Family Advocate (9.5 months)

JOB CODE: 2278

PAY GRADE: 1096

SALARY RANGE: $19,096 - $31,480

LOCATION OF WORK
Department of Human Development and Services

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the administrative direction of an employee of a higher classification performs professional work in the implementation of case management services to children and families. Work involves linking children and families to service systems and coordinating the various system components in order to achieve a successful outcome. Plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates options and services to meet individual needs of children and families using available resources to promote quality cost-effective outcomes. The work also involves serving as liaison with various professionals and agencies, advocacy on behalf of the children and families and arranging for payment of services where no appropriate programs are available. Performs other work as requested within federal and state guidelines. Note: Most employees within this classification are paid an hourly rate and work ten (10) months or less a year.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Recruit and enroll eligible children for the Head Start program; arrange for screening of applications; collect all family data; document services provided; maintain average daily attendance, adds, drops and transfers of children as deemed necessary. Serve as case manager at assigned Head Start site. Schedule all screenings and evaluations; inform parents of the results and the need for additional follow-up services including immunizations, health/disability services and social services. Administer medication as required by trained personnel. Make home visits to develop a comprehensive profile/service plan of each Head Start family and establish a positive rapport between the family and the center. Maintain confidentiality of all family/child information and records in accordance with East Baton Rouge Parish Head Start confidentiality policy and procedures. Conduct outreach, recruitment, and enrollment activities. Provide information to families about available community resources and how they may be accessed; assist families in obtaining emergency assistance and/or crisis intervention when necessary; establish a system of follow-up to ensure delivery of needed assistance. Work with other community service agencies and groups to assist families in becoming self-sufficient; participate in the agency's annual community assessment and update activities. Work with classroom staff to ensure that they are informed of children's health, nutrition, social service and other special needs in a timely manner; work as a team with center director and all other staff to plan and implement all children and family activities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the types of social services offered by governmental agencies and of procedures used in obtaining such services. Knowledge of record keeping procedures and techniques and methods used to prepare routine forms and reports. Knowledge of basic mathematics used to make computations for completion of forms and reports. Ability to communicate and establish rapport and interact effectively with economically disadvantaged individuals. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others including community partners, community service agencies, co-workers, and the general public. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS