Pre-K-5th Grade Family Advocate

Position Title:  WES pre-K-5th Grade Family Advocate

Qualifications:
1. Requires credential or certificate in social work, sociology, psychology, human services, family services, teaching, or a related field.
2. B.A. preferred or receive the Family Development Credential within 18 months of hire
3. Strong oral & written communication skills
4. Working knowledge of computer programs and software
5. Kansas criminal background and Federal criminal background checks
6. Pre-employment Physical Exam w/TB skin test

Reports to:  Building Principal and Head Start Director

Job Description:  Support parents in their role as primary caretakers and educators of their children. Maintain ongoing contact with the families and work with all other program components. Advocate for and support communication with children and families. Assist classroom staff with needs of children. Act as a liaison between the school and the family. Promote parent involvement and shared decision making. Work independently and with a team to achieve goals.

Pre-K Only Essential Functions:
1. Learns and complies with Head Start Program Performance Standards and USD 418 policies and procedures.
2. Facilitates recruitment and enrollment of all children; takes applications in the home, or in the community
3. Ensures that documentation, files, and tracking systems for children and families are current and complete.
4. Conduct 4 home visits per year.
5. Complete a family partnership agreement with pre-k families and support the families in achieving and setting goals throughout the school year.
6. Helps to ensure that all assessments, medical/dental requirements are completed with the Head Start time frame.
7. Recruits parents for policy council, committees, and creates a ballot and opportunity for parents to vote for council members.

Pre-K and K-5 Essential Functions
1. Assists families in identifying needs and accessing resources.
2. Builds relationships with families
3. Encourages parents to volunteer in school activities.
4. Advocates for children and family needs within the community.
5. Supports parents to follow up on identified health, dental and social emotional needs.
6. Assists with parent orientation, open house, and staffing meetings as needed.
7. Attends workshops and professional development as needed.
8. Organize and facilitate parent events that encourage parent education and involvement.
9. Assist and support community involvement.
10. Maintains and ensures child and family confidentiality.
11. Reports suspected child abuse and neglect to the appropriate authorities and supervisor.
12. Performs other duties as requested by the supervisor.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  Contract for eight hours per day, five days per week, and 198 days per year. Benefits as provided in McPherson USD 418 board policies, hourly rate based on the classified salary scale.

EVALUATION:  Performance of job will be evaluated in accordance with board policy.