Family Advocate

Ozark Action, Inc.; West Plains (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Ozark Action, Inc. invites applications for a Family Advocate I-III at West Plains Head Start. This full-time position offers 36-40 hours when school is in session and benefits after 90 days.

Responsibilities include supporting families to strengthen engagement and improve child outcomes, assisting staff, and promoting the Head Start program. Credentials and education must align with the chosen range (I-III).

Qualifications

• Must obtain Family Development Credential (FDC) or credential in a related field.
• High school diploma or HiSET required; credentials align with job level.
• If non-credentialed, a training plan must be completed within set timeframe.
• Range 13/14 requires credentialing; ranges 12–10 align with degree levels.

Responsibilities

• Meet established child development outcomes and support mobility and activity.
• Ensure compliance with program regulations and standards.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Contribute to team effort and promote the Head Start program.
• Develop professional and technical knowledge.

Skills

Verbal communication

Record keeping

Teamwork

Child development knowledge

Background check compliance

Education

High school diploma or HiSET

Family Development Credential (FDC)

Certification in social work / human services / family services / counseling or related field

Associate Degree in Early Childhood / social work / human services / family services / counseling

Bachelor's Degree in early childhood / social work / human services / counseling

Master’s degree in early childhood / social work / human services / counseling

Job description

OAI has an opening for a Family Advocate I, II or III (Ranges 15, 14, 13, 12) at West Plains Head Start.

Rate of Pay: $15.13 – $19.46 per hour. Rate TBD.

Hours: Monday – Friday (36-40 hours when school in session); Full-Time Position; benefits after 1st 90 days.

Objectives

To provide support services to strengthen families and to encourage family engagement, which will enhance child outcomes. To support the teacher and classroom staff in achieving positive child outcomes.

Education and Experience

Family Advocate —Range 13 or 14. High school diploma or HiSET. Must obtain Family Development Credential (FDC) credential, certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field. If non-credentialed, a training plan would be required until credentials and meeting that required within the set timeframe from date of hire.

Family Advocate I—Range 12. Associate Degree in Early Childhood, social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field or equivalent coursework if approved by standards.

Family Advocate II—Range 11. Baccalaureate Degree in early childhood, social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field or equivalent coursework if approved by standards.

Family Advocate III—Range 10. Master’s degree in early childhood, or social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field or equivalent coursework if approved by standards.

Specific Responsibilities

• Meet established child development outcomes; ability to stand, sit, crawl, kneel, walk, carry, balance, stoop, see, hear, talk and lift.


• Ensure compliance with program regulations and standards.


• Maintain accurate records and documentation;


• Contribute to team effort;


• Promote the Head Start program;


• Develop professional and technical knowledge.

Applicants must be able to provide verification of education and experience, pass background and fingerprint check, physical and TB/TB Assessment.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TDD—Missouri Relay Number is 1-800-735-2966 or dial 711 for assistance.

Posting expires 11/24/2026.

OAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.