Family Engagement Advocate - Upbring

Overview

Starts at $22.26/hour

About Us

At Upbring, we are servants on a mission to break the cycle of child abuse. We are warriors, brave as the thousands of Texas Children and families we serve. We stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves. We are a family who values innovation, empathy, patience, understanding and trustworthiness.

About Our Headstart Centers

Upbring Head Start Preschool provides a safe, inclusive place to learn, grow and thrive. The families receive support and services to complement the child’s education as the kindergarten transition nears.

What You'll Do

The Family Engagement Advocate creates, provides, and coordinates services and activities with families and communities that foster strength, healthy living, and overall well-being. They also provide support in a case management style and act as a liaison between families, staff, the community, and other family-related services. The Family Engagement Advocate encourages all family members to become advocates for their children and family. 

Our Upbring staff members are servant-leaders on the pursuit of breaking the cycle of child abuse and empowering others to do the same through example while embodying our core values: We are Warriors. We are Servants. We are Family.

This is a year round postion.

Responsibilities

We Are Warriors | We Set the Standards for Child Education

Work Standards 

• Maintain the funded enrollment level based on the awarded grant application in accordance with the Head Start Performance standards and Upbrings Policies and Procedure.
• Perform duties to ensure families are aware of the application process for enrollment into the Early Head Start or Head Start program
• Performs duties related to Eligibility, recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA)
• Monitor progress of service delivery assigned caseload, including plans for improved child behavior that reflects enhanced opportunities for learning
• Comply with company policies, procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, and HSPPS regulations and standards Always ensure the health and safety of each child in care, and support the overall well-being of children

Communication

• Immediately communicate with supervisor concerns related to child health (IHNP) and safety 
• Conduct a minimum of two home visits (fall and spring) per program year and contact the family as needed o
• Orient families to the program according to the established orientation plan and develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the family and community program
• Assist parents to develop their skills and knowledge in the areas of parenting, medical/dental topics, mental health, nutrition, early childhood development and personal growth
• Make parent contact/follow-up for children whose attendance in Head Start and/or Early Head Start is irregular; tracks children who withdraw; track attendance in database on daily basis
• Document all activities that relate to contact with families and specific program objectives
• Maintain accurate documentation and recordkeeping in a timely and accurate manner, as required by all applicable regulations

We Are Servants| We Help Others

Adaptability

• Exhibit flexibility in day-to-day operations and in providing needed services to families

Teamwork

• In collaboration with the ERSEA Specialist, select participants for the Head Start and/or Early Head Start program based on the established policies and procedures including children with disabilities and underserved populations
• Promote positive growth and development of families by fostering teamwork among staff
• Actively participates in and contributes to child staffing on a regular basi
• Work closely with the Head Start leadership and staff to maintain focus on family engagement, health, and nutrition with program goals and objectives that meet the needs of the students and families
• Work closely with parents, staff, and administration to ensure program operations are supporting and meeting program goals and objectives and learning outcomes

We Are Family| We Are Passionate & Compassionate

Building Relationships

• Make parent contact/follow-up for children whose attendance in Head Start and/or Early Head Start is irregular; tracks children who withdraw; track attendance in database on daily basis
• Create a trusting, collaborative and partnership building process, and implement with each family
• In collaboration with the Center Director and Director of Family Services, facilitate and implement parent and family engagement activities year-round
• Recognize and promote family’s readiness and willingness to participate in the program
• Make parent contact/follow-up for children whose attendance in Head Start and/or Early Head Start is irregular

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Social Work, Family and Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field
• 1-year experience, training, and skill assisting the parents of young children to advocate for their families
• A passion for achieving positive child and family outcomes through high quality family engagement 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with children
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Strong people and interpersonal skills with the ability to work and interact with diverse groups of people
• Exceptions to these requirements will be considered based on exemplary skills, training, and record of success
• Proficient in Microsoft programs, social media, writing, editing and applicable software systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferredin Social Work, Family and Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field
• 2 years’ direct related experience, training, and skill assisting the parents of young children to advocate for their families
• Family Development Credential (FDC) (preferred and required within the first year of employment)
• Prior experience working in low-income diverse communities preferred
• Bilingual Spanish English based on service population

Perks at Upbring

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays 
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more! 
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 24/7 access to telemedicine and counseling services 
• Discounted Gym Memberships 

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods
• Position may work in a child facility and have limited exposure to children
• Ability to travel up to 50%
• Lift, push, pull or move up to 50 lbs.

The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Belonging  

We are a diverse and inclusive organization that recognizes our strength is in the efforts of our selfless warriors. Honoring and recognizing the value and dignity of all individuals is the cornerstone of our agency. The more diverse the individuals, thought processes and lived experiences, the greater the opportunity is to combine unique perspectives to make a greater impact. Our trust, respect, and appreciation for one another is demonstrated through our communication, celebration of progress and relentless effort to be at our best to fulfill our mission to break the cycle of child abuse. 

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status.