Family Advocate
Location: US, MN, St. Paul
Department: Head Start
Employment type: Full-time
Company profile: Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties (Community Action) was established in 1964 as a program of the War on Poverty. Community Action Agencies became the service delivery arm of the Federal Office of Economic Opportunity. As the only continuously funded anti-poverty program in the country, our mission is to reduce poverty and its impact on people in Ramsey and Washington counties.Community Action is involved in grassroots public policy and community engagement activities, such as voter registration drives, legislative hearings, advocacy and education activities. 
Description: Under the direction and supervision of the Special Needs/Mental Health Manager, this position provides support and advocacy service to Head Start families.  Family Advocates utilize skills in the areas of family case management and goal setting, behavior support planning, crisis intervention, and positive communication to assure that children receive necessary special services and to build partnerships with families.  Family Advocates work in collaboration with all program areas, families, and community partners to promote positive child and family outcomes. Responsible for recruitment and maintaining full enrollment in assigned centers.Essential Functions (Not All Inclusive)Observe and monitor services provided to children with documented special needs and mental health issues to assure that their needs are being appropriately met.Plan and conduct meetings with parents, staff and/or community agencies and schools. Assist in developing and carrying through with an appropriate plan of action.Document pertinent information on children with suspected or diagnosed disabilities or mental health concerns in an efficient, timely and accurate manner.  Assures that transition/referral procedures are in place with local school districts.Provide home visits and conferences to support families. Provide families with information about community resources, assist them in accessing services, including health insurance and medical/dental  homes, and provide follow-up up to ensure that family needs are met.Assist in developing parent resource fairs, workshops and activities.Develop a written Family Partnership Agreement & provide follow-up.Assist in the collection of required medical information.Implement and monitor goal setting plans with families.Responsible for recruiting eligible children and maintaining full enrollment in assigned centers. Provide orientation to new families in the Head Start program. 
Requirements: QualificationsAA Degree in Human Services, Behavioral Sciences or related degree and 2 years of experience working with children and/or families in diverse communities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation on a daily basis is required. Must be able to lift 50 lbs, climb stairs and perform home visits in the community.Must be proficient with Microsoft Office SuiteMust be able to navigate and enter data in a complex database.Knowledge of Head Start preferred.Experience with child care subsidies preferred.
Benefits: Benefits:              Community Action offers excellent benefits including generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, health, dental & life insurance, retirement, employee discount programs and more.Salary:                $19.02/Hr; $19.50/Hr - Bilingual Languages:        Spanish, Somali, Karen preferredSchedule:            M-F, 40 Hours/Week, Full YearPosting Dates:   Dec. 3, 2014 – Dec. 11, 2014   Applications must be submitted by 4:30 PMTo Apply:            Complete our online application at:  #URL_f307d449c4cd15381a6e18c248d1b1be73a2b70c77607155d2bc945bc26daab2#EEO/AA/ADA Employer
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