Family Advocate

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES FOR A SMART FROM THE START FAMILY ADVOCATE:

This position will report to the National Program Director and take direction from the program coordinator to provide advocacy and services to families in the Washington, DC, community. The Family Advocate will:

• Promote healthy parenting practices and enhance the understanding of child development within our community of parents and caregivers by organizing workshops, distributing educational materials, and offering informational sessions tailored to different age groups and developmental stages.
• Provide advocacy and support on-site and off-site, tailored specifically for families involved with all Smart from the Start Sites. Ensure they can access resources, guidance, and emotional support to navigate challenges.
• Develop specialized programs that address the unique needs and circumstances of special populations, such as teenage parents and grandparents raising grandchildren, and offer targeted advocacy initiatives to support them.
• Facilitate and co-facilitate various parenting support and education groups, creating welcoming environments where parents can share experiences, learn effective parenting strategies, and build a supportive community.
• Teach and model advocacy skills to staff and parents/caregivers, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively advocate for their children's needs within educational and healthcare settings.
• Actively engage and establish partnerships with other agencies and organizations to create new collaborative opportunities that enhance support services for families, fostering a cohesive network of resources.
• Assist in the planning and execution of program-wide special events that aim to celebrate families and raise awareness about available resources while promoting community engagement and connection.
• Collect, organize, and maintain the necessary information and documentation to facilitate thorough program evaluation. Collaborate with staff and external program evaluators to ensure continuous assessment and improvement of our services based on community needs.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies to connect with underserved populations, ensuring all families have access to advocacy services and resources.
• Create and maintain a database of community resources and services available to families and regularly update it to ensure current information is provided.
• Conduct needs assessments and focus groups to identify challenges faced by families in the community and use the data to inform program development.
• Monitor and analyze trends and outcomes related to family engagement and program effectiveness, adjusting approaches as necessary to improve service delivery.
• Advocate for policy changes that benefit families, engaging with local government and other stakeholders to influence community practices and systems.
• Foster a safe and supportive environment where families can express their concerns and needs, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities and language barriers.
• Other duties as deemed appropriate by the supervisor.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

A bachelor's or associate degree in social services and a minimum of 5 years of professional work experience are required. Significant experience working with culturally diverse families and ethnically and economically varied communities is necessary. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to develop strong working relationships with individuals in Southeast DC neighborhoods, community organizations, and schools. Exceptional written and oral communication skills are essential, as is the ability to work independently and as part of a team. DC residency is preferred. This position will report to the Smart from the Start Program Manager/National Program Director.

• Performance Bonuses: Employees are eligible for annual performance-based bonuses.
• Cost of Living Adjustments: Adjustments will be made based on the cost of living in the Washington, DC area.
• Health Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance coverage is provided, including medical and dental plans.
• Retirement Contributions: The organization offers a retirement plan with contributions made after one year of service.
• Paid Time Off: Employees receive 15 days of paid Time off (PTO) per year, in addition to recognized holidays.
• Professional Development: An annual budget is allocated for professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and certifications.