Head Start Family Advocate?!?!?

Question

I've been looking online for a new job, and I found one in my city but it's an opening for a family advocate for a head start... but what does that mean? and what would the job consist of??? what is the primary thing anyone who does that, would be doing? Thanks for all your help

Answer 1

I also work for the Head Start. What a wonderful program.  The family advocate works with the family to remind them of doctors appt, dentist appt, point them where they need to go for government aid etc, You work directly with the families of the head start children. You will receive alot of confidential information, see things you wouldn't think would ever exists, visit some really strange homes. It is a humble job...you need a big heart to do this job. You will not get rich but will be very rewarded working there.

Answer 2

A family advocate is someone who does home visits with the guardians of the child. Head Start is a Federally Funded Educational Program for low income families. When they visit the home, the guardians and the family advocate set goals- ie- get high school diploma, go back to college, find a job, etc.  The family advocate also directs them to services that they may need ie- food pantry, free clothing, local department of social services etc.  They also are their for them when they need someone to talk to.  They fill out paperwork relating specifically with that family, do intakes, take applications for enrollment, They also provide meetings for parents to get information relevant to the child or services/things that they may be interested in.  In New York you need at least and Associates degree in social work or related field with a few years of experience that is the minimum.

Answer 3

I work for Head Start.  We have Family Service Workers and a Family Service Coordinator in our program.  The FSW's work in the individual centers.  Their jobs involve developing services that families may be in need of and helping the families to access those services, along with other duties to help the classroom workers better serve our families.  For example, if a family is in need of help to pay their electric bill, or does not have adequate winter clothing, the teacher will inform the FSW that help is needed and she/he will contact the family with phone numbers or forms or clothing information.  If the family doesn't have their own transportation and can't get to the agency they need to connect with, she will help them set something up, maybe even take them to the agency to apply for assistance.  If there is a language barrier, she/he may help them find classes to improve their English skills.  The Head Start program is both about providing the kids with the educational foundation they need to start kindergarten, and helping their families to learn to provide a better living environment for themselves.  We often encourage parents to complete their education, get a GED if they need it, or enroll in college or technical classes.  It is a tremendously rewarding program to work for.  It makes you thankful for everything you have, aware of those who don't have, and thankful for the opportunity to help people improve their lives.  Don't be afraid to apply for this position.  You will learn in a hurry about the services and programs available in your community, and Head Start employees work as a team, so you won't feel alone as you try to help these families.

Answer 4

A family advocate would probably be something along the lines of a social worker type position.  Head Start's not just for low income families anymore, but those families are still the majority of Head Start enrollees...so you'd probably being offering interventions such as how to get the little ones on Medicaid, or the family on Foodstamps, or maybe helping a family deal with a loss, or finding help for behaviorial issues.