Family Support Advocate (Bilingual Spanish Required)

Are you a socially conscious, dedicated individual who is committed to building a better future for children, families, and their communities? If so, join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create positive outcomes for the children and families served.

Job Summary:

• The Family Support Advocate is responsible for engaging families and promoting children's healthy development and school readiness.

• The Family Support Advocate will provide individualized, intensive support to the most vulnerable families in our Head Start program, which includes families experiencing a significant crisis, families who are recently homeless or whose children are in foster care, as well as families impacted by substance abuse, family violence or mental health concerns.

• Due to its specialized nature and based on center size and family distribution, the position may involve a caseload assignment at more than one center-based location as deemed necessary for program operations.

• In order to effectively support these families, the Family Support Advocate will be expected to establish and maintain relationships with community providers to provide the resources, counseling, treatment, or other interventions needed to assist them in stabilizing their circumstances and enhancing their overall well-being.

• The Family Support Advocate's position has been established to allow our Head Start program to triage and provide more targeted support to families who may require additional resources to achieve these outcomes.

Job Responsibilities:

• Collaborates with team to utilize family self-assessment data to identify vulnerable families

• Provides individualized, intensive home and center-based support to vulnerable families

• Arranges counseling, treatment, or interventions for mental health, substance abuse, child abuse, and domestic violence

• Conducts additional screening/assessment for high-risk behaviors as needed

• Coordinates support groups for families facing similar concerns or challenges

• Engages families as partners in children's healthy development and school readiness

• Facilitates Family Engagement Contract process to build relationships and accountability

• Develops culturally appropriate family engagement strategies

• Provides in-home and group experiences to enhance parent/child interactions

• Utilizes classroom time and home visits to model positive interactions and deepen understanding

• Conducts conversations/workshops to address potential impacts of substance abuse, mental health, and family violence

• Coordinates communication and care among Head Start team members and community providers

• Shares information with team members to provide coordinated support for families

• Establishes relationships with community partners such as domestic violence and substance abuse organizations

• Implements regular communication and case conferencing with community-based service providers

• Provides immediate crisis intervention for center-based families in need of critical support

• Manages workload and ensures accurate record-keeping and documentation effectively.

• Maintain accurate records for each child in electronic and hard copy files

• Document efforts to assist families in identifying strengths, needs, and goals

• Complete Family Self-Assessment, Family Partnership Agreement, and case notes

• Record, monitor, and follow-up on referrals for support services

• Submit reports as needed, including monthly summary tracking reports

• Monitor and update PIR data in collaboration with the Director of Analysis

• Participate in assigned meetings, events, and training sessions

Job Requirements:

• Bilingual in Spanish and English is a must.

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, and Counseling.

• At least two years of experience working with vulnerable families and communities is preferred.

• Experience working with diverse communities, low-income families, and children 0-5 preferred.

• Passion for promoting positive child and family outcomes through high-quality family engagement.

• Proficient in supporting parents of young children in advocating for their families and cultivating positive relationships with both families and children, utilizing experience, training, and skill.

• Proficient ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, both verbally and in writing.

• Proficient in Google Suite, spreadsheets, data management, email, word processing, and internet navigation.

• Travel is required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.

• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

This full-time position with benefits earns up to $22.51/hr. and requires to work on-site at 310 Augusta Street, South Amboy, NJ 08879.

Pre Hire Requirements:

• This position requires Two Valid IDs, Two Reference Letters, Physical Exams and TB Tests, Fingerprint Screening (CHRI), and Background Checks (CARI).

• Must have a Valid Driver's License and reliable transportation

• Please note: All new hires must attend the four days (Tuesday - Friday) of mandatory New Employee Orientation Training at South Amboy Center - 310 Augusta Street, South Amboy, NJ 08879

Why Acelero Learning or Shine Early Learning?
- Ability to make an impact in the lives of the children, families, and partners we serve
- Career growth and professional development opportunities
- Supportive working environment
- Average of 5 weeks of paid time off during 1st year of employment
- Comprehensive benefits, including 401K matching and 100% vesting program

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy work place.