Family Advocate

About Early Learning Essentials

Join Early Learning Essentials (ELE), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families facing challenges by providing preschool services. ELE is committed to community impact and offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan. Employees enjoy family-friendly perks such as gym access, weekends off, and extra holidays.

Position Overview

The Family Advocate position involves working 204 days with 11 paid holidays, generally Monday through Friday for up to 40 hours weekly. Part-time options exist with reduced hours and possible summer work depending on agency needs. This is a frontline, in-person role requiring use of your own vehicle for business-related activities. Evening or Saturday hours may occasionally be necessary. Telecommuting is not permitted due to the role's hands-on nature supporting families and center operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop trusting relationships with families to provide case management, prevention, and early intervention services.
• Conduct home visits throughout the year to support families and assist in setting and achieving family goals.
• Utilize community resource knowledge to refer families to needed services and ensure follow-up on referrals.
• Monitor child attendance, work with parents to overcome barriers, and promote regular attendance.
• Encourage parent and male involvement at schools to strengthen family relationships and advocacy.
• Train parent committee officers and participate in parent engagement activities.
• Support recruitment efforts and promote Head Start programs in the community.
• Assist families with transitions into and out of ELE services.
• Understand and report suspected child abuse according to legal requirements.
• Participate actively in team meetings with teaching staff and other center personnel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in social services, psychology, family studies, human services, or related field; candidates graduating within six months are also considered.
• Alternately, a high school diploma with Family Support Professional certification (or willingness to obtain National Family Support Certification within 18 months) is acceptable; certification costs are covered by ELE.
• Preferred two years’ experience in social or human services working with low-income populations or equivalent education and experience combination.
• Bilingual Spanish skills preferred and may be required at some locations.
• Food Handler Certificate required upon hire if not already obtained.

Skills and Knowledge

• Professional proficiency in English communication, both written and oral.
• Competency in computer use, including email, internet, and reporting tools.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping abilities aligned with job duties.
• Skillful in workload prioritization and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse and low-income families.
• Capable of managing multiple tasks, attention to detail, and problem-solving independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate within a team and with families, community groups, and agencies.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay scale ranges based on qualifications:
  • $18.50/hour for high school diploma holders without certification or certification in progress.
  • $19.50/hour for those with completed certification credential.
  • $20.50/hour for bachelor’s degree holders in relevant fields.
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, life insurance, HSA contributions, 401(k), and employee assistance programs.

Additional Information

ELE is an equal opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination on any protected basis. Work occasionally requires evening or weekend shifts. Personal transportation is necessary for professional duties. The Family Advocate plays a vital role in promoting Head Start and supporting community family engagement to meet grant goals and program standards under federal guidelines.