Family Advocate - Sioux County

Department: Early Head Start

Reports to: Family Engagement & Health Coordinator

Primary Work Location: Orange City

Eligible for Benefits: Yes. Regular.

Work Hours: 8 hours Monday-Friday (8:00-4:30). 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.

Hours are subject to change based on financial and program requirements.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Early Childhood or related field required. Bachelor’s is preferred.
• Able to stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, push and pull regularly.
• Lift up to 10 pounds often; lift up to 20 pounds occasionally; lift over 20 pounds rarely.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in human services, social services, adult education and/or early childhood education preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and computer skills.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred, but not required.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Be knowledgeable of Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards, Iowa Licensing Regulations and programs policies/procedures.
• Must be able to relate to low resource preschool children, families and staff in a positive manner.
• Works collaboratively with staff to achieve positive outcomes for children and families.
• Establish and maintain a positive and supportive environment for families.
• Effectively communicate with parents on an ongoing basis.
• Complete weekly home-visits with families. Families may be high-risk with DHS involvement.
• Involve families in activities to enhance their role as the primary influence on their child’s education and development by utilizing Parents-As-Teachers (P.A.T.) Curriculum and Language Environment Analysis (LENA) Program.
• Collect anecdotal notes that are current, ongoing, factual and objective on children and enter into the Teaching Strategies online GOLD.
• Use ongoing assessment information to improve curriculum implementation and individualize learning experiences.
• Assist families in assessing strengths and needs. Help families use the results of the assessment to develop goals. Follow up and support family efforts to achieve these goals.
• Complete Family Outcomes three times a year.
• Track, remind and follow up to ensure child’s well-baby checks, physicals, immunizations and dentals and up to date.
• Plan and organize group socializations for children and families.
• Partner with community resources to provide services to families and children.
• Make appropriate referrals and follow-up on referrals to ensure that the family receives appropriate services.
• Complete home-visits, reports, scanning, paperwork and documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Transport children and families to WIC, medical/dental appointments and Policy Council.
• Assist in meeting in-kind program requirements.
• Promote and instill the importance of prenatal care, good nutrition, healthcare of an infant, breastfeeding, birth control, smoking cessation, parenting classes, substance abuse or other health education classes.
• Represent program by attending community planning council meetings.
• Participate in programs recruitment process; including attending WIC clinics.
• Promote best dental practices to children and parents.
• Collaborate with center team in transitioning the children and families after they leave the program.
• Able to work flexible hours without direct supervision, including some evenings.
• Follow cleaning procedures to maintain a clean and sanitary classroom/center.
• Complete necessary paperwork in an accurate and timely manner including data entry into the Child Plus system.
• Follow HS/EHS policies and procedures.
• Responsible for contributing to a positive and productive work environment.
• Attend at minimum 15 hours of trainings for professional development requirements.
• Able to work flexible hours without direct supervisions, including some evenings.
• Other duties as assigned.

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Submit to the Department of Human Services Criminal History and a Request for Child Abuse Information Records Check prior to employment and every two (2) years thereafter.
• Submit to FBI National Fingerprint Criminal History Check prior to hire and every four (4) years thereafter.
• Submit to a Motor Vehicle Records check prior to employment and every year thereafter.
• Complete a DHS Physical Exam prior to employment and every 3 years.
• Complete a Tuberculosis Screening or Assessment prior to employment.
• Complete mandatory reporter training within 3 months of hire and every 3 years thereafter.
• Adhere to HS/EHS Standards of Conduct.
• Sign and maintain required confidentiality statement.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance and reliable transportation.
• Attend required in-services, trainings, orientations and meetings.
• Must be able to complete job duties as described with reasonable accommodations.