Family Advocate

Description

JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM

ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services) is a 2026 Top Workplace that honors young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through our Head Start program, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Georgia to promote children’s well-being. This enables us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills.

Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout the Savannah River Region.

ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Career development
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Family Advocate is responsible for enrolling eligible children and families into the Head Start program, maintaining full center enrollment, and building supportive, professional relationships with families. Ensures family strengths and needs are assessed and that appropriate referrals and follow-up services are provided.

Key Responsibilities:

Enrollment & Eligibility

• Collaborate with Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) to identify and refer eligible children and families.
• Recruit, interview, and enroll eligible children based on selection criteria; maintain accurate waitlists and re-enroll as needed.
• Enter and manage application data in Child Plus and ensure full center enrollment is maintained.

Program Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain USDA food program rosters and child participation forms.
• Monitor attendance and follow up on excessive absences.
• Keep current and accurate health records for all enrolled children.
• Assist with developmental and health screenings as needed.

Family Engagement & Support

• Conduct family needs assessments and develop individualized family support plans with goals, timelines, and follow-up.
• Provide referrals to appropriate community services and ensure timely follow-up.
• Maintain detailed documentation of family services and interactions.

Community & Parent Involvement

• Plan and participate in monthly parent meetings, workshops, and literacy events.
• Develop and distribute newsletters, calendars, and flyers to keep families informed.
• Attend inter-agency meetings to promote Head Start services and foster community partnerships.
• Ensure policy council representation and participate in school readiness transition planning.

Advocacy & Reporting

• Advocate for Head Start children and families within the community.
• Use the Head Start PFCE and Early Learning Outcomes Frameworks to guide family engagement strategies.
• Submit accurate and timely reports as required.

(These job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as required.)

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree in Social Work, Psychology, or other human services related field and experience working with populations served by the grant, expectant women and children birth through age four preferred
• Within 18 months of hire, must obtain at minimum a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field if not already held.
• An unrelated degree with six credit hours in relevant subjects (e.g., family systems, case management, counseling, social work, etc.) may satisfy the requirements

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, to support family and program needs.
• Strong knowledge of child development, early childhood education, family dynamics, and adult learning principles.
• Understanding of child and maternal health, safety, nutrition, and abuse-reporting procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including staff, families, and the public.
• Skilled in motivating families toward achieving goals and providing empathetic, solution-focused support.
• Capable of presenting information clearly and responding to questions with professionalism and sensitivity.
• Familiarity with local community resources and the ability to connect families—especially those in crisis—with appropriate services.
• Experience advocating for families and building collaborative relationships with service providers.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to maintain accurate records, manage confidential information, and prepare reports.
• Capable of multitasking, prioritizing, and working independently in a fast-paced environment.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.
• Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
• At least 10 hours of state-approved training completed within the first 90 days of employment.
• 25 hours of annual training (January–December) in topics related to child development, health and safety, curriculum, and program operations.
• Training must be Georgia state-approved and documented in the staff member’s personnel file.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage
• Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy)

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Works inside in a childcare setting
• Some travel required
• Occasional night and/or weekend work possible to fulfill the requirements of the position

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk and drive for extended periods.
• Occasionally lift and carry materials such as files, supplies, or child-related items (up to 25 pounds).
• Use hands and fingers for writing, typing, filing and handling documents.
• Ability to read printed materials and computer screens.
• Hear and respond to conversations, phone calls, and environmental cues.
• Clear verbal communication for interviews, meetings, and presentations.
• Ability to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying communication abilities
• Work in a variety of settings including offices, classrooms, homes, and community locations.
• Tolerate occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions during home visits or events