Family Advocate

Community-Action-of-South-Mississippi; Pascagoula (MS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Community-Action-of-South-Mississippi seeks a Family Advocate to support Head Start families by addressing needs, recruiting eligible children, and forming partnerships with families. The Advocate assesses resources, coordinates referrals to services, and follows up on outcomes, while maintaining excellent customer service and professional etiquette.

On-site position in Pascagoula, MS, with strong communication and MS Office proficiency required.

Qualifications

• Experience in human or social services preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Superior customer service skills and professional etiquette are essential.
• Proficiency with a computer and MS Office is required.

Responsibilities

• Recruit eligible children from target areas for Head Start.
• Develop partnership agreements with families and coordinate referrals to services.
• Assess resources, needs, and goals of families and follow up on outcomes.
• Communicate with families effectively in person and by phone; maintain records.

Skills

Excellent communication

Customer service excellence

Multitasking

Teamwork

Tools

MS Office

Computer literacy

Job description

Description

Position Overview

The Family Advocate insures all needs of the Head Start families are addressed. The Family Advocate recruits eligible children from the target areas and develops partnership agreements with the families. In addition, the Advocate assesses the resources, needs, and goals of the families; makes appropriate referrals to services within the Agency and in the community; and follows up on the outcomes of those actions.

Physical Demands

Work involves sitting with frequent requirements to move about the office and the facility. Work involves using repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and/or fingers while operating standard office equipment. Must be able to perceive the nature of sound at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Must be able to be active for extended periods of time without experiencing undue fatigue.

Must be able to lift children weighing 50 pounds or more as it may be required during emergencies or other unusual circumstances. Must be able to perform activities on the floor and outdoors with children, keeping pace with the energy level of the children. Must recognize hazards and dangerous situations and take appropriate action.

Mental Demands

Must demonstrate good communication and speaking skills to receive and give information in person and by telephone. Must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. Must have the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Attention to detail and the ability to multi-task in complex situations is required.

Special Demands

Must possess superior customer service skills and professional etiquette. Must possess proficient knowledge and ability to use a computer (must be keyboard proficient) and other office technology (i.e. telephone, fax, etc.). Must have advanced knowledge and skill in using MS Office. Must understand the fundamentals of automated data processing, and be able to quickly gain a detailed understanding of complex computerized and non-computerized information.

Requirements

Experience

Experience in human or social services field preferred.

Must have a valid drivers’ license and a satisfactory driving record.