Family Service Advocate

Position Summary

The Family Service Advocate supports Creative Child Care, Inc.'s mission by building, strengthening, and maintaining an equitable, comprehensive, and quality childcare and development system for children and families to integrate childcare services that serve the whole child and the whole family. S/He addresses social determinants of health and adverse childhood experiences that significantly impact children's long-term outcomes. They provide vital leadership and support to the childcare and development workforce and programs for children to access equitable and stable childcare and development opportunities. Under the general direction of the Senior Director of Health and Family Services, the Family Service Advocate supports the agency's mission, plan, and response to the needs of children and families in San Joaquin County.

The Family Service Advocate supports developing and implementing comprehensive service areas in federal and state funding source guidelines, including California Department of Education, Head Start and Early Head Start Performance Standards, Community Care Licensing regulations, and other funding sources. 

This position requires prolonged sitting in an office with a telephone and computer. This position requires daily use of a copier, telephone, computer, and general office equipment, as needed. This position may require a handcart to transport documents and equipment over 20 pounds (i.e., laptop, computer, projector, reference manuals, solicitation documents). The Family Service Advocate must be committed to maintaining a working environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment. S/He must maintain regular, consistent, predictable attendance, good working habits, and adhere to all agency policies and procedures.

Compensation: DOE/DOQ: $22 - $26.50 hourly

$22 - $26.50 hourly DOE

Travel:

Must have dependable, insured transportation and valid California Driver’s License (mileage to be reimbursed) and acceptable driving record. A DMV printout and proof of insurance will be required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Recruit and enroll children into the Creative Child Care program.
• Adheres to program policies, guidelines, and expectations related to confidentiality, privacy, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children ethical practices.
• Orients parents to the comprehensive services of the program including but not limited to: Governance, Health, Mental Health, Education, Disabilities, Nutrition, Social Emotional, Education, Community Partnerships, and Relationship-Based Competencies to Support Family Engagement.
• Maintains contact with families and their progress.
• Supports families in meeting their health, developmental milestones, transitions to school and work, and resources to meet social service needs.
• Conducts in-person interactions with families during traditional and non-traditional center operational work hours.
• Works collaboratively with school districts and community agencies to support the needs of families and children.
• Provides resource materials and support to support staff and families when needed.
• Provides outreach, conducts research, and shares current, relevant resources and materials at training and community events with support staff and families.
• Provides support with Parent Meetings, including scheduling guest speakers, preparing the agenda, signing in attendees, and recording information into the Child Plus Database system.
• Communicates with families, teachers, and support staff to: assess family needs, facilitate referrals for potential delays in developmental milestones and other comprehensive services, exchange information, and resolve issues and/or concerns.
• Schedules, transports necessary materials, and conducts visits with assigned families in homes, shelters, or other community locations, in coordination with support staff and community agencies.
• Conducts vision, hearing and/or developmental screenings for children.
• Conducts non-invasive HGB, height and weight screenings on children as needed.
• Assists families with health and developmental screening tools.
• Prepares and maintains records and reports related to families.
• Participates in and encourages parent involvement in school programs, activities supporting community awareness, parent training, and events.
• Makes presentations at workshops and parent training.
• Attends and participates in meetings, trainings, and conferences as assigned.
• Links families with appropriate referral systems and community services.
• Serves as a liaison to initiate referrals and ensures follow-through to confirm that services are beneficial and effective within the program and with community agencies.
• Assists families in locating sources of health and dental care and encourages their involvement in the health care system. Participates, as needed with special health screenings, and maintains accurate health records.
• Knows about local social services and community resources available to families including how to access information that addresses unique goals and needs. Examples include health, mental health, nutrition, parenting, financial literacy, education, enrichment, recreation, job training, and employment.
• Works with support staff to plan monthly local parent committee meetings. Provides committee members with support and encouragement, and assists, as needed, with projects.
• Maintains knowledge of database programs (ex. Child Plus)
• Completes reports and follow-up requested by the Content experts, Center Directors, and Supervisor.
• Outreach and information shared with families and staff will be current and up-to-date.
• Support the service delivery system of Child Development Services in compliance with the Department of Health and Human Services regulations as mandated by the Head Start Performance Standards, California Department of Education Title 5 Funding Terms and Conditions, and California Department of Social Services, Title 22.

Cultural Awareness

• Ensures awareness of multicultural workplace issues, enabling employees to work effectively. Multicultural awareness is incorporated into all interactions with children, families, staff, and communities.
• Leads reciprocal, respectful relationships that emphasize the valuing of the opinions, viewpoints and interpretations of others and the importance of shared responsibility.

Talent Management

• Use deep program expertise and data.
• Develop and make presentations at meetings, conferences, and workshops for agency staff and various professional organizations; use multiple delivery modes, including on-site visits, teleconferences, and videos; and be the technical expert for family services issues.

Performance Management

• Upon families' registration, the FSA takes the steps necessary to identify potential support in the community. Through registration and transition services, the FSA maintains contact with social support, community agencies, and other potential agencies. The FSA takes primary responsibility as a liaison with families and contacts and provides critical contact information to support staff.
• Ensures families have a safe transition to a community setting.
• Completes all FSA-specific documentation (assessments, notes, etc.) in a timely manner.
• Ensure the program's computerized database and record-keeping systems are updated and maintained.

Resource Management

• Research current issues relating to various Relationship-Based Competencies to Support Families and Promote Family Well Being Practices.
• Stay current on Family Services and Family Advocacy practices.
• Other Duties as Assigned.
• Perform other related duties to fulfill Creative Child Care, Inc.'s mission, goals, and objectives. Additional responsibilities may include assisting where needed within the team/unit, which may consist of special assignments.

Required Education and Experience

• Level I: Within 18 months of hire in this position, at a minimum, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, a related field, or the Family Development Credential. Bilingual Preferred.
• Level II: AA/AS Degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field, plus one year of work experience in client casework and/or client eligibility setting, and within 18 months of hire in this position, at a minimum, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, a related field, or the Family Development Credential. Bilingual Preferred.
• Level III: BA/BS Degree in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field, plus one year of work experience in client casework and/or client eligibility setting, and within 18 months of hire in this position, at a minimum, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, a related field, or the Family Development Credential. Bilingual Preferred.

Since 1992, Creative Child Care, Inc. (CCCI) has been committed to providing exemplary child development programs through a comprehensive network of community support and collaboration.

Beginning with only 2 locations and 200 children, CCCI has expanded to meet the growing needs of San Joaquin County. We currently operate eleven centers in the Stockton area.