Early Head Start Parent Advocate/Homevisitor

Position Highlights

Department: Early Head Start

Hours: 40.00 per week

Shift: Shift 1

Position Summary

The Early Head Start (EHS) Homevisitor/Parent Advocate provides early, continuous, and comprehensive child development and family support services to eligible pregnant women and families ages birth to three years. Provides weekly in-home education, regular socialization activities and support services to families.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Direct Patient Contact:

Provides weekly home visits for 90 minutes with the focus on parent/child relationship, child development, health and nutrition, and family support. Fulfilling the minimum of 46 home visits per year.

Co-facilitate community playgroups and learning experiences for families two times per month

Maintain Parents as Teachers certification and related endorsements as required by ACES

Complete and update in ChildPlus (data management software) developmental and health screenings, tracking instruments, intake forms, and home visit records in a timely manner

Work with parents/guardians to identify and utilize available community resources

Encourage parent/guardian to participate in home visits, parent meetings, socialization, and program governance

Maintain a caseload of 12 families

Assist with transportation as deemed appropriate

Foster parental belief that they are their child’s first and most important teacher

Follow program confidentiality protocols

Work collaboratively with community programs such as Birth to Three and Local Education Agencies to support children with special needs

Support and advocate for families in provider meetings

Support families with transition plans to preschool throughout the families’ involvement with the program

Consult with mental health consultant as needed and to avoid crises

Engage in regular, reflective supervision and technical assistance with the goal of professional growth

Attendance and participation in training opportunities

Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this job

Responsibilities may shift in order to support programmatic needs

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in child development, education, family development, social work or related fieldOR certification with Head Start National Family Development Credential (FDC or HV-CDA) working towards bachelor degree completion within 12 months of hire.

Experience in the early childhood field and working with culturally diverse clients

Valid driver's license a must for in home services

Must have excellent writing and communication skills, be highly organized

Must be able to work as a part of a team

Able to work flexible hours

Experience working with families in family centered practice.

Demonstrate personal self awareness and be reflective.

Develop and maintain effective relationships

Ability to work in high stress environments

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience providing direct patient care is desirable, in-home a plus

Knowledge of infant/early childhood development and mental health

Infant Mental Health Endorsement (IMH)

Knowledge in accessing community resources and supports

Experience with data entry and record keeping

Previous home visiting experience

Comprehensive Benefits Offered

Competitive and affordable benefits package

Shift Differentials

Continuing Education assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Student Loan relief through Fiducius

Quick commute access from I-84, Route 9 and surrounding areas

About Middlesex Health

The Smarter Choice for your Career!

Come join one of Connecticut’s Top Workplaces, and a Magnet designated organization! At Middlesex Health, we have a unique combination of award-winning talent, world-class technology, and patient-first care that's making health care better. Through our affiliation with the Mayo Clinic Care Network, Middlesex Health has access to the most advanced medical knowledge and research available.

Full Time