Family Support Specialist

ASTOR SERVICES; City of Beacon (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation

Paid holidays

Personal days

Sick leave

LTD & life insurance

Medical & dental plan

Longevity incentives

Growth opportunities

Team collaboration

Job summary

Astor Services is hiring Family Advocates in Beacon, NY, working Monday through Friday from 8-3pm. The Head Start program delivers services to 3- and 4-year-old children and their families in core areas of early learning, health, and family well-being.

The Family Advocate builds close relationships with families, helps parents participate in their child’s education, and connects families with community resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or credential in social work, human services, counseling, or a related field.
• Must be able to operate agency motor vehicles and possess a valid New York State operator’s license with a driving history acceptable to the agency.
• Must be able to climb and descend stairs without assistance in settings not in compliance with or under the mandates of the Americans with Disability Act.
• Experience with the population served is preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Cooperates with the center director, teacher, family service coordinator, and other staff in assessing each family’s strengths and needs, developing an appropriate action plan, and reviewing family progress.
• Actively recruits new children through hanging posters, door knocking, and community kiosks. Completes applications for new children and completes in-take packet for assigned children.
• Cooperates with the center nurse to assure that mandated health services are rendered, up-to-date health records are kept, and that assistance is obtained for any special health or nutrition need.
• The family advocate’s purpose is to provide a comprehensive, suitable and ongoing service to the child and her/his family.
• Continues to work with family throughout the year to update and identify needs.
• Maintains consistent communication with teaching staff.
• Develops a supportive, professional relationship with each family assigned through regularly scheduled home visits, phone calls, notes and personal contact at the center. Home visits must include 2 home visits in addition to the intake home visit.
• Follows up on child’s absences, documents reasons for absence and keeps center director informed.
• Works cooperatively with center director to organize and implement center-based activities for parents. Makes parents aware of opportunities for participation in the program and facilitates and encourages such participation.
• Provides information on prenatal needs and on the needs of new babies when parents inform advocate that they are pregnant.
• Is aware of and refers families to appropriate educational and community resources and, when necessary, advocates with the resources on the family’s behalf.

Skills

Bilingual

Education

Bachelor's or credential in social work, human services, counseling, or a related field

Job description

Astor Services is hiring Family Advocates in Beacon, NY, working Monday through Friday from 8-3pm. The Head Start program delivers services to 3- and 4-year-old children and their families in core areas of early learning, health, and family well-being.

The Family Advocate builds close relationships with families, helps parents participate in their child’s education, and connects families with community resources.