FAMILY ADVOCATE

Overview Easterseals DC MD VA (is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through direct and life-changing disability and community services. Since 1945, Easterseals DC MD VA has worked to enhance quality of life and expand access to healthcare, education, and employment. We provide comprehensive services to thousands of children and adults in our neighborhoods and support families and caregivers to sustain their well-being. We partner with public-private entities to deliver community-based services and work toward 100% equity, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities, families, and communities. We have more than 200 employees across the greater Washington, DC area. If you want to do well while doing good, Easterseals DC MD VA may be the place for you. Core Values Our entire staff shares our Core Values which are an integral component of the success of Easterseals DC MD VA: Respect: We respect each other. We value the uniqueness and dignity of each individual and appreciate the strength of diversity and inclusion. Responsibility: We share a sense of responsibility for doing things right, being good stewards and being accountable for our actions. Integrity: We conduct business ethically with a commitment to moral integrity and expect a high standard of honesty and openness. Innovation: We embrace new ideas and strive for better ways to help more people. Care: We show compassion for others and live our mission each day. Job Description Job Title: Family Advocate Department: Head Start Location: Gaithersburg Reports to: Senior Director, Head Start FLSA Classification: Exempt Job Summary: Family Advocate – Temple Hills, MD The Family Advocate works as a member of a team whose primary role is to engage all families to partner with us to promote children’s healthy development and school readiness. The Family Advocate uses knowledge of family engagement principles to support families as their child’s primary educator, encourages parent/child interactions that promote school readiness and healthy development, and enhances family well-being. The role provides more intensive support to vulnerable families and families of children with chronic health conditions or special needs to ensure engagement strategies meet their specialized needs. The Family Advocate collaborates with the program’s broader team to expand family engagement strategies and create belonging and shared community among families. The position may involve reassignment of caseload and/or center location as needed for program operations. Job Responsibilities: Promote family environments that enhance children’s development Support families to meet self-identified goals and needs Engage families to support one another Enhance program collaboration Execute ERSEA process Maintain accurate and timely record keeping and reporting Promote Family Environments that Enhance Children’s Development Engage families as partners in their children’s healthy development and school readiness. Participate in outreach, recruitment and attendance follow-up activities to engage families in the program. Engage families in the Family Engagement Contract process to build relationships and shared accountability. Individualize family engagement to be culturally appropriate and respectful of family circumstances. Engage families in in-home and group experiences to enhance parent/child interactions and literacy activities. Utilize classroom time and home visits to understand the relationship between children’s development and home environments. Implement a Family Curriculum to extend classroom learning into the home and coordinate with education. Support Families to Meet Self-Identified Goals and Needs Engage in collaborative partnership building with families in center-based services. Use family self-assessment to help families set goals in education, employment, housing, and resources. Provide intensive weekly contact with vulnerable families as identified. Offer immediate support during crises and refer to community resources. Identify services responsive to family goals and follow up to ensure needs are met. Analyze data to plan parent cohort groups and support self-sufficiency goals. Coordinate opportunities for continuing education and employment services. Engage Families To Support One Another Foster a sense of community and belonging among families to strengthen social capital. Lead workshops and activities to build social capital and create a welcoming program community. Cultivate family leadership and support advocacy through participation in governance bodies. Plan and conduct family engagement activities, including campaigns, groups, and meetings. Enhance Program Collaboration Build relationships to enhance communication and collaboration among internal and external stakeholders. Work with health, early learning and disabilities teams to support family engagement. Coordinate with Health and Nutrition Coordinators on medical documentation and case conferences. Provide targeted support for families of children with chronic health conditions and special needs. Ensure timely determination of medical/dental homes and EPSDT status within set timeframes. Develop strategies with parents to keep children up to date on EPSDT requirements. Encourage family engagement in home learning activities and collaborate with teaching teams. Establish relationships with community partners to access priority resources. ERSEA Recruitment Follow up on inquiries and track potential enrollees. Assist leadership and help plan recruitment activities throughout the year. Eligibility, Selection and Enrollment Ensure eligibility and enrollment processes meet Head Start standards. Assess families and ensure documentation is complete. Maintain wait lists and enroll children based on criteria. Determine eligibility for extended day services where applicable. Attendance Monitor attendance with daily outreach and record-keeping. Support attendance goals and action plans. Maintain Accurate and Timely Record Keeping and Reporting Maintain electronic and hard copy records for ERSEA and outcomes. Document family strengths, needs and goals; complete case notes. Track referrals and submit required reports. Ensure PIR data is up to date per caseload. Non-Essential Duties: Other duties as assigned; smaller caseloads may include additional responsibilities. Job Specifications Education and experience requirements, KSAs, and accommodations are described below. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Requirements: Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services/Engagement, Counseling or related field preferred, OR equivalent combination with a commitment to complete Family Services credential within 18 months. Experience with assisting parents of young children to advocate for their families. Experience in low-income diverse communities preferred. Physical exam and background checks required. Reliable transportation and ability to travel locally; up to 10% of time for work-related meetings. Valid driver’s license. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Passion for positive child and family outcomes through high-quality engagement. Ability to interact with people from diverse backgrounds. Effective communication skills, verbal and written. Computer literacy with MS Office and data systems. Honesty, dependability, and ability to meet deadlines. Self-motivated and able to work independently. Physical Requirements: Occasional sitting, standing, bending, and reaching. Manual dexterity for typing and writing. Close visual work and frequent communication. Ability to lift up to 10 pounds. Work Environment: Office environment with moderate noise. Standard office equipment is used. Equal Employment Opportunity: Easterseals policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected criteria as established by law. #IND1 #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-30