Parent Advocate

The JOY FM; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Parent Advocate to support families with children ages birth to five in the vibrant Orlando Kidz Zone. This role is essential in connecting families with vital resources, helping them set and achieve goals, and ensuring access to quality early care and learning programs. The ideal candidate will engage with the community, conduct outreach activities, and utilize data software to track progress and outcomes. Join a dedicated team that values collaboration and strives to enhance the well-being of families in the area. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children and their families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience required.
• 1 year experience in human services/social services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct recruitment activities and outreach in neighborhoods.
• Provide consultation and referrals to families for early care options.
• Monitor family progress and maintain communication with families.

Skills

Family Support Goals Establishment

Advocacy Skills

Communication Skills

Data Analysis

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor Degree in Social Work

Bachelor Degree in Psychology

Bachelor Degree in Human Development

Bachelor Degree in Education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Bonterra (Efforts to Outcomes)

Job description

Description:
The Parent Advocate plays a vital role in supporting the needs of families with children ages birth to five in the Orlando Kidz Zone (OKZ) neighborhoods. Through the Family Care Connection (FCC) program, the position is responsible for paraprofessional work that helps families define goals, empowerment to achieve goals through information/resources, coordinates access/enrollment of children in early care and learning programs, offers wraparound services to a host of family/social support services, and works in partnership with families to improve their overall well-being. Work is performed under established guidelines and direction of the program manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Conducts recruitment activities to identify families interested in the OKZ FCC program, in conjunction with the City’s OKZ Managers, My Brother’s Keeper, and other partner agencies. Work includes, but is not limited to: canvasing neighborhoods; establishing connections with community organizations; and, participation in outreach activities.
2. Completes Family Map with designated families, and develops Partnership Agreement to accomplish identified goals (family/child).
3. Monitors and documents progress toward goals & maintains regular communication by phone, email, text, and in-person meetings.
4. Provides all families with consultation, information, resources & referrals to services that support their needs (family/child), including the availability of early learning/child care options (such as: Early Head Start, Head Start, Bezos Academy, Rosen Preschool, OCPS Kindergarten, Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten, and School Readiness programs).
5. Generates enrollment referrals for the City of Orlando’s Child Care funding (School Readiness/Early Learning Coalition Orange Co.), and completes the direct enrollment of eligible children into City’s funding for families with unique circumstances.
6. Assists families, as needed with completing applications, collection of documentation to verify eligibility, scheduling appointments, and arranging transportation for wraparound services, including eligibility for early care and learning programs.
7. Advocates for FCC participants and acts as the liaison between wraparound service partners. Must report areas of concern to program manager.
8. Utilizes City’s “Bonterra” (Efforts to Outcomes) data software to maintain accurate files, analyze data, prepare reports, correspondence, and family services records per policies and procedures.
9. Performs other duties as needed and determined by 4C in support of the OKZ neighborhoods.

Qualifications:
Bachelor Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Development, Education, or closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Previous experience in the human services/social services field preferred. One (1) year experience working with individuals to establish family support goals and/or to promote the healthy development of children ages birth to 5-years required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) required. Must be able to pass a Level II background check and have a Florida Driver's License.

To Apply:
Apply online at 4cflorida.org/careers