Family Advocate - Head Start

The Maryland Rural Development Corporation (MRDC) is a private non-profit organization that provides services in response to the needs of rural, low-income households and communities. MRDC serves as Caroline, Cecil, Harford and Kent Counties’ official Community Action Agency.

The Family Advocate serves as a vital link between Head Start preschool families and the program, ensuring that families receive the necessary support, resources, and education to foster a strong home-to-school connection. This role involves assisting families in identifying needs, setting goals, accessing community services, and promoting family engagement in their child’s early education.

Job Responsibilities:

• Build trusting relationships with families to encourage active participation in their child’s education.

• Conduct home visits and family meetings to assess strengths, needs, and goals.

• Support families in achieving self-sufficiency by connecting them with community resources (e.g., housing assistance, employment services, healthcare).

• Develop and implement family partnership agreements to set individualized goals.

• Encourage parental involvement in classroom activities, school events, and volunteer opportunities.

• Provide guidance to families on child development, school readiness, and positive parenting strategies.

• Work closely with teachers and staff to ensure family engagement is integrated into educational activities.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local services, including healthcare, mental health, food assistance, and social services.

• Refer families to appropriate agencies and follow up to ensure services are received.

• Advocate for families in accessing benefits and overcoming barriers to support.

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of family interactions, assessments, and referrals.
• Assist in enrollment and recruitment efforts to ensure program capacity.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and other regulatory requirements.
• Participate in staff training, meetings, and professional development activities.
• Thinks, concentrates, and positively interacts with others
• Comes to work promptly every day
• Works under stress and meets all deadlines
• OTHER DUTIES: (Duties listed are not intended to be all inclusive nor limit duties that might reasonably be assigned.) Performs related work as required or assigned.

Requirements

Experience:

•  Associate’s (Bachelor’s degree Preferred) in Social Work, Family Studies, Early Childhood Education, Human Services, or a related field from an accredited college or university
• Prior experience in social services, family support, early childhood education, or community outreach preferred

Required Skills/Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse families in a non-judgmental, supportive manner.
• Knowledge of community resources and referral processes.
• Ability to manage documentation and maintain confidentiality.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not required
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive to various MRDC locations throughout the sate
• Demonstrated success in accomplishing tasks as outlined above
• Must pass criminal background check and fingerprinting
• Must pass all Maryland licensing requirements to include medical evaluation and tuberculosis screening

Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in a combination of office, classroom, and home visit settings.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for family events or meetings.
• Position requires significant periods of standing, walking, kneeling, sitting on the floor or crouching
• May at times require lifting 25lbs – 50lbs

Terms of Employment:

Twelve (12) month; full-time position

Compensation:

Hourly Range $23.58 - $24.90 Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

Benefits

Benefits:

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

• Health Saving Account
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term Disability
• Training & Development

Maryland Rural Development Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]