Family Advocate

Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program; Richland Center (WI); On-site; USD 33,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCAP is seeking a Family Advocate to help families build brighter futures and support children’s school readiness. You will work across Richland Center and Muscoda to connect families with community resources and develop individualized Family Partnership Agreements.

The role requires strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills, with travel as needed to serve the community. A high school diploma is required, with a preferred Associate's degree in a related field.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's degree in a related field preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, determine eligibility, enroll, and maintain enrollment in Head Start programs.
• Build culturally responsive relationships with families, staff, and partners.
• Complete family assessments and develop Family Partnership Agreements.

Skills

Communication skills

Organization

Relationship-building

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Base Pay $24.16 - $25.13 / Hour
• Employee Type Full Time Non-Exempt
• Manage Others No

Contact information

• Name SWCAP HR
• Phone [phone]
• Email [e-mail]

Description

Help families build brighter futures. Join SWCAP as a Family Advocate and make a lasting impact on children and families in your community. In this role, you'll build meaningful relationships with families, connect them with valuable community resources, and empower them to achieve their goals while supporting children's school readiness. As part of our Head Start team, you'll play a key role in strengthening families and advancing SWCAP's Whole Family Approach. Please note, this position includes travel between our Richland Center and Muscoda service area.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit, determine eligibility, enroll, and maintain full enrollment of children and families in Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
• Build positive, respectful, and culturally responsive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Complete family assessments and develop Family Partnership Agreements that support each family's strengths, needs, and goals.
• Conduct home visits, parent conferences, and follow-up contacts in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Connect families with community resources including health care, housing, nutrition, employment, education, transportation, and other support services.
• Encourage parent engagement through volunteer opportunities, parent committees, Policy Council, and other program activities.
• Collaborate with teachers and program staff to ensure families receive comprehensive, coordinated services.
• Maintain accurate documentation, case notes, and records within agency data management systems.
• Monitor enrollment, attendance, and family participation while implementing strategies to improve attendance and engagement.
• Participate in community outreach, recruitment efforts, program monitoring, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel throughout the service area.
• Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and effectively use technology, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work professionally with diverse families and community partners.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks and obtain First Aid certification for children and adults within 90 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, Family Services, Human Services, Social Work, or a related field.
• Three years of experience working with children and families in early childhood, family services, social services, case management, or a related field.
• Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards, community resources, and family-centered practices.
• Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations and families experiencing economic hardship.

Physical Requirements

• Regular travel throughout the service area for home visits, recruitment, meetings, and community outreach.
• Ability to work in office, classroom, home, and community settings.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb stairs, and frequently move between locations.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to use a computer, standard office equipment, and other technology throughout the workday.

SWCAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type with regard to characteristics protected under state or federal law.