CACS is now hiring a full-time Family Advocate to join our team for the 2025 - 2026 school year! The Family Advocate works 40 hours a week with the summers off, and makes $21.00 per hour with an Associate's degree, $24.81 with a Bachelor's degree, and $26.83 with a Master's degree.
CACS works toward eliminating the causes and conditions of poverty in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, and Shiawassee Counties by providing programs in childhood education, nutrition, weatherization, housing, and financial counseling. Our ultimate goal is to provide the services and support for individuals to achieve their own definition of success and quality of life.
Job Summary
Performs a variety of duties designed to assist and support families in improving their skills and encouraging them to participate in the Head Start program. Works with the families to identify strengths and needs and create goals per the Head Start Parent Family and Community Engagement framework. Provides support and assistance to team members to meet program goals.
Qualification
Education:
Associate's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling or related field (Family Advocate I)
Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling or related field (Family Advocate Il)
Master's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling or closely related field (Family Advocate III)
Experience:
A minimum of one year of related experience in a human service or social services organization working with low income families.
Position Duties/Responsibilities
Communicate with the classroom staff, ERSEA Department, and child care partners on a regular basis to ensure classroom is at full enrollment and child attendance is consistent at all times.
Establish relationships with families on caseload.
Work with the families to identify strengths and needs, and create goals following the Parent Family Community Engagement framework.
Connect or refer families to appropriate community services and resources.
Follow-up with families on their progress as necessary.
Assures that families receive welcoming environments thar are equitable and culturally & linguistically responsive.
Participate in team meetings including those with child care partners to provide input regarding special concerns about specific children or families and to assist in developing plans to meet those needs.
Assist in planning, supporting and executing parent and family events or trainings (Family Activity Nights, FSC trainings, Parent/Family Meetings, etc.)
Prepare and distribute a monthly classroom newsletter for families.
Document case notes accurately and timely in ChildPlus, for events including but not limited to monthly contacts, referrals, physical and dental reminders, attendance, etc.
Train on ERSEA roles and responsibilities.
Regularly participate and support agency's recruitment efforts as needed.
Visit child care partner sites at a minimum of bi-monthly to establish and maintain relationships with the staff and families, if applicable.
Establish relationships with other community agencies, child care providers, and service providers.
Completes regular Home Visits as required.
Work with families to ensure every child has access to medical and dental home.
Provides support to health staff to assure physicals, immunizations, and dental exams are up to date, and follow-up on the treatments.
Work with the family to remove barriers so families can thrive including but not limited to transporting families to appointments if needed.
