Are you a socially conscious, dedicated individual who is committed to building a better future for children, families, and their communities? If so, join us as we support early childhood education programs across the country to create positive outcomes for the children and families served.
The Family Health Advocate is responsible for engaging families to partner with us to promote children’s healthy development and school readiness. In their specialized role, the Family Health Advocates are responsible for working with their team members and the Health and Nutrition Coordinators to assure that all children in their assigned Centers are up to date on EPSDT requirements, receive health follow up on acute and chronic conditions, and have medical and dental homes. They will also provide individualized support to a caseload of families whose children have chronic health and nutrition conditions and special needs.
Job Responsibilities:
- Engages families as partners in their children’s healthy development and school readiness.
- Engages all families in assigned Centers in conversations/workshops to help them understand child and family health and wellness, the impact of health disparities, and quality preventive care.
- Promotes a Center environment supportive of preventive health and wellness.
- Works in conjunction with the Health and Nutrition Coordinators regarding the completion of all required health and nutrition screenings, follow-up treatment, and on-going support for children with chronic health conditions.
- Works with Family Services team members to ensure that 100% of children maintain up to date physicals, dentals, immunizations, and EPSDT requirements.
- Supports parents to obtain medical/dental appointments or follow up diagnostic testing by appropriate health care professionals/specialists and secure necessary treatment.
- Accompanies parents and children to medical or dental appointments when it is determined that this level of support or assistance is required.
- Provides targeted support to families of children with health conditions and special needs.
- Provides individualized support to a caseload of families of children with poorly managed chronic health conditions and special needs, including appropriate goal setting and follow up.
- Supports families with navigating medical, mental health, special education, and other service systems, providing support to advocate for high quality care, and when necessary, identify more appropriate providers to meet children’s special needs.
- Participates in the IEP/IFSP process and meetings.
- Develops a working knowledge of community resources; conducts visits with major agencies for service delivery updates and the development of relationships that will increase access and services to families. This position will have a specific focus on agencies that provide medical, dental services, nutrition or health and wellness and disabilities services.
- Participates in assigned meetings, events, and training as required.
Job Requirements:
1. AA or BA in Public Health, social work, human services, family services, counseling, or related field; will consider AA or BA in another field with a commitment to complete Family Services Certificate/Credential within 18 months of hire, OR high school diploma with 3 years of experience working in the community with families and a completed Family Development Certificate or Credential.
2. Experience training and skill assisting the parents of young children to advocate for their families required.
3. Bilingual in Spanish or Arabic preferred and may be required for certain service areas to meet the needs of our population.
4. Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
5. Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.
6. Must have a valid driver’s license and/or reliable transportation.
This is a full-time position and the pay rate is $21.84 hourly.
Why Acelero Learning or Shine Early Learning?
- Ability to make an impact in the lives of the children, families, and partners we serve
- Career growth and professional development opportunities
- Supportive working environment
- Average of 5 weeks of paid time off during 1st year of employment
- Comprehensive benefits, including 401K matching and 100% vesting program
We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and healthy work place.