Head Start Family Service Worker (Family Advocate)

TopekaPublicSchools; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Family Service Worker to support families in their community. This vital role involves engaging with families, assisting them with enrollment processes, and providing resources to overcome challenges. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in social services and excellent communication skills. You will work closely with families to create partnership agreements, ensuring they receive the support needed to thrive. Join a passionate team committed to making a difference in the lives of families and children in the Head Start program, and contribute to a meaningful mission that fosters community engagement and support.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; credential in social work within 18 months preferred.
• Experience in social services and knowledge of community resources is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist families with application and enrollment processes, tracking attendance.
• Maintain caseload of families, providing support and referrals as needed.
• Document family interactions and participate in program meetings.

Skills

Communication Skills

Documentation Skills

Team Collaboration

Presentation Skills

Attention to Detail

Cultural Sensitivity

Education

High school diploma or GED

Credential in social work or related field

Tools

Google Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Purpose: Under the supervision of the Head Start Principal/Director and the Family Service Coordinator, the Family Service Worker (Family Advocate) provides a vital role to the Head Start Family Services process. This position ensures program success in meeting the Family Engagement Outcomes on the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Framework.

Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or GED
2. Maintain or obtain a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field within 18 months of hire
3. Preference given for former or current Head Start parents
4. Preference given for Head Start experience
5. Experience and knowledge in social services field
6. Knowledge of community resources
7. Ability to connect and communicate with families in a positive, healthy way

Duties/Responsibilities:

1. ERSEA - Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, Attendance (35%):
   1. Assist families in application and enrollment process
   2. Process application and assist families with paperwork and documentation requirements
   3. Track student attendance and assist families in overcoming attendance barriers
   4. Participate in recruitment efforts for the program
   5. Initiate follow-up phone calls with families
2. Family Partnership Agreement Process (50%):
   1. Maintain an active caseload of up to 60 families
   2. Interview families on the Family Needs Assessment Survey helping families identify areas of strength and possible areas of need
   3. Help families identify areas of need based on the Family Needs Assessment and areas where the family wants to form a goal.
   4. Support families in efforts to complete family plan as part of the family partnership agreement, this may include, but not limited to:
   1. Seeking/making community referrals for families, such as food, clothing, housing, education, etc. through community resources available
   2. Providing contact information, referrals, helping families schedule appointments, etc.
   3. Providing crisis intervention partnerships (i.e., good relationship with the Rescue Mission to assist families in housing crisis-homelessness)
   5. Home visits (or where safety is an identified concern, a neutral safe setting) that the family and family service worker have an opportunity to form a trusting relationship in which families are encouraged to share current situations, barriers, etc. that may be impacting their ability to make progress towards their Family Partnership Agreement.
   6. On-going documentation - records of attendance/attendance data, phone calls, referrals, changes of family information, and goal progress
3. Professional Responsibilities (15%):
   1. Documentation and reporting of family interactions and communication
   2. Building duties (i.e., answering phones, greeting students and families)
   3. Participate in the creation of program School Readiness Goals
   4. Attend building, grant, and district required meetings (i.e., pertinent faculty meetings, family meetings, professional development opportunities)
   5. Stay current on Head Start Performance Standards and Program Instructions
   6. Provide support in the area of health documentation
   7. Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Basic computer skills in Google and Microsoft Office
2. Documentation skills
3. Experience and comfort with making presentations
4. Ability to collaborate and work constructively in a team
5. Thorough written and verbal communication skills
6. Ability to work independently as well as in a team
7. Good attention to detail
8. Ability to work with families with special needs, challenging behaviors, and who are culturally diverse
9. Experience following confidentiality guidelines
10. Enhance the effectiveness of Head Start Services
11. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with program staff
12. Positive attitude, compassionate, and dedicated to helping others

This is a 9-month, 8 hour/day classified position.