Family Advocate - Elementary (Accelerated Campus Excellence - ACE Campus)

Primary Purpose:

The role of the family advocate is to connect the home and school in a positive, respectful and welcoming manner. The family advocate will provide support towards financial, educational, physical, and mental wellness of families. The master family advocate will provide the personal link between the school, community services, and the family. General knowledge includes parenting, childhood development, home management, nutrition, health and safety, community resource utilization, general computer knowledge and management skills as it pertains to managing a caseload of families.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

 Bachelor's degree in social services or related field

Experience:

One year experience working with children and families in a social service setting preferred.

Fluency in Spanish is preferred.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support board and administrative policies and decisions.

• Maintain a professional work environment through a positive attitude, punctuality, regular attendance, phone etiquette, and personal appearance.

• Serve as a liaison to foster a positive relationship and working environment between home and school.

• Make personal contacts and home visits.

• Monitor student attendance and provide family contact and support for students with excessive, chronic absences.

• Promotes the academic quality of the school by communicating to the parents the importance of daily attendance and student performance by supporting recognition events. 

• Evaluate family support systems and making appropriate referrals and follow-up services for identified needs i.e., shelter, education, food, clothing, medical services, etc.

• Assist in the planning, promoting, attending and documenting parent involvement and volunteer programs that include experiences and activities to enhance the parental role of being primary educators of their child(ren).

• Coordinate parent involvement activities and provide regular educational training for parents.

• Provide professional development to staff.

• Knowledgeable about Title 1, Part A compliance and submit reports and required documentation.

• Survey parents to determine needs and assess effectiveness of parent engagement program.

• Accurately document, maintain, report and track referrals, follow-up and other services to families.

• Support families in their steps towards self-sufficiency in a non-judgmental way.

• Work closely with other staff in assuring information regarding children and families is kept confidential.

• Recruit parents as volunteers in the classroom, or community advocacy projects and/or as members of parent groups.

• Maintain an accurate daily log of parent volunteer attendance, activities and hours on campus.

• Provide on-going communications and a role model for families with sensitivity to cultural differences.

• Encourage families to attend parent meeting and arrange transportation when needed.

• Project enthusiasm for program goals, philosophy, relationships, and job responsibilities, maintaining a good attitude and working in a professional manner.

• Cooperate with co-workers and others.

• Maintain a regular daily schedule to ensure continuity of care for families and children

• Keep timely, clear, and accurate documentation.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; [P.E. teachers: automated external defibrillator (AED)]
• Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may lift and move text books and classroom equipment
• Environment: Work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours

Supervisory Responsibilities: none

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Pay Grade: Administrative Professional -1

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

The Abilene ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant's job qualifications, experience, and abilities.