Family Advocate

Xiente; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Xiente in Philadelphia, PA is seeking a dedicated Family Advocate to strengthen family engagement, support children’s learning, and connect families with community resources.

You will conduct needs assessments, enroll families, lead workshops, and collaborate with teachers and partners to promote stability and growth for families. Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred with strong documentation skills and Head Start alignment.

Qualifications

• Family Service Credential required.
• Associate's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience working in a comprehensive Head Start program.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required clearances: PA Child Abuse Clearance, PA Criminal History Clearance, FBI Fingerprint Clearance, National Sex Offender Registry Clearance.
• Ability to obtain required health clearances and TB screening.
• Ability to obtain Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certification within one month of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive support services to children and families.
• Conduct family needs assessments and develop individualized family partnership plans.
• Assist parents with goal setting, budgeting, employment readiness, health access, and life skills development.
• Connect families with community resources and provide ongoing follow-up and case management.
• Empower parents to become advocates and leaders within their families and communities.
• Recruit, enroll, and maintain eligibility documentation for children and families.
• Maintain full enrollment and waiting lists in accordance with Head Start regulations.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards related to ERSEA, Family Engagement, and Health Services.
• Maintain accurate records, case notes, and required documentation.
• Plan and facilitate family workshops, meetings, parent education programs, and engagement events.
• Support and strengthen Parent Committees and Policy Council participation.
• Deliver parent curriculum with fidelity and create meaningful opportunities for family involvement.
• Assist families in establishing ongoing healthcare and accessing health resources.
• Monitor attendance and develop attendance improvement plans when needed.
• Collaborate with Health and Safety staff to ensure children meet health requirements.
• Serve as a leader and resource for Family Advocates.
• Collaborate with educators, administrators, and community partners.
• Participate in home visits, family conferences, and interdisciplinary meetings.

Skills

Communication skills

Data management

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Associate's Degree in Social Work

Tools

ChildPlus

COPA

ChildWare

Job description

Description

Family Advocate

Philadelphia, PA

Make a Lasting Impact on Children and Families

Are you passionate about supporting families, empowering parents, and helping children thrive? We are seeking a dedicated Family Advocate to join our team and play a vital role in strengthening family engagement, promoting child success, and connecting families to resources that foster long-term stability and growth.

As a Family Advocate, you will serve as a trusted partner for families, helping them navigate challenges, achieve personal goals, access community resources, and actively participate in their child's educational journey. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day while working within a collaborative and mission-driven environment.

What You'll Do

Family Support & Advocacy

• Build strong relationships with children and families by providing comprehensive support services.
• Conduct family needs assessments and develop individualized family partnership plans.
• Assist parents with goal setting, budgeting, employment readiness, health access, and life skills development.
• Connect families with community resources and provide ongoing follow-up and case management.
• Empower parents to become advocates and leaders within their families and communities.

Enrollment & Compliance

• Recruit, enroll, and maintain eligibility documentation for children and families.
• Maintain full enrollment and waiting lists in accordance with Head Start regulations.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards related to ERSEA, Family Engagement, and Health Services.
• Maintain accurate records, case notes, and required documentation.

Parent Engagement & Leadership

• Plan and facilitate family workshops, meetings, parent education programs, and engagement events.
• Support and strengthen Parent Committees and Policy Council participation.
• Deliver parent curriculum with fidelity and create meaningful opportunities for family involvement.

Health & Attendance Support

• Assist families in establishing ongoing healthcare and accessing health resources.
• Monitor attendance and develop attendance improvement plans when needed.
• Collaborate with Health and Safety staff to ensure children meet health requirements.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as a leader and resource for Family Advocates.
• Collaborate with educators, administrators, and community partners.
• Participate in home visits, family conferences, and interdisciplinary meetings.
• Support additional program initiatives as assigned by the Center Director.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Family Service Credential required.
• Associate's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience working in a comprehensive Head Start program.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accurate documentation.
• Strong computer and data management skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required clearances:
  • PA Child Abuse Clearance
  • PA Criminal History Clearance
  • FBI Fingerprint Clearance
  • National Sex Offender Registry Clearance
• Ability to obtain required health clearances and TB screening.
• Ability to obtain Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certification within one month of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual English/Spanish speaking, reading, and writing skills.
• Commitment to supporting dual-language learners.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to Puerto Rican and diverse multicultural communities.
• Experience using Head Start databases such as ChildPlus, COPA, ChildWare, or similar systems.
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and reliable transportation.

Why Join Us?

? Make a direct impact on the lives of children and families

? Help parents achieve personal, educational, and economic goals

? Work within a collaborative, mission-driven team

? Professional development and growth opportunities

? Meaningful work that strengthens communities and supports future generations

Ideal Candidate

You are compassionate, organized, culturally responsive, and passionate about family empowerment. You enjoy building relationships, connecting people with resources, and helping families overcome barriers to success. You believe that strong families create strong communities and are committed to making a difference every day.

Join us in empowering families, strengthening communities, and helping children build a foundation for lifelong success.