Family Advocate

United Inner City Services; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

EarlystART in Kansas City seeks a Family Advocate to build partnerships with families, identify needs, and connect them with services to support self-sufficiency. You will recruit participants, enroll and retain children, and coordinate with community partners, with occasional evening and weekend hours.

A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field is required. Fluency in Spanish and English preferred, as is experience in a licensed early childhood setting, strong communication,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Health Sciences, Child Development, Family Studies, or a related field.
• Experience in a licensed early childhood center.
• Fluent in Spanish and English preferred.
• Ability to work with diverse families and communities.

Responsibilities

• Recruit families into the program.
• Complete enrollment applications accurately and timely.
• Assess family needs and develop action plans.
• Maintain waiting list and track attendance.
• Coordinate health screenings with partners.
• Enter data from enrollments and interactions.
• Prepare monthly activity reports.
• Provide referrals to community resources.
• Assist Parent Committee and engage families.
• Schedule home visits and maintain flexible hours.

Skills

Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Community outreach

Data entry

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

EarlystART is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Family Advocate to join our team. If you are committed to supporting families, building meaningful relationships, and helping children succeed through family engagement and community partnerships, we encourage you to apply.

Role: The role of the Family Advocate is to develop partnerships that provide support and empowerment with families of the community. An essential role of the Family Advocate is to identify needs and locate supportive services necessary for the attainment of self-sufficiency. The Family Advocate is responsible for the recruitment, enrollment, and retention of all children.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Recruit families into the program
• Complete enrollment applications accurately and in a timely manner
• Complete family needs assessment and goals at the time of application and develop an action plan or referrals, as necessary
• Maintain a waiting list for participants
• Explain program services and procedures
• Schedule health screenings with community partners
• Track health needs to ensure they are done in compliance with state regulations
• Follow-up on health referrals
• Enter all data from enrollment application
• Enter all family interactions
• Enter daily attendance
• Enter all health information
• Update applications for re‑enrollees each program year
• Prepare reports for attendance, PIR, In‑Kind, and all monthly activities
• Make referrals to community resources
• Respond to parent complaints and suggestions
• Assist with the Parent Committee
• Assess family needs and help families develop action plans with established goals
• Assist families with the Family Needs Assessment and the Family Partnership Agreement
• Schedule and conduct home visits
• Perform all other related duties, as assigned as well as maintain a flexible schedule that frequently involves evening and weekend activities.
• Fluent in Spanish and English, verbal and written preferred
• Adhere to Missouri Child care Licensing Regulations
• Assist with Parent Engagement and Education

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to work and communicate with people from various multi‑cultural backgrounds and socio‑economic levels. Sensitivity to the needs, abilities, beliefs, and attitudes of individuals within and outside the Agency, including but not limited to customers and co‑workers. Ability to gain knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and Head Start Policies and Procedures. Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries. Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and maintain access to a licensed/insured vehicle. Fluent in Spanish and English, written and verbal preferred.

Physical Requirements

• May require excessive sitting, walking, bending, stretching and sitting
• Exposure to childhood illnesses and diseases
• Ability to lift and carry 45 lbs. on a regular basis

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Health Sciences, Child Development, Family Studies, or a related field is required. Experience working in a licensed early childhood center.