Summer Associate Jobs in Diamondhead, MS (NOW HIRING)

Are you passionate about empowering families and supporting children's early development? Acelero, Inc. is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Family Advocate to join our team. In this role, you will work directly with families to strengthen parent-child relationships, promote school readiness, and ensure children and families receive the resources and support they need to thrive.
Why Acelero?
Our mission is bold: To design and deliver research and evidence-based approaches to eliminate the gaps between young children's inherent potential and their achievement in school and life. With our partners, we accelerate child and family outcomes that honor all of the aspirations and cultures of the communities we serve.
Our values: Data-Informed Learning; Transparent & Open Communication; Growth Mindset; Championing Equality; Caring Teams & Communities.
Your Role:
As a Family Advocate, you will play a critical role in building strong relationships with families and connecting them to the tools and services that foster success in our Head Start program. You'll guide families through enrollment, support health and attendance goals, and collaborate with community partners to ensure comprehensive, culturally responsive care.
What You'll Do:

• Engage families in individualized, in-home and group experiences to enhance parent/child interactions that research shows foster school readiness through consistent family routines, positive guidance and discipline, experience rich home environments and literacy activities.
• Manage responsibilities that fall within the following core functions: ERSEA, record keeping and reporting, on-going monitoring, planning, and implementing, establishing, and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment, supporting the well-being of children, and encouraging the involvement of the families of the children in our Head Start program.
• Participate in outreach, recruitment and attendance follow up activities to engage families in our program and to motivate their active participation.
• Work directly with families to assist in the completion of applications, collecting any missing documents that support the application process.
• Support families in the completion and collection of health-related information.
• Maintain the funded enrollment level, works with FSC/ERSEA Lead to fill vacancies as they occur, and analyzes enrollment data to inform the planning process.
• Create attendance goals for families whose attendance is below 80%.
• Complete data entry related to the aforementioned areas of responsibility.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with community partners to strengthen access to resources and training identified as priority goal areas by families.
• Participate in assigned meetings, events, and training as required.

What You Bring:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field preferred, OR AA or BA in another field with a commitment to complete Family Services Certificate/Credential within 18 months of hire. We will also consider candidates with a high school diploma and 3 years of experience working in the community with families and a completed Family Development Certificate or Credential.
• Experience, training, and skill assisting the parents of young children to advocate for their families required; experience working in low-income diverse communities preferred.
• Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
• Travel is required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions; must have reliable personal transportation as travel from site to site is required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

When/Where/How Much:
When: Summer/Fall 2026
Where: Bay St. Louis, MS
How Much: $20.91/hour
Why You'll Love Working with Us:

• A meaningful mission that drives real change in the lives of children and families
• A collaborative, inclusive team that values your growth and well-being
• Robust benefits that support your total wellbeing, including:
  
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with multiple plan options to fit your needs
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions up to $400/individuals & $800/family annually
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for health and dependent care expenses
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with up to 3% company match
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
  • Up to $500 per year in Professional Development Reimbursements
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling and mental wellness support
  • Wellness Programs, including virtual fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes
  • Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, ID Theft Protection, and Employee Discount Perks

If you're ready to take on a challenge that matters and lead growth in a company where purpose and values drive every decision, apply now to join us as our next Family Advocate. Together, we'll help every child reach their fullest potential!
Email Talent Acquisition Partner: sfredtorres@acelero.net
We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy workplace.