Job Information
Matrix Human Services Family Advocate in Detroit, Michigan
JOB SUMMARY/ACCOUNTABILITY
Utilizing the PFCE Framework, the Family Advocate (FA) work directly with parents on the family partnership process, to identify goals and to provide available resources that benefit families and support each child's growth and school readiness. Using a strengths-based approach, Family Advocates collaborate with early childhood professionals and community resources to promote parent and family engagement outcomes. The Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Coach will assist in the implementation of the Trauma Smart curriculum, support the training of parents and staff, and coach and support parents through the process.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Family Advocates recognize parents as their children's primary teachers and nurturers and implement intentional strategies to engage parents in their children's learning and development, and support parent-child relationships.
FAs collaborate with families in a family partnership process that identifies needs, interests, strengths, goals, and services and resources that support family well-being, including family safety, health, and economic stability.
The FA/TIC Family Coach assists in the implementation of the Trauma Smart curriculum, coaches parents, supports teachers, and facilitates training with the TIC Team Leader.
The FA/TIC Family Coach coaches parents in how to utilize the methods, techniques and strategies associated with the trauma informed care approach.
The FA/TIC Family Coach attends Trauma Smart TIC Team meeting and trainings.
FAs conduct services in the family's preferred language, or through an interpreter, to the extent possible, ensuring families have the opportunity to share personal information in an environment in which they feel safe.
All program staff promote shared responsibility with parents for children's early learning and development, and implement family engagement strategies that are designed to foster parental confidence and skills in promoting children's learning and development, supporting literacy, dual language learning, and the importance of regular attendance.
Family Advocates partner with parents/guardians to create a family partnership agreement to support family well-being, including family safety, health, and economic stability, supporting child learning and development, providing, if applicable, services and supports for children with disabilities, fostering parental confidence and skills that promote the early learning and development of their children.
FAs and parents/guardians must complete an assessment to identify individualized family strengths and needs related to the family engagement outcomes as described in the Head Start Parent Family and Community Engagement Framework.
FAs, in collaboration with parents/guardians, review individual progress, revise goals, evaluate and track whether identified needs and goals are met, and adjust strategies on an ongoing basis.
FAs serve as a facilitator in a research-based parenting curriculum that builds on parent's knowledge and offers an opportunity to build on parenting skills, promoting children's learning and development.
FAs must have reliable transportation available daily, as well as insurance and a valid driver's license, in order to attend meetings, training, and to obtain resources.
Maintain adequate safeguards for the privacy and confidentiality of information.
Complete required documentation of relevant activities and submit records and reports in a timely and accurate manner.
Stay abreast of current issues and trends by participation in grantee-sponsored training, center pre-service and in-service trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities; read and review regulations and other resources.