Lead Family Advocate - Center Based

OUR CORE VALUES: THE CCG SPIRIT

SERVICE – Lead with a servant’s heart

PROFESSIONALISM – Perform our best every day

INTEGRITY – Do what is right

RESPECT – Treat each other the way we wish to be treated

INCLUSION – Value individual differences

TEAMWORK – Communicate and collaborate to achieve our goals

Summary of Position

Founded in 1901, ChildCareGroup’s (CCG) mission is to drive generational change by advancing early learning, family stability, and workforce opportunity.

The Lead Family Advocate serves as a primary support resource for children and families enrolled in the program and provides leadership, guidance, and technical assistance to Family Advocates. Responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of family support services and compliance with all Head Start and/or Early Head Start Performance Standards, the Lead Family Advocate promotes family well-being through advocacy, education, and connections to community resources. This position collaborates with center leadership and program staff to support family engagement, enrollment, attendance, and overall program success. The Lead Family Advocate works under the supervision of the Center Manager and exercises considerable independent judgment and initiative in carrying out assigned responsibilities.

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Maintains ongoing contact with families; conducts home visits; refers families to appropriate in-house and/or community services; provides case management support; and serves as a liaison between families, staff, and community agencies.
• Provides day-to-day guidance, support, training, and technical assistance to Family Advocates to promote quality service delivery, compliance with program requirements, and consistent implementation of family support services.
• Coordinates and participates in the case management process, including family assessments, goal setting, and follow-up services. Presents cases as needed at Family Support meetings.
• Supports and monitors parent engagement activities, including monthly parent meetings, volunteer opportunities, parent leadership activities, and family engagement initiatives.
• Assists with recruitment, enrollment, and orientation efforts to maintain full enrollment. Monitors attendance and analyzes trends when average daily attendance falls below established program expectations.
• Ensures family service records are complete, accurate, and maintained in accordance with agency, funding source, and regulatory requirements.
• Assists with monitoring Family Advocate caseloads and documentation to ensure compliance with Head Start and/or Early Head Start Performance Standards and ChildCareGroup policies and procedures.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations and service providers to strengthen resources available to children and families.
• Provides support and technical assistance related to ChildPlus and other required data management systems to ensure data accuracy and timely reporting.
• Collaborates with center leadership to identify service needs, address family concerns, and support achievement of program goals and outcomes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Family Studies, Human Services, or related field required. Master's degree preferred. 
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with children and families in a social service, early childhood, or community-based setting required. 
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience leading projects, mentoring staff, or providing functional guidance to team members preferred. 
• Knowledge of Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards, family partnership services, and case management practices preferred. 
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. 
• Requires acquisition of knowledge and proficiency in ChildPlus within the introductory period of employment.

Equipment

• Computer, telephone headset, fax, scanner and all office equipment and general office equipment

Travel and Compliance

• Valid Texas driver's license required
• Driving record must comply with CCG's automobile insurance carrier requirements
• Must have liability insurance coverage and reliable personal transportation 
• Ability to travel locally or out of town as required
• Mileage reimbursement is offered when applicable
• Must submit to and successfully pass all required CCG and Partner Program background checks throughout employment. These include FBI, Fingerprinting, Neglect and Abuse, Federal, State, Local, and Sex Offender background checks. Background check requirements may be expanded at the discretion of CCG and Partner Programs.

Physical Demands

• Work requires normal physical effort with minimal lifting requirements of items weighing 25 pounds or less
• Visual attention
• Manual dexterity/coordination
• The responsibilities listed above represent the essential functions of the position.

ChildCareGroup is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.