Family Advocate Head Start at Maryland Rural Development Corporation

DescriptionThe Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) is a private non-profit organization that provides services in response to the needs of rural low-income households and communities. MRDC serves as Caroline Cecil Harford and Kent Counties official Community Action Agency.The Family Advocate serves as a vital link between Head Start preschool families and the program ensuring that families receive the necessary support resources and education to foster a strong home-to-school connection. This role involves assisting families in identifying needs setting goals accessing community services and promoting family engagement in their childs early education. Job Responsibilities: Build trusting relationships with families to encourage active participation in their childs education.Conduct home visits and family meetings to assess strengths needs and goals. Support families in achieving self-sufficiency by connecting them with community resources (e.g. housing assistance employment services healthcare).Develop and implement family partnership agreements to set individualized goals.Encourage parental involvement in classroom activities school events and volunteer opportunities. Provide guidance to families on child development school readiness and positive parenting strategies.Work closely with teachers and staff to ensure family engagement is integrated into educational activities.Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local services including healthcare mental health food assistance and social services. Refer families to appropriate agencies and follow up to ensure services are received. Advocate for families in accessing benefits and overcoming barriers to support.Maintain accurate and confidential records of family interactions assessments and referrals.Assist in enrollment and recruitment efforts to ensure program capacity. Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and other regulatory requirements.Participate in staff training meetings and professional development activities.Thinks concentrates and positively interacts with othersComes to work promptly every dayWorks under stress and meets all deadlinesOTHER DUTIES: (Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.) Performs related work as required or assigned.RequirementsExperience:Associates (Bachelors degree Preferred) in Social Work Family Studies Early Childhood Education Human Services or a related field from an accredited college or universityPrior experience in social services family support early childhood education or community outreach preferredRequired Skills/QualificationsStrong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work with diverse families in a non-judgmental supportive manner.Knowledge of community resources and referral processes.Ability to manage documentation and maintain confidentiality.Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not requiredValid drivers license and ability to drive to various MRDC locations throughout the sateDemonstrated success in accomplishing tasks as outlined aboveMust pass criminal background check and fingerprintingMust pass all Maryland licensing requirements to include medical evaluation and tuberculosis screeningPhysical Demands:Work is performed in a combination of office classroom and home visit settings.Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for family events or meetings.Position requires significant periods of standing walking kneeling sitting on the floor or crouching May at times require lifting 25lbs 50lbsTerms of Employment:Twelve (12) month; full-time positionCompensation:Hourly Range $23.58 - $24.90 Salary commensurate with qualifications and experienceBenefits Benefits: Health Care Plan (Medical Dental & Vision)Health Saving AccountRetirement Plan (401k IRA)Life Insurance (Basic Voluntary & AD&D)Paid Time Off (Vacation Sick & Public Holidays)Short Term DisabilityTraining & Development Maryland Rural Development Corporation is an Equal Opportunity EmployerIf you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process please contact Human Resources at Key Skills Athletics,Admin Support,External Audit,ASP,Blogging Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 23 - 24