Family Advocate

Are you looking for an opportunity to provide in-depth family support services and case management techniques that assist families toward healthy self-reliance? The Family Advocate position might be right for you!

MVCAA is looking for someone who is ready to help fulfill the Community Action Promise and work towards our mission of "Engaging communities and coordinating resources to improve the lives of people experiencing poverty." We are seeking a motivated individual willing to advocate for families enrolled in our Head Start program by supporting their life goals and aspirations, assisting families as they work through barriers, and connecting them to valuable resources that will improve their current situations. The Family Advocate will use a strengths-based approach during home visits, with the focus always being on the family’s well-being. Must be knowledgeable about community resources, and willing to find options for families when resources are limited. Looking for someone with strong communication skills as networking with other professionals is essential when addressing the needs of our families.

Essential Functions:

· Engages in mutually respectful goal-oriented relationships with families and community resource providers

· Respects and responds appropriately to the culture, language, values, and family structures of each family served.

· Supports families’ safety, health, financial stability, life goals, and aspirations

· Meets regularly with assigned families in the natural home, other placement, and/or vocational settings

· Enhances parent-child relationships and supports parents’ role as the first and lifelong educators of their children.

· Participate in parent-child interactions through at-home activities

Work Environment:

· MVCAA Licensed Head Start Centers - Knob Noster, MO

· Family’s homes, contacting resources, meeting with other community service providers, as well as Head Start Center staff.

· Requires the use of standard office equipment including computers, phones, photocopiers, fax machines, and laminating machines.

Benefits:
MVCAA offers a choice different tiers for medical, dental and vision plans with low premiums, to fit you and your family’s preferences. In addition, MVCAA’s include a generous 403b retirement plan that provides 50% match of what you contribute into the plan. MVCAA also offers annual leave, sick leave and paid holidays as well MVCAA offers many other benefits and community support.

Physical Demands:

· Must be able to access families’ homes that may have steps, stairs, or require walking long distances to reach.

· Ability to operate a computer and keyboard, printer/copier, and other office equipment.

· Ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel by car to meetings at a distance from work site.

· Ability to do lifting and carrying of not more than 30 lbs.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

· Entry level field staff position

· Non-Exempt, full-time; 40 hours a week

· Flexibility of work hours due to Family night activities and home visits.

· May require some evenings for family nights

MVCAA is an EEO