEI Council-sponsored education and engagement series.
• Wellness support:
  • Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Employer-paid life insurance.
  • Voluntary life and AD&D and short and long-term disability.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, vision and dependent care.
  • 403b with employer match.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Yoga, Zumba and Book Club, when onsite.

Union / Non Exempt.

Erie Neighborhood House is dedicated to creating a workforce that promotes and supports diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals without discrimination. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact us at [e-mail].

NO TELEPHONE CALLS PLEASE!

Must be a member of AFSCME or join after 30 days.

Erie neighborhood house is an equal opportunity employer.

Accredited by NAEYC & national after school association.

Recognized by department of justice.

United way member.