Head Start Family Advocate - FT/S Morrow County - Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission : Job Details

Description Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission is a drug-free employer. Drug testing of both current staff and new hires will be conducted. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of Driver's Record Check, Criminal Background Check, Drug Test, and Employment references. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1. Actively promote the Head Start program. Recruit children all year long, maintain funded number. (Definition: the scope of this statement is very broad and addresses any activities that management determines to implement to recruit and attract children to Ohio Heartland Head Start.) Participation required, but not limited to: a. Participate in community events (fairs, festivals, etc.). The sponsorship may be internal or external. b. Canvas neighborhoods of the target population to distribute promotional and informational materials. c. Participate in the distribution of promotional materials and communications to community residents (door to door solicitation). d. Distribute, place and display posters and flyers at community establishments to promote and advertise the services of Ohio Heartland Head Start. This is to include, but is not limited to: community agencies, grocery stores, department stores, etc. 2. Provide case management to families: a. Work with families to ensure that children have physicals, dentals, shots, screenings and follow-up as required by Head Start Performance Standards. b. Coordinate all social service referrals and follow-up per case load per Policy and Procedures. c. Complete a Family Partnership Agreement one-on-one with each family, partner with families to identify and reach their goal(s), and provide information and follow-up per Policy and Procedures. d. Monitor each child's attendance in conjunction with the teachers. e. Act as a liaison between community agencies and Head Start families and staff. f. Identify, inform and assist parents in using educational and training opportunities. g. Attend I.E.P. / I.I.I. meetings and assist parents/guardians in understanding the goals. 3. Home visiting required as stated in the Policy and Procedures. 4. Spend a minimum of three hours per week in designated centers and serve as a liaison between center staff and clients to ensure flow of information to clients. 5. Maintain enrollment at the funded number of slots per case load. 6. Meet with the Family Engagement Manager to plan cooperative objectives in the provision and follow- through of services. (Such as attending the first conferences with the teacher) 7. Assist staff in designing and implementing a comprehensive, well-integrated plan for involving parents/guardians in all areas of the program, using the Parent, Family & Community Engagement Framework. 8. Assist in any classroom, on the bus, screening or other needed areas as required by director, supervisor or manager. This includes using personal car for work-related errands such as transport of food. 9. Keep accurate, updated records and documentation according to Policy and Procedures: 10. Recruit and assist parent/guardians in participating in Parent Planning Meetings, Policy Council, Family Connections, volunteering and in educational opportunities. 11. Responsible for the Policies and Procedures outlined in the Social Service Policy and Procedures Binder. 12. Work independently and as a member of the team. 13. Ensure confidentiality of all family/child records. 14. Will be required with prior notice to work flexible hours outside the normal 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. workday on occasion in order to adhere to and stay in compliance with regulations stated within the Head Start Performance Standards. 15. Drive the parent van, or arrange for a driver for families who need transportation to meetings or appointments. 16. Perform head checks when necessary to ensure that children are nit free when attending centers. 17. Due to program needs, least senior employee in a position must accept Re-Call from Seasonal Lay-Off or unemployment will be terminated and discharge will follow. 18. Must understand the Parent, Family & Community Engagement Framework and work toward facilitating families as they progress toward the seven Family Engagement Outcomes. 19. Assist in operation of the center in full compliance with the Ohio Heartland CAC Head Start Child Positive Behavior Support Policy that prohibits corporal punishment. NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1) Attend Policy Council meetings when required. 2) Maintain respectful and cooperative relations with community resources and collaborations, including answering or returning phone calls or faxing information. 3) Attend training and educational programs when required. 4) Read and study updates from the field of education, social services, health/mental health, disabilities, transportation and all other areas pertaining to Head Start. 5) Shop for materials and/or food, when necessary for meetings, training, etc. 6) Perform any duty as assigned in order to meet or stay in compliance with state or federal regulations. 7) Transfer of site assignment when necessary for operation of the program when management finds it appropriate. 8) Ensure compliance with Ohio Department of Job and Family Services licensing and OHCAC Head Start Rules and Standards. 9. Assist in planning and presenting programs and workshops designed to enhance parenting skills and meet requirements of Performance Standards. 10. Assist parent/guardians in addressing community needs. 11. Prepare and provide training in your areas of expertise for staff and parents/guardians. ACCOUNTABILITIES: 1. The Family Advocate is responsible for compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards, and the OHCAC Policies and Procedures. 2. The Family Advocate is responsible for maintaining confidentiality of client records. 3. The Family Advocate is responsible to the Family Engagement Manager. 4. The Family Advocate is encouraged to maintain an updated RSWA or LSW. 5. Video and audio recordings will be made during Head Start activities and observations and will be used for public relations, professional development, training and/or possible disciplinary action. 6. Drug and alcohol testing to be conducted as required by OHCAC and funding source. Requirements 1. The minimum requirement is an Associate Degree in social work, human services, family services counseling or a related degree, (Psychology), in the field of Family Services. 2. Experience in Head Start program preferred. 3. Must possess technical skills to be able to use a variety of computer software, produce correspondence, forms and reports, preferred. 4. Must possess good oral and written communication skills. 5. Must be able to work independently with initiative, creativity, accuracy, confidentiality and without constant supervision. 6. Must be flexible, able to work with a diverse population and have good organizational skills. 7. Must have a valid Ohio Driver's License or be able to obtain one before the first day of employment, carry auto insurance and have ready access to a drivable vehicle. Must be willing to travel within all four counties and use personal car for work related errands including transport of food. 8. Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals preferred. 9. Ability to compute rates, ratios, and/or percentage preferred. 10. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. 11. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; hear; and smell. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Must be able to move quickly to retrieve a running child. 12. The employee is occasionally required to climb or to balance. 13. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 14. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. 15. Must be able to clearly see the entire classroom. 16. Must pass the requirements of the insurance company in regard to age (18) and driving record. 17. Must show courtesy and respect to staff and customers at all times. Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission has in effect a clean air/smoking/tobacco use policy which prohibits smoking or use of tobacco products in all offices and on or in any agency owned or agency occupied properties or vehicles. This policy applies to ALL Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission staff, regardless of program.