School Based Family Advocate

The Family Advocate will work collaboratively with parents, school personnel, and public and private agencies to guide families in overcoming obstacles to self-sufficiency. Guided by the Protective Factors Framework, the Family Advocate will provide comprehensive services to families in support of a child’s lifelong learning, health, and behavior. Through advocacy, case management, parent education, and linkage to community resources, the Family Advocate will identify risks, promote strengths, and equip parents with the skills and knowledge needed to overcome sources of stress, strengthen resiliency, and provide nurturing environments. Services are provided in the school, home, and community setting. This position works with direct service providers in the Thrive Carpinteria Partner Network of on-site and off-site partners. This is a grant funded position for one year.

$23.08 – $24.61 Hourly Rate

SPECIFIC DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Promote a culture of empowering families and work to provide a consistent pathway of care for families both within the FRC and the Thrive Carpinteria Partner Network while following the California Network of Family Strengthening Network’s Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening & Support or similar standards
2. Contribute to the provision of a high-quality, appropriate, and culturally sensitive family support program. Provide or assist in the provision of

• information/referral services and follow-up primarily to families with children aged 0 – 5 in the Carpinteria community
• case management for families in need including long-term goal setting and monitoring of those goals
• parent support and education classes on topics such as parenting, school expectations, literacy, health, and the five protective and promotive factors
• home visitation and language interpretation support as warranted
• attend meetings alongside families with different organizations to advocate and provide support
• crisis intervention as needed
• health screenings and other community events that promote children’s wellness and school success
• volunteer programs including those that promote health, family engagement in children’s lives, and economic well-being

3. Recruit for classes, activities, and events provided and hosted by Carpinteria Children’s Project
4. Maintain accurate and confidential client files and data tracking using required systems while complying with contractual expectations, ethical and legal standards of practice and confidentiality, and HIPAA and FERPA requirements as appropriate
5. Implement program-adopted screening tools for parents and children
6. Maintain effective communication with families and staff
7. Ensure contractual expectations and program targets are met
8. Work closely with colleagues in Carpinteria and Santa Barbara County to be knowledgeable about the social services, health, and parent education opportunities available to our community and how to access and coordinate them in Carpinteria, thereby filling gaps in available service
9. Maintain confidentiality and ensure privacy in communications about children, families, and staff and colleagues.
10. Contribute to team effort and meet regularly with staff members in the FRC to plan and monitor implementation of initiatives and ensure integration of program operations
11. Other duties as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Executive Director or immediate supervisor

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS

1. Bachelor’s degree or three years related experience preferred
2. Knowledge of and experience providing social services preferred
3. Knowledge of child development or experience working with young children preferred
4. Proficiency in both English and Spanish required; bicultural preferred
5. Computer and Internet literacy and excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Spanish required
6. Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple tasks effectively
7. Valid automobile insurance and a valid California Driver’s License are required
8. Flexible hours including nights and occasional weekends required
9. Covid-19 vaccine and booster required

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is generally performed within a school or office environment. Work is generally sedentary in nature. The working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are typically no hazardous conditions. Occasional lifting and carrying is required.

IMPORTANT PERFORMANCE FACTORS

• Attendance and dependability: Can be depended on to report to work at the scheduled time and is seldom absent from work. Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments.
• Communication and contact: Communicates effectively and respectfully, both verbally and in writing, with superiors, colleagues, Board of Directors, volunteers, vendors/suppliers and the public.
• Relationships with others: Works effectively and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, Board of Directors, volunteers, vendors/suppliers and the public, maintaining professional and constructive working relationships.
• Adherence to policies and procedures: Complies with written and verbal policies and procedures, as well as instructions from management.