Family Services Advocate at Mid-Cumberland Community Agency – Gallatin, Tennessee

Mission Statement:

Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency will act as a stepping stone to create stronger communities where families with low incomes have opportunities to connect, grow, and maintain dignity.

Summary:
The Family Services Advocate assists the families of children in the Head Start/Early Head Start Program to achieve the goal of self-sufficiency.

Specific Duties:

1. Provide assistance, referrals, resources, workshops, trainings, and follow-up for enrolled families.
2. Facilitate and provide assistance and guidance to the Parent Committee.
3. Provide leadership and volunteer opportunities for parents and the community.
4. Complete, monitor, and follow up on Family Partnership Agreements, identifying family needs.
5. Maintain a current directory of community resources; be knowledgeable of local social service agencies and their services.
6. Serve as an advocate for Head Start families when necessary.
7. Assist families in meeting the overall goal of self-sufficiency.
8. Ensure effective communication and cooperation between the center and community agencies.
9. Collect data and prepare reports for various Head Start and Early Head Start staff as requested.
10. Review and monitor data for completeness and accuracy.
11. Update social service data as requested.
12. Schedule appointments and accompany children and parents as required.
13. Keep parents informed through letters, newsletters, home visits, and telephone calls.
14. Eat meals with the children when requested.
15. Assist in all cleaning duties in the center as requested or required.
16. Recruit children for the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.
17. Attend and participate in meetings, work groups, committees, workshops, and training sessions at local, state, regional, and national levels.
18. Work to obtain volunteer and in-kind contributions for the agency.
19. Work in the Head Start or Early Head Start classroom as requested by the Supervisor.
20. Comply with all applicable regulations, including Head Start Performance Standards, Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency policies, DHS Licensing Standards, and NAEYC Accreditation Standards.
21. Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Family Relations, or a related field. Individuals with an SSCBT or equivalent certification and at least four years of experience in social services or early childhood education will also be considered.
• Experience: Previous work with families in social services.