Head Start Family Advocate Highlands

The Family Advocate in the Highlands area plays a vital role in fostering positive partnerships with Head Start families by supporting their engagement, well-being, and self-sufficiency. This position provides direct support and case management to families, coordinates social services, and ensures compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards. The Family Advocate promotes parent involvement, facilitates family goal setting, and connects families with community resources to support their children's success in school and in life.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Family Engagement & Case Management

• Develop respectful, supportive relationships with families.
• Conduct family needs assessments and develop individualized Family Partnership Agreements.
• Assist families in setting and achieving goals related to education, employment, housing, health, and parenting.
• Provide ongoing case management, home visits, and follow-ups to monitor progress.
• Maintain confidential records and enter data in compliance with agency procedures.

Community Resources & Referrals

• Identify and connect families with appropriate community services (e.g., housing, healthcare, employment).
• Collaborate with local agencies and service providers to coordinate support.
• Track referrals and follow-up to ensure service delivery and family satisfaction.

Parent Involvement & Advocacy

• Promote and support parent involvement in all aspects of the Head Start program.
• Encourage and facilitate participation in Parent Committees, Policy Council, and classroom activities.
• Empower families to advocate for themselves and their children within the educational system and community.

Child Attendance & Enrollment Support

• Assist in recruiting and enrolling eligible children and families into the Head Start program.
• Monitor and support consistent child attendance, following up with families as needed.
• Educate families on the importance of school readiness and consistent participation.

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, health staff, and administrators to support integrated services.
• Attend and contribute to team meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions.
• Participate in community outreach efforts to build awareness and partnerships.
• Substitute in a Head Start classroom on an as needed basis and as available.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Minimum High School diploma and enrolled in Strength-based Family Worker Credential program to be completed within 2 years of hire.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, early childhood education, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in family services, case management, or early childhood programs.
• Knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and demonstrate cultural competency.
• Familiarity with community resources and support systems.
• Proficient in documentation, data entry, and time management.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards.

Additional Requirements:

• Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151 and NSOR Clearances required prior to an offer (Must be dated within 1 year of hire date).
• School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.
• Willingness to conduct home visits and work flexible hours, including some evenings or weekends.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Working Conditions: This position may involve standing, walking, and active engagement throughout the day. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting for extended period of time
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling 50 pounds
• Ability to kneel, crouch, bend and reach to retrieve and handle teaching materials and supplies
• Moving fingers and hands in a repetitive manner
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly when communicating with limited English speaking customers
• Hearing clearly
• Adequate vision to perform duties

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Disclaimer: The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position.

Reports To: Supervisor

Department: Early Childhood Education

Position Schedule: 260-day

Salary: HSEA Contract ($19.93/hourly/Annual $38,863.50 (Non-Negotiable)

Benefits: HSEA Contract

To Apply: Create an on-line application and upload a cover letter, resume, clearances, PDE Teaching Certificate (if applicable) and transcripts at the AIU Career Site.

Please send any questions to: [email protected]

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, handicap, or limited English proficiency in its educational programs, services, facilities, activities or employment practices as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, Section 204 Regulations of the 1984 Carl D. Perkins Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other applicable federal or state statute.