HS/EHS Family Coach I - IV

AVANCE-Houston, Inc; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

AVANCE-Houston, Inc is seeking a dedicated Family Coach to provide support and comprehensive case management services to families. The role involves implementing family partnership processes, conducting assessments, and maintaining communication to assist families in achieving their goals.

The position requires a minimum of one year experience in social services and a relevant educational background, with a preference for candidates experienced in Head Start programs. The Family Coach will coordinate health and educational resources while ensuring compliance with relevant standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year experience in social services, education, or health services coordination.
• Experience directly working with children and families.
• Familiarity with electronic case management systems.

Responsibilities

• Implement family partnership processes to support family goals.
• Coordinate comprehensive support services for families.
• Conduct family assessments and develop partnership goals.
• Maintain ongoing communication with families to ensure well-being.
• Document all interactions and maintain accurate data in GoEngage.

Skills

Communication

Cultural responsiveness

Case management

Community resource knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED (required within 18 months)

Associate Degree (may be exempt)

Bachelor Degree (may be exempt)

Master Degree (may be exempt)

Tools

GoEngage data management system

Job description

Responsibilities

1. Implement the family partnership process in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), including identifying family strengths, interests, needs, and goals.
2. Provide families with comprehensive case management and coordinated support services in the family’s preferred language or through interpreter services when needed.
3. Conduct family assessments, develop individualized family partnership goals, and support families in achieving self-identified goals related to family well-being, health, education, housing, employment, and economic stability.
4. Maintain ongoing communication and engagement with assigned families to support school readiness and positive family outcomes.
5. Assist families in accessing community resources and provide referrals to internal and external support services as appropriate.
6. Support family engagement and participation in parent meetings, family activities, program events, volunteer opportunities, Policy Council, Parent Committees, and other leadership opportunities.
7. Respond to family concerns, crises, and service needs in a timely, professional, and culturally responsive manner.

Health & Comprehensive Services Coordination

1. Support families in obtaining and submitting required child health documentation, including immunizations, well-child exams, dental exams, screenings, and follow-up documentation.
2. Conduct ongoing follow-up with families regarding missing or expired health requirements throughout the program year.
3. Coordinate with Health Associates regarding health compliance concerns, referrals, follow-up needs, and family support services.
4. Assist families in accessing medical, dental, mental health, nutrition, disabilities, and other community-based services as appropriate.
5. Support families throughout the referral and follow-up process related to mental health, developmental, disabilities, and specialized services by maintaining communication with families and coordinating access to recommended services and resources.
6. Maintain ongoing communication with the Mental Health and Development Team regarding referred children and family follow-up needs to support coordinated service delivery.
7. Assist families in understanding referral processes, recommended services, and available community resources while supporting family engagement throughout the service process.
8. Maintain ongoing communication with support service staff to ensure coordinated and integrated services for children and families.
9. Support transition planning and continuity of services for children and families.
10. The Family Coach provides family support, coordination, and case management related to referred services; however, compliance oversight, specialized service determinations, and programmatic monitoring related to mental health, disabilities, developmental services, and health services remain the responsibility of designated content area specialists.

ERSEA & Attendance Responsibilities

1. Determine, verify, and document eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA) in accordance with federal regulations, agency policies, and program procedures.
2. Participate in recruitment activities designed to inform eligible families of available Head Start and Early Head Start services.
3. Support the program in maintaining full enrollment and minimizing vacancies.
4. Monitor attendance and conduct follow-up with families regarding attendance concerns to promote consistent participation and school readiness.
5. Collaborate with staff and families to develop attendance improvement plans when appropriate.

Documentation & Data Systems

1. Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation within the agency’s GoEngage data management system, including but not limited to: enrollment applications, eligibility documentation, family partnership documentation, case notes, referrals, health-related follow-up, progress notes, family contacts, and required program documentation.
2. Ensure all family, child, eligibility, and comprehensive services documentation entered into GoEngage remains current, organized, and compliant with HSPPS, agency procedures, and program timelines.
3. Utilize GoEngage and other agency systems to monitor family engagement activities, track follow-up services, document family contacts, and support ongoing case management responsibilities.
4. Prepare reports, documentation, and data as required for monitoring, audits, reviews, ongoing program operations, and federal reporting requirements.
5. Maintain confidentiality and appropriate documentation practices in accordance with agency policies, data governance procedures, and applicable regulations.

Collaboration & Team Participation

1. Participate in Multidisciplinary Team Meetings (MDT), case staffing meetings, and program planning activities.
2. Collaborate with Health Associates, Education Staff, Mental Health and Development Staff, Nutrition Staff, and other content area staff to support integrated service delivery.
3. Collaborate with the Mental Health and Development Team regarding referrals, family concerns, follow-up needs, and service coordination while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and professional boundaries.
4. Support implementation of coordinated services for children with identified developmental, mental health, behavioral, or disabilities-related needs in partnership with specialized content area staff.
5. Participate in assigned local, regional, and national training activities and professional development opportunities.
6. Maintain ongoing communication with supervisors regarding family needs, service concerns, and operational barriers impacting service delivery.

Compliance & Professional Responsibilities

1. Become thoroughly familiar with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), agency policies, procedures, and program expectations related to family services, ERSEA, attendance, family engagement, and comprehensive services.
2. Maintain a manageable caseload of assigned families in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), including 45 CFR §1302.53(d), to support responsive and coordinated family partnership services.
3. Practice sound professional judgment in handling confidential and sensitive information.
4. Demonstrate cultural responsiveness and respect for the diverse backgrounds of enrolled families.
5. Maintain regular and punctual attendance in compliance with agency policies and procedures.
6. Utilize personal vehicle for work-related activities as needed.
7. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education Requirement:

• Family Coach I – High School Diploma or GED required within 18 months unless exempt.
• Family Coach II – Associate Degree may be exempt with qualifying degree.
• Family Coach III – Bachelor Degree may be exempt with qualifying degree.
• Family Coach IV – Master Degree may be exempt with qualifying degree.

Experience Requirement:

Minimum of one year experience working directly with children and families in social services, education, community services, family engagement, health services coordination, early childhood programs, or related settings.

Experience Preference:

• Head Start or Early Head Start experience.
• Experience with family partnership services, case management, community referrals, health follow-up, or integrated family services.
• Experience utilizing electronic case management or data management systems.

Preferred Qualifying Degree:

• Social Work
• Human Services
• Family Services
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Education
• Counseling
• Child Development
• Related fields