Family Advocate

Mid Florida Community Services, Inc.; Pierson (MI); On-site; USD 26,174 - 29,618; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation

Sick leave

Employer-Paid Health, Vision & Dental

403(b) Retirement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer

Job summary

Mid Florida Community Services, Inc. is looking for a dedicated professional for the recruitment and enrollment of eligible families in Head Start/Early Head Start. Responsibilities include case management services to empower families and ensure self-sufficiency.

The ideal candidate will have a High School Diploma and relevant certifications. Full-time position offers competitive pay and various benefits including health insurance and retirement contributions.

Qualifications

• No experience required if holder of a Human Services or Social Work Associate degree or higher.
• Valid Florida driver’s license and insurability by company carrier required.
• First Aid and CPR certified.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for recruitment and enrollment of eligible families in Head Start.
• Collaborate with health services staff to ensure compliance with child health requirements.
• Provide case management to families and connect them with community resources.

Skills

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Ability to establish relationships with parents and children

Reliability, responsibility, and accountability to job requirements

Computer proficiency and ability to use a personal computer

Data analysis and interpretation of family needs

Education

High School Diploma

Credential or certification in Social Work or related field

Job description

Position Overview

Job Location: Jo Sheppard Pierson, Pierson, FL 32180

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 2 Year Degree

Salary Range: $19.00 - $21.50 per hour

Position Summary

Responsible for the recruitment and enrollment of eligible families in Head Start/Early Head Start. Identifies the needs of families and their children and provides comprehensive case management services to empower them to achieve and maintain self‑sufficiency.

Preferred: Bilingual.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 7:30am – 4:00pm

Benefits

Vacation, Sick, PTO, Employer‑Paid Health, Vision & Dental, 403(b) Retirement, 14 Company Paid Holidays, Pet Insurance, $30,000 Life Insurance, Long‑Term Disability. Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.

Essential Job Functions

• Recruit eligible children (including those with disabilities) to meet enrollment requirements.
• Complete applications, parent interviews, and enrollment process.
• Schedule, facilitate, and document Project Spotlight; ensure follow‑up is complete.
• Provide case management to families, identify needs and goals, develop partnership agreements, make referrals, and provide follow‑up.
• Collaborate with health services staff to ensure compliance with child health requirements.
• Connect families with community resources to meet basic needs during crises.
• Document all case management processes in ChildPlus.net.
• Assist in scheduling initial home visit for teaching team; provide subsequent visits as required.
• Prepare, maintain, and update child/family files in accordance with policies.
• Support families in coordinating and participating in Parent Family and Community Engagement Experiences.
• Collaborate with the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Committee and Family Services Coordinator to ensure parent/male engagement.
• Work with center staff to promote and document family participation and provide feedback.
• Follow up on excessive absenteeism and attendance concerns and comply with the Rilya Wilson Act.
• Submit reports, documents, and files as directed; meet monthly with the ERSEA Supervisor to discuss outcomes.
• Maintain open, positive communication with families; greet parents at child arrival and departure times when possible.
• Participate in community activities/events to support families and increase program awareness.
• Act as advocate and role model for Head Start/Early Head Start families.
• Attend and participate in training programs, staff meetings, and other trainings.
• Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information.
• Maintain effective working interactions with coworkers and external contacts.
• Organize and prioritize assignments as directed.
• Participate in safety, storm, and fire drills.
• Follow federal, state, and local regulations, including Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards and other administrative orders.
• Participate in ongoing monitoring, Community Assessment, and Self‑Assessment and perform related functions.
• Follow policies and procedures of You Thrive Florida, including personnel, health & safety, payroll, and other policies.
• Ensure documentation standards in ChildPlus are met as required by program.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a High School Diploma and FDC Course; credential or certification in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, counseling, or related field.
• No experience required if holder of a Human Services or Social Work Associate degree or higher.
• Valid Florida driver’s license and insurability by company carrier.
• Subject to federal, state, and local background checks for working with children.
• First Aid and CPR certified.
• Obtain certification in ERSEA within one year of hire and maintain annually.
• Within 90 days of employment, begin at least one of the DCF Child Care training courses.
• Within 18 months of hire, complete Head Start/Early Head Start required certification training hours and 55 hours of Florida DCF Child Care Training.

Critical Skills & Expertise

• Ability to arrive to work daily and on time.
• Ability to work with limited direction.
• Knowledge of organization methods and ability to complete work accurately.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish relationships with parents and children.
• Data analysis and interpretation of family needs.
• Computer proficiency and ability to use a personal computer.
• Reliability, responsibility, and accountability to job requirements.
• Knowledge of early childhood issues and community resources.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Pass competency exam with satisfactory score (criteria defined by YTF administration).

Physical Requirements

• Sitting, standing for long periods, use of fingers, arms, legs, and voice.
• Good eyesight and hearing (correctable).
• Squatting, walking, grasping, stretching, bending, and lifting up to 15lbs frequently.
• Medium lifting up to 30lbs and driving occasional.

Work Environment

Primary location: Head Start/Early Head Start facilities in Hernando, Sumter, and/or Volusia counties; occasional travel to other counties. Office environment with frequent use of office equipment; occasional outdoor activities and vehicle operation.