Family Advocate

Title: Family Advocate

Reports To: Family Community & Partnerships Coordinator

Department: Children & Family Services

Location: Oakland or Concord

Schedule: Monday through Friday

Salary: $21.51-$27.06 plus 3% annual increases

Travel: Local travel may be required

Employee Status: Regular Full-time Non-Exempt

Union: SEIU 1021

Supervises: N/A

Benefits:

Three weeks of paid vacation a year 10 sick days 14 holidays medical and dental benefits on the first of the month following 30-days of employment life insurance policy at no cost to employee (with the option of increasing policy amount) flexible spending account for medical and dependent care costs commuter benefits 403(b) with employer match and other benefits. We foster a joyful workplace and offer opportunities for professional development and growth.

Agency Summary

The Unity Council is a non-profit Social Equity Development Corporation with a 55-year history in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland. Our mission is to promote social equity and improve quality of life by building vibrant communities where everyone can work learn and thrive.

Our programs aim to provide the community with the tools knowledge and resources to transform their lives and ultimately achieve their long-term educational career and financial goals. These holistic programs and services reach more than 8000 individuals and families annually in five languages. Programs include: early childhood education youth mentorship and leadership development employment services career readiness training housing and financial stability senior citizen services affordable housing and neighborhood development and arts and cultural events. Our work expands beyond the Fruitvale district and now reaches across Oakland and into Concord. The Unity Council employs a diverse workforce of more than 250 people who reflect the linguistic cultural and ethnic identity of the communities we serve.

Program Summary

The Children and Family Services programs include Head Start Early Head Start State Pre-Kindergarten Home Based Services and Developmental Play Groups. Over 900 children birth through kindergarten entry and 32 expectant parents and their families receive child development and comprehensive family services through the Unity Council. The programs are diverse multilingual developmentally appropriate culturally responsive and individualized for each child and family services are provided in four centers and two home-based programs throughout Oakland and Monument Corridor neighborhood in Concord CA.

Position Summary

Family Advocate assists with enrollments conducts family interviews and assesses family needs and strengths. This position establishes and maintains an accurate service record for each family. The family advocate interviews families to identify interests concerns services strengths and refers families to community service providers. Family Advocates assist families with transition planning.

Responsibilities

• Assist and support the Family and Community Partnerships Coordinator in ascertaining comprehensive service needs and in identifying family strengths to help in meeting those needs and providing resource and referrals to meet comprehensive family services in accordance with the Family Needs Assessment and Individualized Family Partnership Agreement to the assigned case load;
• Conduct Family Needs Assessment including appropriate follow-up;
• Conduct Transition Plans for HS and EHS Families and assist with childrens transitions
• Maintain a case load of up to 60 families;
• Perform all Enrollment and intake including HS and State Applications (CCTR and CSPP) eligibility applications; using NOHO and Child Plus platforms including the retrieval of physical and dental forms from families or providers.
• Ensure all compliance dates for (30/45/60/90 days) all relevant enrollment program and transition (plans) forms are completed within the appropriate timeline;
• Maintain a weekly log (CP) of all family contacts
• Work to support families with the appropriate referral and facilitate the transfer and submission of referrals;
• Ensure all IFPAs are followed up and progress is documented monthly;
• Conduct Home Visits as needed;
• Keep contact documentation on the families through Event charting;
• Create Monthly Parent Calendars and Fliers;
• Participate in providing presentations on HS/EHS enrollment to external partners;
• Provide relevant thematic training sessions for families during parent committee and additional seminars for families. Including the delivery of Abriendo Puertas and/or Circle of Security.
• Enter all relevant family information including daily attendance into Child Plus system and CDMIS;
• Attend monthly case conferences and regular staff meetings; parent meetings; policy council meetings as needed
• Enter attendance daily within the first hour of the child starting and monitor child ADA to ensure the child does not fall under the 85% attendance threshold.
• Contact and follow up with families who are falling delinquent in attendance and create an attendance and improvement plan.
• Work with the Education team on triaging any attendance or family needs that results from observations requests or parent concerns;
• Ongoing outreach and recruitment within service area including weekly events fairs resource venues special events;
• Attend all in-house training and where possible attend assigned subject area conferences;
• Must ensure that the Family Development Credential is completed in the first 12 months of employment;
• Work in coordination with Education on Transition plans both internally and externally;
• Work in collaboration w DIS/MH on IEP/IFSP and case conference(s);
• Participate in weekly reflective supervision meetings with supervisors;
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor or management.

Qualifications

• AA/BA in Social Service area preferred but not required (Psychology Sociology or related field) or family development credential (FDC) or relevant social services background (willing to obtain FDC credential within 18 months);
• Minimum of one year experience working with low-income children and families;
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred;
• A caring compassionate approach to working with children and families;
• Ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural team;
• Awareness of safe lifting techniques for lifting children supplies and furnishings and commitment to using preventive health measures in the classroom to prevent the spread of disease.

Physical Requirements

Must be able climb stairs reach bend lift 20-30 pounds crawl kneel stoop twist grasp with hands and fingers materials use arms and legs able to walk climb ladders if applicable.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Physical exam
• TB test
• Background/fingerprint clearance
• MMR and Tdap vaccinations
• CPR
• Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training
• Must provide proof of vaccination for Covid-19

This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties responsibilities or requirements for the position. This position may change or assume additional duties at any time.

Please email your cover letter and resume to. Use Title of Position in the subject line.

The Unity Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Women minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.