PURPOSE STATEMENT

The Head Start Family Advocate works directly with an assigned caseload of families to help them realize their self-sufficiency goals; serving as a link between families and community resources. The Family Advocate supports program recruitment efforts, encourages parent involvement, and engages families in their child’s learning activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assist with recruitment of children into Head Start; coordinate and participate in all related functions. Implement recruitment strategies and activities through school, agency, parent and child contacts.
2. Identify families and children in need of social services and implement program activities to meet their needs.
3. Conduct home visits and establish family goals; identifying family strengths and needs; assist with developing family service plans.
4. Assist families in utilizing community resources, including medical, dental, social, educational, and occupational.
5. Coordinate and implement parent education and support programs for families, with outreach to the community.
6. Organize parent activities and community collaborations that support the parent’s important role as the child’s first teacher.
7. Coordinate with staff to identify possible needs and community referrals for individual families.
8. Disseminates consistent, accurate, culturally accessible messages to families.
9. Utilize ChildPlus data management system to maintain complete and accurate family/child files, forms, and records within required timelines.
10. Serve as a resource to staff and parents for identifying community agencies to meet needs of families and children.
11. Support and assist with program wide events and family activity nights as requested.
12. Participate in required staffing/monitoring team meetings and annual Head Start Self-Assessment, as assigned.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

1. Maintain confidentiality and exercise good judgment concerning confidential information.
2. Promote positive public relations when communicating with the public. Consistently address clients, community members and co-workers in a courteous, pleasant and respectful manner.
3. May serve on various district committees and/or departmental work teams.
4. Perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to the Program Administrator.

MENTAL DEMANDS

• Required to handle a wide range of student, staff, and public behaviors and needs in a positive and service oriented manner.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to manage physically active children ages 3-5, within weight range of up to 50 pounds, to include restraining, guiding, pursuing, and withstanding sudden movement.  Ability to bend, stoop, lift and move frequently.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field required or ability to complete within 18 months of hire.
• Successful, relevant work or volunteer experience with families of young children in an early childhood family support program setting.
• Experience working with low-income families, and people of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Social Services, Social Work, Family and Human Services or closely related degree.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Skilled at building rapport with individuals and families while respecting family choice and maintaining appropriate boundaries and cultural competency.
• Must possess knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and ChildPlus data system.
• Demonstrate strong working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents and the public.
• Computer skills using a variety of programs.
• Must be able to work in the field independently, without direct supervision.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings and weekends.
• Ability to model a strengths-based, client-centered approach.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality regarding program families.
• Ability to communicate effectively using both English and Spanish is preferred.

Licenses/Special Requirements

• College transcripts must be provided at the time of application or prior to job offer to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, food handler’s certification, First Aid and CPR certification, TB/Tuberculin assessment, and health verification.
• Requires fingerprinting and background check to determine that there have been no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury or neglect of a minor.
• Must complete Walla Walla Public Schools Risk Management and Bloodborne Pathogens Training upon hire.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Head Start Family Advocate is on the PSE Classified Salary Schedule A

8 hours per day, 5 days per week, 199 days per school year; PSE Salary Schedule, Retirement, SEBB Benefits, 9 Holidays, Paid Sick Leave; district may revise assignment and job location as needed.

CONDITIONS

The preceding list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.

The Walla Walla School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.  The Walla Walla School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services and activities.  For information regarding translation services or transitional bilingual education programs, contact (509) 527-3000.   The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

 

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator                                                   

Title IX Coordinator                                               

Dr. Mindy Meyer, Director of HR                                 

364 S. Park Street                                                     

Walla Walla, WA 99362                                               

(509) 527-3000                                                          

mmeyer@wwps.org  

                                                 

Section 504/ADA Coordinator

Barb Casey, Director of Special Education

364 S. Park Street

Walla Walla, WA 99362

(509) 527-3000

bcasey@wwps.org