Family Advocate/Bus Monitor: Oswego

Classification: Full-time/Part-Year                                                               Status: Non- Exempt

Schedule: Split Shift. 6:30 am - 11:30 am, 2:15 pm - 5:00 pm  

POSITION SUMMARY:

Work as a team member in carrying out all duties in the center related to the daily support needs of program participants and the surrounding communities. Work with families to reach their individual potential for self-reliance through the development of Family Development Partnership and knowledge of community resources. Assist the bus driver in ensuring the safety of the children while they ride, board, and/or exit the vehicle during transportation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS of FAMILY ADVOCATE: 

Provide social services to assigned families according to the Head Start Performance Standards, under the direct supervision of the Family/Community Services Manager

Recruit families to apply for the Early Head Start and Head Start program within identified service

Maintain a wait list of eligible families and maintain contact with the families on the wait

Submit required documentation (complete) for application approval including proof of birth and proof of income/SNAP to determine eligibility

Provide orientation to families upon approval for enrollment - completing all orientation/licensing

Build rapport with families and construct a Family Development Partnership with the families.

Using the tiered approach with families identifying their strengths and building goals to improve self-reliance.

Conduct home visits as the tiered approach identifies and follow up on family centered

Perform and assist with additional home visits that affect performance standard compliance (such as talking with parents concerning attendance, etc.)

Identify, develop a relationship with, refer to, and work cooperatively with local community agencies and providers to ensure comprehensive services to meet family needs. Use appropriate advocacy skills.

Partner with parents and other staff to provide parent training, monthly Parent Meetings per month and monthly Parent Engagement Activities nights per year.

All information – case notes, updated goals, 90-minute home visits, lesson plans, referrals/resources, etc. will be entered into the database (Apricot). Complete and submit all required documentation according to timelines. Identify any gaps in

Assist parents and health staff with referral and follow through in getting Health, Dental, and Mental Health activities completed within the appropriate time frame

Identify, refer to, and work cooperatively with local community agencies and providers to ensure comprehensive services to meet family needs.

Transport families as per program requirements to support families’ needs and goals

Assist parents and health staff with collection, tracking, referral, transportation (use community resources first), and follow-up in all health and dental requirements

Give parents a voice and support them in becoming decision makers for the program, recruit for Policy

Work cooperatively within the program (teachers) and with community partners to plan and conduct transitional activities from one educational setting to the next

Ensure CACFP enrollment forms are complete before children begin services and current for each child throughout the year (when changing classrooms) and the next year.

Meet with supervisor for quarterly supervision and document the meeting.

In Centers with KS CCP funded Early Head Start classroom complete all necessary paperwork and home visits associated with the funding.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS of BUS MONITOR:

Comply with all state school bus laws, and all Head Start regulations, policies, and procedures as listed in the transportation handbook and Policies and Procedures handbook.

Ensure that no child is left alone on a bus or in any other potentially unsafe situation.

Immediately report incidents that could or did place a child at risk of injury.

Assure seat restraints are fastened for every child on the bus.

Adhere to all bus monitor training according to Policies and Procedures.

In the event of an emergency, assist children to exit the bus.

Distribute notes and communications to parents as directed by center teammates.

Maintain a positive atmosphere on the bus.

Unload ALL passengers on the right side of the road; NO ONE should be crossing the road.

Release children only to authorized people listed on Pickup and Release form.

Instill trust and confidence, as well as self-worth, and self-resolution in all the children.

Be a positive role model and interact with the children during all scheduled mealtimes, classroom times, field trips, and bus routes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF BOTH ROLES:

Instruct and support parents in using Positive Behavior Support/Conscious Discipline strategies to prevent and defuse disruptive behavior

Comply with Head Start Performance Standards.

Encourage families and community members to volunteer in the program.

Respect and support cultural differences and diverse family structures.

Continue Professional Development as required for this position.

Demonstrate good work habits such as dependable, punctual attendance and adhering to appropriate break times.

Attend mandatory In-Service training, staff meetings, and other events as required.

Maintain a clean and adequately serviced vehicle – this applies to anyone how may drive a program owned vehicle

Maintain clean resource items, assessment items, etc.

Responsibility to report any suspected abuse or neglect to appropriate authority – all EHS/HS staff are mandated reporters.

Advocate for SEK-CAP in the community.

Maintain and ensure confidentiality and privacy of SEK-CAP customers.

Uphold and promote the core values and mission statement of SEK-CAP.

Support management decisions both in actions and words.

Work flexible hours as needed to support staff and enrolled participants

Work cooperatively with local community agencies and providers to ensure comprehensive services to meet family employment needs.

Submit monthly reports, complete data entry per assigned due dates and times and update as needed

Other duties as assigned (your supervisor should know what duties other than your regular duties you are assigned to and by whom)

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

Basic computer skills on IBM compatible P.C. systems and software

Basic operation skills of general office equipment such as photocopiers, faxes, and phone systems

Ability to get along with diverse personalities; tactful, mature, and flexible

Ability to meet and deal tactfully with the general public and to communicate effectively and clearly both orally and in writing

Resourceful and well-organized self-starter, needing minimal supervision

Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with co-workers, community partners, and customers

Ability to learn and adapt Desired:

Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards/State Licensing requirements

Knowledge of area resources

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Degree in Social Services preferred or equivalent of 4 years’ experience in family service coordination

One year experience working with young children and families providing Family Services Coordination is preferred

Successfully complete a physical exam and TB skin test before beginning employment and every three years thereafter, except for undiagnosed medical condition requiring annual exams

Obtain First Aid card and CPR certification within 30 days

Obtain Bus Monitor training at first available opportunity

Obtain Family Development Credential at first available opportunity

Possess current, valid driver’s license and meet agency insurance underwriting guidelines

Submit to and pass standard criminal history check

Submit to and pass standard drug screen test

Successfully complete a physical exam and a TB skin test

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

Use hands to finger, handle, or feel

Reach with hands and arms

Sit or occasionally stand; walk and stoop, kneel, or crouch

Regularly lift and/or move up to ten pounds

Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions

Outside weather conditions

Extreme cold and extreme heat

Noise level is usually quiet to moderate

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change

Benefits:

Health insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Disability Insurance

Paid Employee Assistance Program

Paid Life Insurance

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Vacation Leave

Paid Training

401(k)

401(k) Matching

Weekly day range:

Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person