Family Engagement Advocate

Overview

At Upbring, our team is united by a shared mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and advance the wellbeing of children, families and communities, empowering them to thrive. As servant-leaders, we lead by example, working passionately to create a brighter future for those we serve.  Every day, we strive to embody our core values:

• We are Warriors: Fierce, resilient, and courageous, we face challenges head-on with unwavering loyalty and passion.
• We are Servants: We dedicate ourselves to serving others, empowering those around us to thrive.
• We are Family: We work together as a supportive, caring community, creating a sense of belonging and strength.

Joining Upbring means becoming part of a family of passionate individuals who are fearless in their pursuit of lasting change. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.

Your Mission in Action

The Family Engagement Advocate creates, provides, and coordinates services and activities with families and communities that foster strength, healthy living, and overall well-being. They assist in areas such as Social Services, Health, Nutrition, Mental Health, Transitions, Inclusion, and Parent Engagement. The role involves offering referrals to community resources, assisting families in crisis, and promoting each family's values and culture. The Family Engagement Advocate encourages all family members to become advocates for their children and family.

Responsibilities

• Maintain funded enrollment levels in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Upbring Policies
• Provide parent orientation to ensure families are informed about the enrollment process for Early Head Start or Head Start
• Perform duties related to Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA), ensuring ongoing monitoring, compliance, and effective implementation
• Provide ongoing case management services through collaboration by utilizing the referral process to help children and others use special programs and services, including counseling, emergency assistance, or crisis intervention
• Ensure on-going follow up and referrals are initiated and monitored to support child health care and status according to the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) requirements
• Conduct home visits and follow-up with families, assisting in various areas like parenting, child development, attendance, and wellness checks
• Collaborate with staff, parents, and community partners to support family engagement and children’s needs
• Ensure all Program Information Report (PIR) data is current and accurate in the data management system
• Comply with company policies, procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, and HSPPS regulations and standards; always ensure the health and safety of each child in care and support the overall well-being of children
• Use discretion and confidentiality in all matters related to families, staff, and Head Start/Early Head Start programs as appropriate
• Staff must not use/impose corporal punishment or other forms of child maltreatment as a method to discipline children

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Social Services, Human Services, Family and Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field
• Ability and willingness to obtain Family Development Credential (FDC) within 12 months of the date of hire
• One (1) year experience in Early Head Start and/or Head Start-related experience OR providing comprehensive services to children and families

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Family and Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field
• Three (3) years direct related experience, training, and skill assisting the parents of young children to advocate for their families
• Family Development Credential (FDC)
• Experience with Child Plus data management system
• Bilingual in Spanish and English based on service population

Travel

• This position may be required to travel up to 50%

Perks at Upbring 

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays 
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more  
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Discounted Gym Memberships  

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time
• Position works in a child facility and has constant exposure to children
• Position requires frequent standing, walking and time being mobile to coordinate events
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 50 lbs

The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.