Family Empowerment Advocate

Position Summary

The Family Empowerment Advocate (FEA) develops strong partnerships to provide support and empowerment to families in the community. This role involves identifying family needs, connecting them with essential services, and ensuring successful recruitment, enrollment, and retention of children in the Early Head Start program, birth to 3. The FEA works closely with teachers, caregivers, and community agencies to ensure families receive comprehensive support, maintain accurate records, and promote family engagement for positive child development outcomes.

The primary duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job. This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. There are other duties and responsibilities considered incidental or secondary to this job's overall purpose. Employees holding this position may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by management. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Recruitment and Enrollment:

• Recruit and complete enrollment of eligible children and families into the Early Head Start program.
• Assist families in completing and accurately submitting enrollment applications and documentation into ChildPlus.
• Maintain an active waiting list for potential participants in ChildPlus.
• Update applications for re-enrollment each program year to maintain compliance.
• All applications are reviewed for eligibility and prioritized using the program’s selection criteria, which reflect Head Start requirements and the unique needs of Philadelphia’s children and families.
• Attendance is monitored and addressed through a family partnership approach, supporting families in identifying and reducing barriers to consistent participation (transportation, health care needs, housing instability, etc.).

Family and Community Engagement:

• Build and maintain ongoing, relationship-based partnerships with families that are strengths-based and culturally responsive
• Support family well-being using a two-generation approach, addressing both child development and family stability
• Establish and maintain open communication between Early Head Start, families, and the community.
• Inform families about Early Head Start services and promote parent engagement in all facets of the program.
• Conduct home visits to assess family needs and provide appropriate support services.
• Plan and facilitate parent involvement activities, including workshops, Parent Committee meetings, Policy Council, and support groups.
• Support families with transitions within and beyond the program, including transitions to Head Start, preschool, and other early learning settings
• Provide guidance and training to families on community resources, self-sufficiency, and advocacy.
• Advocate for families to access needed services, working closely with community agencies to bridge gaps in support.
• Support families in understanding and contributing to their child’s school readiness goals and development outcomes.

Data Management and Reporting:

• Maintain timely and accurate family data entry in ChildPlus and other program databases.
• Ensure up-to-date child master files and compliance records for all assigned families.
• Generate reports on attendance, PIR (Program Information Report), In-Kind contributions, and family engagement activities.
• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to assess program impact.

Support Services:

• Assist staff in obtaining health records and other documentation to ensure children receive recommended follow-ups and treatments.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, caregivers, and Early Head Start (EHS) staff to provide seamless family support services.
• Help families complete Family Needs Assessments and establish Family Partnership Agreements with achievable goals.
• Provide referrals to community organizations for services such as housing, employment, health care, and education.
• Collaborate with mental health consultants to support families experiencing stress, trauma, or crisis.

Professional Development and Compliance:

• Participate in social service trainings, staff meetings, and parent meetings as required.
• Ensure all activities align with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), state regulations, and organizational policies.
• Maintain strict confidentiality in compliance with agency policies and federal regulations.
• Assist in training families and staff on early childhood education, program practices, and resource utilization.

General Duties:

• Maintain a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend activities to support family needs.
• Collaborate effectively with EHS staff, leadership, and external partners to ensure comprehensive service delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned, adapting to changing program and family needs.
• Participate in ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement efforts to ensure compliance with HSPPS and program quality standards.

Core Competencies

Family Engagement and Advocacy:

• Strong ability to build relationships with families, guiding them toward self-sufficiency and personal growth.
• Understanding of social determinants of health and family dynamics.
• Promote father and male caregiver engagement in all aspects of the program

Recruitment and Community Outreach:

• Ability to develop and implement effective recruitment strategies to ensure full program enrollment.
• Knowledge of community agencies and referral networks for family support services.

Case Management and Compliance:

• Proficiency in tracking and documenting family progress, including data entry in ChildPlus.
• Ability to interpret and apply HSPPS and program eligibility guidelines.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging families, staff, and community agencies.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and provide culturally competent support services.

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making:

• Strong decision-making skills in managing family crises, referrals, and intervention plans.
• Ability to adapt to changing family needs while maintaining compliance with program goals.

Data and Reporting Accuracy:

• Ability to maintain precise records, analyze data trends, and generate reports.
• Experience using ChildPlus and other database management tools.

Team Collaboration and Leadership:

• Ability to work collaboratively with educators, caregivers, and program leadership.
• Proactive in sharing knowledge and providing training to staff and families.

Technology Proficiency:

• Experience using ChildPlus or similar early childhood data systems for enrollment, tracking, and reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other relevant tools for reporting and communication.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with children and families in a social service setting; experience in Head Start/Early Head Start or family community engagement and health preferred.
• Must have knowledge of, and the ability to implement, family engagement strategies consistent with the Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework.
• Knowledge of early childhood education and community health issues.

Additional Requirements

• Must pass background checks as required by federal and state regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ChildPlus.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with diverse communities.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Ability to travel within the Greater Philadelphia region for home visits and outreach.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Standard office environment with frequent off-site meetings and home visits.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and computer use.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when needed.
• Flexible schedule, including evening and weekend work as necessary.

Benefits

• Pension plan participation
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Paid time off, including flexible time off, sick leave, and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Hybrid schedule
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment