Community Advocate Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Description

Why Volunteers of America?

VOAC recognizes the unique needs of the older adult who needs a wheelchair ramp to stay at home safely, and the preschooler whose family needs additional resources. VOAC supports veteran's efforts to exit homelessness as well as provides a safe place for survivors of domestic violence. Wherever VOAC goes, it combines relationship-building, volunteers and quality services to lift and support our neighbor's efforts to become self-sufficient and reach their full potential.

**The Lead Family Community Advocate is responsible for working closely with the Director of Children's Programs, the Center Manager, and the Education and Disabilities Manager to ensure program compliance with Head Start Performance Standards. The Lead Family Community Advocate provides direct supervision to the Family Community Advocate team. The Lead Family Community Advocate and their team conducts community outreach efforts to recruit and enroll eligible children and families in compliance with ERSEA. This position is also responsible for record keeping and data submission regarding enrollment and attendance. Using a trauma informed, culturally responsive case management approach, the Lead Family Community Advocate assesses families' strengths and links families to services within VOA and in the community. This position also works to encourage parents to participate in parent training events and to volunteer in center activities. The Lead Family Community Advocate is responsible for working closely with a team to reach outcomes and full compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Works closely with the Family Services team, the teaching teams, and the Education and Disabilities Manager to design and implement activities to increase parent involvement in program activities, community activities and family literacy activities.

Responsible for outreach and recruitment, with the Family Service Team, to ensure site enrollments of eligible children, assist parents in meeting the enrollment criteria and maintain a prioritized wait list for interested families.

Utilizes a database to track enrollment and attendance for the program, collecting information from teaching staff and the Family Services team.

Documents monthly attendance and enrollment changes and reports to the Head Start Director, agency, teaching staff, and Family Service team.

Prepares and submits required reports and administrative forms to Director of Children's Programs.

Provides case management services and supports families in moving toward self-sufficiency.

Develops rapport with families and maintains ongoing communication with families through classroom contacts, home visits, phone calls, and distribution of monthly calendars and other written materials.

Using pre-established procedures, develops individualized, flexible, accessible, and responsive choices for each family's unique strengths and needs, and assists families to define and set attainable goals.

Guides families in the acquisition and use of medical and dental services.

Responsible for initiating and tracking in-kind services to include the recruitment and supervision of parent volunteers.

Works closely with assigned classroom team, occasionally filling in for the teacher or teacher assistant when necessary.

Attends orientations, trainings, education programs, staff meetings, community meetings, conferences, and workshops to meet the needs of position.

Performs duties in a professional manner, adhering to the Social Work Code of Ethics, NAEYC Code of ethics and maintaining the confidentiality of all information.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises the Family Community Advocate Team

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Working conditions are generally inside the building. Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and bending. Occasional lifting or pushing, up to 50 lbs. Occasional work outside, on a playground or community events. Office noise level is low, classroom and gym noise levels can be loud.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

Full Time: Monday-Friday: 7am to 4pm or 8:30am to 5:30pm; occasional evenings and weekends

Location

321 S. Yates St. Denver, CO 80219

Salary: $57,784.00

Benefit eligibility is based on job type/status

Vacation Time

Separate Sick Time

Paid Holidays

Floating Holidays

Personal Days

Volunteer/Wellness Day

Tuition Assistance

Pension Plan

403b Retirement Plan with Agency Match

Health, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance

Life Insurance

Accident Insurance

Employee Assistance/Work-Life Balance Program

Employee Discount Program

LifeLock with Norton

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Volunteers of America is an EEO Employer

POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED

VISA SPONSORSHIP IS NOT OFFERED FOR THIS ROLE

Veterans Strongly Encouraged to Apply

Employee must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of self or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Employee will perform job according to applied laws. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform this role, please contact HR@VOAColorado.org to begin the Interactive Process.

Requirements

Competencies

Models core culture attributes of VOAC that include "AIRS" (Accountability, Integrity, Respect and Service).

Models and VOACs three critical virtues of HHS (Hungry, Humble, People Smart).

Ensures equitable and inclusive services.

Colorado Department of Early Childhood licensing requirements

Head Start Performance Standards

Motivational Interviewing

Trauma Informed Care

Minimum Qualifications of Position

Bachelor's degree in human services, or closely related field with equivalent relevant experience and or Family Development Credential within the first 6 months of employment.

Two years providing case management and family support required.

Demonstrated ability in building rapport with families from diverse backgrounds and facilitating parent involvement in program activities.

Bilingual in Spanish and English; able to translate both verbally and in writing.

Must possess a valid Colorado driver's license and state-mandated automobile insurance.

Preferred Qualifications of Position

Infant Mental Health Endorsement

Experience in evaluating situations and decision-making.

Good organizations skills and ability to communicate effectively.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of how children, adults, and elderly learn.

Ability to facilitate large group trainings to adults

Knowledge of state and federal standards, regulations, and requirements for early childhood centers.

Knowledge of CACFP, DPP, Denver Great Kids Head Start, UPK, and CCAP

Ability to read detailed child educational plans

Ability to maintain a positive organizational culture

Understanding of human diversity

Understanding of HIPAA, FERPA, NAEYC Code of Ethics, and the Social Workers Code of Ethics