Family Advocate- New Buffalo

Flowers Early Learning is a high-quality preschool with locations throughout Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties and currently has an opening for an Family Advocate, serving classrooms with children ages 0-5 in the New Buffalo, Michigan Area.

Flowers Early Learning, formally known as Tri-County Head Start, was selected as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation in 2024, and one of the Moody Market Best Places to Work in Southwest Michigan in 2021, for their commitment to employee engagement, feedback, and wellness.

Our Mission: To build a future where children, families and communities thrive.

About Us: Our impact lasts a lifetime. Flowers Early Learning, formally known as Tri-County Head Start, employees promote social, emotional and physical health in our community by providing high-quality education, health services and more for the families who need us most in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.

Benefits: We offer medical, dental, vision, & life insurance, 401(k) with employer contribution, and assistance in furthering your education.

Other benefits include paid time off, earned sick time, paid parental leave, paid holidays and breaks, paid weather days, tuition reimbursement, and an employee assistance program. Our wellness committee is dedicated in providing resources that enhance your life outside of work.

Position Summary: Assists in planning and implementation of family engagement requirements to assure compliance with Performance Standards. Including: Family Partnership Agreements, recruitment, enrollment, attendance analysis & follow up, community out-reach and family engagement. Job requires travel between Flowers Early Learning locations and/or program participants’ homes. Gathers resource information and makes referrals for family growth. Partners with families and staff to complete necessary Health requirements. 

Job Type: Full Time, Year-Round (12-months), Hourly, Non-Exempt

Expected Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:00a-4:30p, 40 hours per week. Work hours may vary due to daily schedule, season, and work duties. May include once a month transport for Policy Council, evening hours as required by program schedule for Freddy Night and or to attend community events.

Rate of Pay: High School Diploma/GED: $15.86/hr   Family Services Credential: $17.12/hr   AA: $18.40/hr  BA or Higher: $20.94/hr

Education Requirement: Minimum High School Diploma/GED. Preferred Associates Degree or Bachelors’ Degree in Social Services, Human Services, Family Services, related field or Family Service Credential with Two years’ experience in related field.

Other Selection Criteria: All candidates must be 18 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license and their own reliable transportation, complete a physical examination, comprehensive fingerprinted criminal background check, and pre-employment drug screen including a negative result for Amphetamines, Cannabinoids (including Marijuana/THC), Cocaine, Opiates, and Phencyclidine (PCP). Marijuana is not legal at the federal level and is prohibited in the workplace or in one's system, even if legally prescribed.

Equal Opportunity Policy: Flowers Early Learning is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination against any employee, volunteer, or applicant regarding race, sex (including pregnancy), age, color, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, religion, height, weight, marital status, genetic status and/or genetic information, veteran status, physical or mental disability and/or handicap as defined by State and Federal law.