Family Advocate/Center Floater: Columbus at SEK-CAP in Columbus, KS

Reports to: Family Community Services Manager/Center Manager

Department: Early Childhood Services

Classification: Full-time

Status: Non-exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

Support comprehensive functions of all center staff by reporting to classrooms as needed to ensure a safe and secure environment that encourages play, exploration and learning for children participating in the Head Start program. You will support children’s academic, social, and behavioral development by reinforcing developmentally appropriate learning experiences and responding to individual needs within the classroom. This position supports continuity of children’s education and care by providing classroom support to ensure appropriate adult/child ratios, while supporting a safe environment that encourages play, exploration, and learning, using a variety of resources. Work as a team member in carrying out all duties in the center related to daily support needs of program participants and the surrounding communities. Work with families to reach their individual potential for self-reliance through the development of Family Development Partnership and knowledge of community resources. You will work as an effective team member and implement guidance given from your Center Manager and Family Community Services Manager. The allocation of duties may vary based on program needs, staffing levels, enrollment, and regulatory requirements. While this position is expected to maintain an approximate 60/40 division between Family Advocate and classroom responsibilities, actual daily assignments may shift.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Family Advocate Specific (Approximately 60%)

Family Advocate duties for this position are primarily supportive and backup in nature, with primary caseload responsibility assigned to the designated Family Advocate.

• Provide social services to assigned families according to the Head Start Performance Standards, under the direct supervision of the Family and Community Services Manager.
• Recruit families to apply for the Early Head Start and Head Start program within identified service areas.
• Submit requisitions for parent events and recruitment when needed.
• Maintain a wait list of eligible families and maintain contact with the families on the wait list.
• Submit required documentation for application approval including proof of birth and proof of income/SNAP to determine eligibility.
• Provide orientation to families upon approval for enrollment - completing all orientation/licensing documents.
• Build rapport with families and construct a Family Development Partnership with the families. (FA/FE)
• Using the tiered approach with families identifying their strengths and building goals to improve self-reliance.
• Conduct home visits as the tiered approach identifies and follow up on family centered goals.
• Perform and assist with additional home visits that affect performance standard compliance (such as talking with parents concerning attendance or head lice).
• Partner with parents and other staff to provide parent training, parent meetings per month and 4 PACT nights per year.
• All information – case notes, updated goals, home visits, lesson plans, referrals/resources, etc. will be entered into the database (Apricot). Complete and submit all required documentation according to timelines. Identify any gaps in services.
• Assist parents and health staff with referrals and follow through in getting Health, Dental, and Mental Health activities completed within the appropriate time frame.
• Identify, refer to, and work cooperatively with local community agencies and providers to ensure comprehensive services to meet family needs.
• Transport families as per program requirements to support families’ needs and goals.
• Encourage families and Community members to volunteer in the program.
• Assist parents and health staff with collection, tracking, referral, transportation (use community resources first), and follow-up in all health and dental requirements.
• Give parents a voice and support them in becoming decision makers for the program, recruit for Policy Council.
• Work cooperatively within the program (teachers) and with community partners to plan and conduct transitional activities from one educational setting to the next.
• Support staff in classroom as assigned, to meet needs for supervision and safety and to ensure quality services are provided to children and families.
• Ensure CACFP enrollment forms are complete before children begin services and current for each child throughout the year and upon each new school year.
• Meet with supervisor for monthly supervision and document the meeting.
• Instruct and support parents in using Social/emotional strategies to prevent and defuse disruptive behavior.

Classroom Specific (Approximately 40%)

Child Interaction & Supervision

• Engage with children in ways that support their language development, learning, and overall growth.
• Demonstrate patience and understanding based on each child's developmental level.
• Ensure active supervision of children using indoor/outdoor zoning and by assisting in multiple classrooms as needed.
• Participate in and guide children through mealtime routines, including Family Style Meals and cafeteria transitions.
• Follow all emergency procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of children and staff during drills or real incidents.

Learning Environment & Curriculum Support

• Collaborate with classroom staff to maintain a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment.
• Support the daily schedule and encourage child choice in learning experiences.
• Assist in implementing the agency’s curriculum and social-emotional strategies to prevent and address challenging behaviors.
• Document and record files related to attendance, incident reports, and classroom assessment when needed.
• Remain flexible to perform other duties as needed to meet the educational and care needs of children.

Office & Front Desk Support

• Assist office administration through clerical support, answering telephone, letting parents, children and visitors in the building.
• Sorting, filing, entering, printing documents as needed.
• Greeting visitors and directing them towards appropriate locations.

Agency Standards

Collaboration & Adaptability

• Communicate effectively and respectfully with children, families, staff, and community partners, both verbally and in writing.
• Foster positive, professional relationships with co-workers, families, and volunteers.
• Maintain flexibility throughout the workday and adjust to changes in tasks or routines as needed.
• Demonstrate self-regulation and composure in high-stress or fast-paced situations.
• Effectively manage multiple responsibilities and prioritize tasks during busy periods.

Attendance, Professionalism & Teamwork

• Maintain regular, reliable attendance to ensure consistency and safety for children.
• Collaborate with classroom staff to maintain a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment.
• Demonstrate professionalism by actively advocating for SEK-CAP, Inc. within the community and serving as a strong advocate for Head Start children and families.
• Respecting and supporting cultural differences and diverse family structures while maintaining strict confidentiality and privacy of all those involved with SEK-CAP. Through these actions, the Center Floater/Family Advocate upholds the agency’s mission and fosters trust, inclusivity, and positive relationships with families and the community.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with co-workers, community partners, and customers.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic by adhering to schedules, following supervision directives, and complying with all agency policies and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Basic computer skills, must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, data entry, email and digital calendars.
• Basic operation skills of general office equipment such as photocopiers, faxes, and phone systems.
• Superior interpersonal skills. Ability to get along with diverse personalities. Tactful, mature, and flexible.
• Ability to meet and deal tactfully with the public and to communicate effectively and clearly both orally and in writing.
• Resourceful and well organized.
• Ability to learn and adapt.
• Knowledge of area resources.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent, and/or
• Enrollment in a program leading to a degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, or
• A state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds CDA requirements, or
• Infant/Toddler CDA credential, or the ability to obtain the Infant/Toddler CDA within one year of hire and keep current.

Additional requirements:

• 3-5 years of experience working with young children in a classroom setting preferred.
• Eligible to obtain KDHE program approval.
• Obtain and uphold current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Submit to and pass standard criminal history check.
• Possess current, valid driver’s license and meet agency insurance underwriting guidelines.
• Successfully complete a physical exam and TB skin test before beginning employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position requires the ability to use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and communicate effectively in person and by telephone.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee must be able to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch regularly throughout the day.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• The work environment may include occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, outdoor weather, and temperature extremes such as heat and cold. The noise level is generally quiet to moderate but can be loud.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Other:

• Layoff is dependent upon agency’s need or availability of work.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Vision insurance

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

SEK-CAP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.