Family Advocate

Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education and family support services in Orange and Sullivan Counties.

The Family Advocate is responsible for implementing the core family partnership, parent involvement, and community partnership functions of the Head Start program. This role recruits and enrolls children, supports families in identifying and achieving their goals, assists with child health requirements, and ensures compliance with program standards.

Core Responsibilities

Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment & Attendance

• Recruit those most in need of Head Start services, including underserved populations within the recruitment area.

• Determine eligibility, ensure compliance with enrollment criteria, and maintain required percentages for children with disabilities and income guidelines.

• Assign children to program options that meet family needs.

• Assist with health screenings, assessments, and referral requirements.

• Collaborate with supervisor to plan and implement family orientation.

Family Partnerships

• Attend local, state, and regional initiatives for professional development.

• Build collaborative partnerships with families, respecting diversity and cultural backgrounds.

• Work with families to identify goals, strengths, and services; monitor progress and follow up on referrals.

• Provide family needs assessments and encourage involvement as visitors, volunteers, employees, and participants in events.

• Ensure family participation in child services, health care, curriculum, nutrition services, and development of the program.

• Create opportunities for family partnership agreements and encourage participation in committees and Policy Council.

• Coordinate and lead parent meetings, workshops, and family activities.

• Provide opportunities for families to build knowledge in child development, literacy, health, advocacy, and transitions.

• Conduct home visits to support family goals and follow up on referrals.

• Connect families with continuing education, employment training, and support services.

• Inform single parents about child support services and provide referrals as needed.

• Arrange educational and counseling opportunities, including crisis intervention, mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence support.

Community Partnerships

• Engage in community planning and advocacy to improve service delivery.

• Develop and maintain interagency partnerships and collaborations to coordinate services.

• Promote access to responsive community services, including child care.

• Encourage community involvement and participation in Policy Council.

• Support family transitions into and out of Head Start.

• Maintain knowledge of community resources and update the Community Resource Guide.

• Participate in annual community and program self-assessments.

Communication & Service Coordination

• Collaborate weekly with teaching staff to integrate family partnership goals with classroom efforts.

• Maintain regular communication with teachers on child attendance.

• Attend case conferences and provide follow-up documentation.

• Contribute to the center-wide monthly newsletter.

Record Keeping & Reporting

• Document family strengths, needs, and goals through assessments and case notes.

• Maintain accurate electronic and hardcopy records.

• Track and report family outcomes, community connections, and in-kind contributions.

• Submit weekly/monthly schedules and reports to supervisor by due dates.

Ongoing Monitoring & Self-Assessment

• Maintain funded enrollment levels and waiting lists; fill vacancies as needed.

• Monitor absenteeism and analyze causes when average daily attendance falls below 85%.

• Submit required tracking and summary reports.

Additional Expectations

• Serve as receptionist, classroom aide, or kitchen aide when needed.

• Participate in developmental screenings.

• Work flexible hours to meet family needs.

• Provide crisis intervention as required.

Head Start Employee Expectations

• Uphold agency values and policies, including confidentiality, attendance, and safety.

• Maintain professionalism, integrity, and responsibility in all duties.

• Actively participate in staff meetings, trainings, committees, and events, including evenings as needed.

• Stay current on Head Start Performance Standards, state regulations, and community needs.

• Demonstrate flexibility, initiative, and collaboration with coworkers and families.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED and completion of a Family Development Credential (FDC) within 18 months of hire, plus experience supporting families in self-sufficiency.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Human Services or related field preferred.

• Must pass physical, background check, and fingerprinting.

• Valid driver’s license required.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database systems.

• Experience with diverse populations, including low-income families, children with disabilities, and English-language learners.

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs., sit for extended periods, and perform repetitive hand/wrist motions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. (RECAP) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.