ECFS Family Advocate

 
Position:  ECFS Family Advocate
Program:  Early Childhood Family Support Division
Professional Development:  Training opportunities and AA Degree reimbursement program
Hours/Week:  40 week; 8 hour day including ½ hour lunch
Paid Holidays:  11+ per year
Vacation Accrual Rates:  9.23% (Approximately 24 days per year for full time position)
Classification:  Non-Exempt; Hourly
Optional Savings Plans:  Section 125 and 401k
Starting Rate:  $18.22-$22.05 (depending on degree and years of experience)
 
Alameda Family Services 
Alameda Family Services is a non-profit agency providing comprehensive services to youth, families and children in the City of Alameda.  

Early Childhood & Family Support Division The AFS-Early Childhood and Family Support services division provides high-quality child development, comprehensive health and family support services through a variety of program options designed to meet the individual needs of low-income and at-risk children and families.  On-site childcare and in-home support services funded by Head Start, Early Head Start, California State Preschool and General Child Care are provided at no-cost to qualifying expectant parents and families with children from Birth to five years of age.  AFS-ECFS also provides family support, senior services, resources, referrals and workforce development programming at a variety of locations within the city of Alameda. 

Job Summary
Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Health & Family Support Services and with support from Program Management, the Family Advocate will provide comprehensive health and family support services for up to 60 families and will take an active role as part of a team working in a childcare setting and/or at our Family Resource Center.

 General Responsibilities

  1. Conduct Family Assessments and assist families in developing Individualized Family Partnership Agreements which include identifying family strengths, setting goals, developing strategies, establishing timelines, monitoring ongoing follow-up services, and assessing outcomes.
  2. Provide comprehensive case management services, and assist families with resources, referrals and in accessing services that support health, wellness, and resiliency. 
  3. Provide site support and coverage during teacher breaks, lunches and during naptime.
  4. Participate in regular ongoing training and retain a working knowledge of community health and social service resources, including services for children with behavioral concerns and/or developmental delays and disabilities 
  5. Encourage parent engagement by conducting informal check-in during drop-off and pick-up time, and schedule on-site and home visits as needed.
  6. Work with Center Director/Site Supervisor in assisting direct service staff and families in implementing strategies that support progress in meeting family partnership and school readiness goals.
  7. Review daily attendance rosters and contact families when an absence is unexpected.  
  8. Conduct regular file maintenance and review of client records, including the transportation of files and documents to and from sites when required.
  9. Provide support and coordination of the Parent/Student Teacher Aide Internship Programs.
  10. Assist in organizing and facilitating community, program and division-wide events and special activities.
  11. Comply with program and agency policies and procedures related to maintaining client confidentiality in accordance with HIPPA regulations. Work with, contribute to, and serve as a member of a multi-disciplinary team which includes direct service staff, program management, coaches and consultants to ensure high-quality services and implementation of best practices. 
  12. Assist in monitoring, take appropriate action, and report concerns that may negatively impact the health and safety of children enrolled in the Head Start/Early Head Start Program.
  13. Review reports and child files to ensure accurate record keeping, documentation, quality of services, and compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and EPSDT recommendations.

Knowledge, Skill, and Experience

  • AA/BA Degree in social work related field required and/or Family Development Credential required within 12 months of employment.
  • Experience in early childcare setting or social service setting required.
  • Experience in early childcare setting or social service setting required.
  • Experience in early childcare setting or social service setting required.
  • Head Start experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of and/or ability to access relevant community resources required.
  • Able to organize and complete work assignments to meet established deadlines.
  • Computer literacy required - ChildPlus.Net and Learning Genie experience preferred.
  • Positive, professional and courteous work demeanor.
  • Ability and desire to work as part of a team in a culturally diverse environment.
  • Second language skills are desirable.

Equal Opportunity Employment Alameda Family Services does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

If interested, please submit cover letter and resume to: HR@alamedafs.org