Family Advocate II South LA

VOALA
Helping Our Most Vulnerable Change Their Life Stories

Volunteers of America is a non-profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans’ services, homeless shelters, low-income housing programs as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Learn more at www.voala.org.

PAY RATE: $23.80 - $25.05 PER HOUR

BENEFITS: VOALA offers competitive medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits.

HEAD START

Through our Head Start and Early Head Start programs, we work with children (ages 2 – 5) and their families to provide the skills, confidence and stable home life necessary for a smooth transition into kindergarten and beyond. Head Start positions are generally Monday through Friday, (10-12 months per year).

JOB SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

The Family Advocate II works with the Head Start staff to provide children with a learning environment that supports each child’s age-appropriate development and prepares them to be school-ready.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages a caseload of families;
  • Makes regular home visits within established requirements
  • Disseminates and collects materials pertaining to services available to families
• Interviews parent(s) and compiles mandated background information;
  • Assists families with identifying and attaining milestones of family goals
• Maintains outreach and recruitment to ensure site enrollment of eligible children;
  • Actively participates in re-involvement efforts
• Establishes child file;
  • Collects, maintains, updates and disseminates information, as needed
• Facilitates parent activities and training and ensures parent participation and involvement
• Provides health-related services to children such as vision and hearing screenings
• Establishes and maintains contacts with community-based service organizations and resources;
  • Initiates and follows-up on referral process in conjunction with families, teachers, and service support staff
• Actively participates in classroom environment and with parent volunteers
• Other duties as required

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint clearance, background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications
• Valid California Driver License or have means to other easily accessible transportation
• Valid first aid and CPR certifications

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:

• Proof at the time of hire
  • TB clearance within 6 months prior
  • Annual Influenza vaccination (between Aug 1 – Dec 1)
  • Pertussis (whooping cough) and measles immunization
• Health screening at the time of employment
• Requires ability to interact with children in a busy environment including, but not limited to:
  • Able to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Frequently kneel and squat
  • Ability to move quickly

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services, Health or related field

EXPERIENCE:

• 1 year experience in monitoring and tracking computer program data
• Minimum of 3 months of case work management

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working in social work, case management, or as a health or parent involvement aid in a related program a plus
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (written and verbal)